Buying a smartphone as a gift is a great idea; it’s what lots of people want, and it is sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face, whether they intend to use it for business or personal use, whether it’s their first phone or an upgrade. However, there are many points to consider before giving this kind of gift, and even though it can be a great idea, you do need to think carefully before doing it. Here are some examples of what you should consider and why they are important points to note.
The Plan
When you are buying a smartphone, it’s usually not just the device you are purchasing (although this is possible, of course). In most cases, you will be buying the device and a usage plan, and this is often a challenge because, if you aren’t sure what the usage needs are going to be for the person you are buying for, you might get it wrong.
If you are buying for someone within your household or family, the plan is going to be easier to work out. You’ll already know what they are going to want to use their new phone for, and you’ll have a good idea of whether they need more call time or more data, for example. They may even have given you the exact details of what they need if they know you are buying them a phone.
For others, it is more difficult, and once you have locked into a deal, you may not be able to change it for months or even years. There are a few options open to you if you do want to pay for the plan as well as the phone. Firstly, you can guess although this is not recommended. Secondly, you can ask the recipient, but if you want to give them a surprise, this could be an issue. Finally, you can buy an unlocked phone that allows the recipient to organize their own plan which you can pay for if you want to.
Personality
There are many different types of smartphone out there now, and the kind of phone that someone likes to use is a personal thing. You shouldn’t just assume that whoever you are buying for is going to want the latest iPhone just because that’s what you have or what you have seen advertised.
There are other things apart from brand names and models to take into account too; you may need to think about screen size and functionality, for example. Everyone uses their phones in a way that is personal to them.
Although this may seem as though you would be better of forgetting the idea altogether, with some subtle questioning or by asking people close to the recipient, you should be able to determine what is going to be best, even if it isn’t something you would have chosen for yourself.
Plus, you can add some extra personality with a phone case. There are lots to choose from and some, such as the ones from WaveWall, will even give you added protection from electromagnetic fields.
Is There A Return Policy?
If you’re not sure whether you are making the right choice when it comes to the phone you are purchasing to give to someone else, check out what the return policy is. This way, if you do find that you picked the wrong one, there is no need to worry; you can switch it for something more suitable.
Make sure your recipient knows that this is an option and that you mean what you say when you tell them you won’t mind if they need to return it. Your idea was to get them a smartphone, and if they simply want a different one than the one you got them the thought was still a great one and still something, they will thank you for.
Time the Activation
Assuming you are purchasing a smartphone along with a contract for its use, you may want to ask the carrier to ensure the activation doesn’t happen until the day (or maybe the day before if you’re going to be safe) you are planning to give it to the new owner. This way, you won’t be paying for something that is sitting in wrapping paper waiting to be handed over.
This also means that, if the gift is an upgrade rather than a first phone, the recipient’s current plan won’t be disrupted too early, causing them a lot of problems.