What's the best way to look for phone deals?

[Wingznut]

I'm looking to buy my family 4 new phones for Christmas. I have my eye on the Samsung Epic (since we all like the physical keyboard, and Sprint has the best deal for family plans with my corporate discount.)

I've run across a few of the other Galaxy S phones for basically free w/new contract. (i.e. Right now, the Captivate [AT&T] is $.01 at Amazon.)

I've been just kind of checking Amazon, BestBuy, Walmart, and Wirefly most every day... AT Hot Deals and Fat Wallet forums, as well.

Is there a better way?

 

[gsaldivar]

Howardforums is an excellent resource for carrier specific deals. Amazon will typically have lower prices than most retailers because they have a separate subsidy sharing arrangement with most carriers. For this reason, there may be a separate ETF (in addition to the carrier ETF) that will apply if you cancel an Amazon phone within a certain time period (usually 6 months). After that initial period, the Amazon contract drops off leaving only the customary carrier ETF.

 

[kaerflog]

I think T-mobile has the best deal now.
$149 for 3000mins unlimted text and data.
$25 each additional unlimted data line including texting.
Only $5 each additionl line if you only want unlimited text.

With Sprint, if you get the family data plan(also $149 for the Epics), its $20/$30(4g) for each additional line.
I don't think they give you the option of adding a line without data.

 

[Wingznut]

Thanks gsaldivar... I'll check out those forums. (Didn't even know they existed.)

Also, thanks, kaer... but I think you missed the part where I said "with my corporate discount."

 

[rudeguy]

Especially with 4 phones, buy B&M. Buying from Amazon or Wirefly will save you a few bucks, but you don't have any options if one of the phones breaks.

Check out some local non-Sprint stores. There are TONS of independent places that would give you 4 phones all but free if you are doing 4 lines. Radio Shack is also known for really good deals on cell phones.

Online cell phones are ok if you aren't worried about warranty issues. But with 4 phones, the chances are high that you will have a warranty issue.

 

[pm]

Hey, Wingz. Don't forget your corporate discount also has deals for AT&T and Verizon that are on par with the Sprint one. Right now, we don't get a T-Mobile discount. Check discounts from Circuit.

(Wingz and I both work for Intel)

For what it's worth, Wingz, I find the best deals are through our discount program.