Handset costs grrr

[nellyrs]

im looking into getting an iphone 6s plus 128gb and was looking at doing the upgrade through o2 direct. The problem ive found though, is that the handset cost is more expensive than other retailers. For example

o2 128gb iphone 6s plus £859.99 sim free, pay as you go and refresh overall price.

CPW 128gb iphone 6s plus £789.00

Apple direct 128gb iphone 6s plus £789.00

Can somebody from o2 explain why your charging £71 more than the above retailers? On the refresh package it says the handset cost is spread over 24 months with 0% apr, but its already more expensive than competitors. Is this a way of adding interest without actually doing so?

I did use the live chat service to ask the same but they seemed very unhelpful.

Many thanks

[Anonymous]

Apple iPhones are unlocked. CPW are locked to the first sim put in.

yout best going with who can give you the best deal

[Cleoriff]

Hi @nellyrs

The thing is with refresh you do have the option of paying the handset off early and walking away. It is a credit agreement after all. The other two you mention are tied into a 24 month contract (Unless you pay for the device outright).

A guide to refresh is here...http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Discussions-Feedback/A-Guide-To-O2-Refresh/m-p/877701/highlight/true#M6...

[jonsie]

People have the choice of getting it cheaper from other retailers. What you don't get is the option to pay off the handset whenever you wish, without penalty. It suits some to pay more and have that option....who knows how circumstances can change when you are tied into a two year contract?

[MI5]

No one is going to explain it to you - quite simply it's o2's decision.
Your decision is if you choose to buy from o2 or elsewhere.