Buying a phone from O2 web site proving impossible.

[Tinmanius]

I have been trying to buy a phone from the o2 web site for over two weeks.   It says the phone is in stock but when you try to order it goes out of stock.  Several times this has happened.  It must be in stock for less than a minute.  I have tried calling o2 Sales to reserve / purchase over the phone but get nowhere.  It is as if they do not want to take my money.  O2 must lose a lot of money with the sytem they have for phone sales.  I have tried to purchase in an o2 shop but they tell me I have to order online.  Seems like a bit of a shambles.  Is there any other way to buy a phone from o2 which will be successful?

[Glory1 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Tinmanius 

Exactly what phone are you trying to purchase?

There are 3 ways to buy a phone: in store, through customer services on 202 and online.

This is the first I've heard of the problem you are experiencing, so knowing the phone you're interested in may provide an answer.

In the meantime, welcome to the forum 

[Cleoriff]

I note you have posted in the PAYG section @Tinmanius 

What phone are you trying for as this would need you to buy outright?

Either way, there should be no issue with any of the methods you have tried. (If it's PAYG)

Normally a reason for refusal is failure of a credit check (which doesn't affect anyone buying a phone outright)

The other reason is lack of stock of the phone you are looking to buy.

I would try again.

[MI5]

@Tinmanius PAYG phones can be purchased anywhere. Amazon, Carphone Warehouse etc, they do not have to be purchased directly from O2. Just make sure they are SIM free phones you buy.

[Luke30]

You can buy O2 phones from eBay and Amazon and Carphone ware house.