Mobile shops

It’s weird how a chain reaction of things can take you somewhere new. The other day, Orange called me to check they had the right address for me as mail had recently been returned to them. It was missing the first line of the address. Easy peasy.

But this then made me think about my mobile phone contract. It’s not something I think about ever really. I don’t receive paper bills and just keep a vague eye on what goes out of my bank account every month.

When I checked my online statement, I found out I was being charged for every text I send. Not a lot – 8.5p per text. But I send quite a lot of texts. And I’d just assumed I was getting them for free. ‘Cos everyone gets free texts and minutes, right?*

After sorting that out, I was also offered a free phone upgrade. Rather than order over the phone, then miss the delivery man or have to take time off work to be in, I thought “Hmmm, wonder if they have a physical shop anywhere near.” Googled it, and found an Orange shop about a 10 minute walk away.

When I was walking there at lunchtime today, I was amazed to discover that not only does Richmond have an Orange shop. It also has an O2 shop. And a Vodafone shop. And a Phones 4 U shop. And a 3 shop. And two Carphone Warehouse shops... All of them stuffed to the rafters with mobile phones. I’ve either been walking around with my eyes closed for the past few years or mobile phone shops really aren’t on my radar.

Anyhow, very helpful chap in the Orange shop looked up my account, laughed when he saw what tariff I was on (until I explained I’d already changed it) then gave me my selected shiny new phone** for free.

There is something immensely satisfying about walking out of a shop, happily swinging a bag full of shiny new kit that you haven’t paid a penny for.

Thank you Orange. Even if I don't like your current advertising.

* Wrong. But I do now.
** Sony Ericsson C902 with 5meg camera. Him Next Door will have phone envy now.