A good friend of mine who worked in the mobile phone industry gave me a very good money saving tip today. Please read following dramatised story in which the outcome is true:

Stephen: Hi there, I would like to upgrade my tariff and handset taking advantage of the exclusive on-line plans for existing customers. However the upgrade handset I want is not listed.

Orange: Which handset would that be Mr Sherry?

Stephen: The Nokia N80. Its a nice phone.

Orange: Well, its out of stock at the moment until next I think. I shall pass you over to the Upgrade Department.

( a few seconds pass )

Orange: Hi Mr Sherry, with regards to the N80, its a popular phone. Its sold out and we will have them back in stock next week.

Stephen: Okay, how much would I have to pay for an upgrade?

Orange: Let me see.. About £149. It is a very new model hence the price.

Stephen: Oh. ( beat ) I want my PAC Code please. I wish to leave Orange. I don’t wish to pay that amount for a handset upgrade.

Orange: Could you stay on the line for a minute please Mr Sherry? I’m going to have a word with the Retention Department.

I wait for thirty seconds whilst having a look at Vodafone’s nice contract handsets.

Orange: Mr Sherry, sorry to keep you waiting. We wish to offer you the Nokia N80 for free if you will stay with us. Would that be to your satisfaction?

Stephen: Yes! Thank you and goodnight!

Well done to Orange for doing this. I thank them. The advice my friend gave me, is to request your PAC Code if you do not gain satisfaction. They will usually give you a good offer. I cant say this will happen for everyone, but its worth a try.