7 Reasons NOT to Buy an iPhone from Your Wireless Carrier

For many in the U.S., the process of getting a new iPhone probably involves going to their carrier and purchasing or leasing one on an installment plan alongside a new contract. But that’s far from the only option. There are better alternatives out there because, frankly, getting a new iPhone from your carrier is often the most frustrating and most expensive route.

You could buy it directly from Apple, snag a used or refurbished iPhone, or even purchase a new Apple handset from a third-party vendor like eBay, Best Buy, or Amazon. Whatever option you choose, there are a variety of benefits to avoiding getting your next iPhone from a carrier.

Remember the last time you went into your carrier’s store? You most likely waited in line until a representative could sign you in to be seen. (You basically just stood in line to wait in another line.) Then when you were finally able to talk with a representative, they tried to up-sell you with additional options for your package that you definitely didn’t need. On top of all of that, they probably tried to sell you a chintzy iPhone case for $49 (and it definitely wasn’t worth the price). Being up-sold is just one of the most frustrating things about a carrier store, that you just won’t have to deal with when you shop for an iPhone elsewhere. Use the right arrow to learn 7 additional reasons NOT to buy an iPhone from your carrier.