Being Frugal.net | Reviews

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

The ElevenMoms of Walmart are conducting an experiment.  Can a SmartPhone help the average mom save time and money?  To find out, Walmart provided us with gift cards to buy a SmartPhone, so we could put the phones to the test.  Yesterday I headed out to my local Walmart to make my phone purchase.

Prior to my phone purchase I did a little research into which phone would best meet my needs.  I chose the iPhone 3G for a couple of reasons.  First, I was already receiving cell phone service through AT&T, and I know I can get a good signal out in the boondocks where I live.

Second, I know several people who already own iPhones, and they all highly recommended them.

I also went to the iPhone page on the Walmart website to see if I needed to do anything with AT&T before making my purchase.  A couple of people left comments saying I should probably bring a cell phone bill and my AT&T account password with me when I made my purchase.  So I grabbed an old bill and headed to Walmart, confident that I was prepared to make my purchase.

The Purchase Experience

I got to Walmart at 3:00 Friday afternoon, a pretty busy time at my local Walmart.  Still, someone was available in the electronics department right away.  Lance, the Walmart cell phone guy seemed very happy to hook me up with an iPhone.  He took my ID, asked for my cell phone number, and then asked for the last four numbers of the social security number on the account.

I wondered out loud if I had put my social or my husband’s on the account.  Lance looked at me and asked whose name was on the account.  Unfortunately it was my husband’s.  Even though I am an authorized user on the account (and am the one who always pays the bill and tweaks the account), he could not proceed with the sale without my husband there.

Slightly annoyed, I called my husband.  He arrived at Walmart with the kids at 3:45.  We were second in line at the cell phone register, and within 5 minutes, Lance was beginning the transaction.  Also within 5 minutes a couple got in line behind us with a cell phone exchange.  Unfortunately for them, BOTH of the backup cell phone reps were at lunch (apparently against company policy).  So they had to wait.  I felt terrible for them.

But back to my transaction. I was impressed that Lance covered everything in detail with us, despite the growing line behind us. He made sure to mention the $18 upgrade fee that would show up on our phone bill next month.  He made sure we knew about the required data plan, and that our contract with AT&T would be extended for 2 years.  He answered all of my questions about what was and what was not included in the new plan.

He even took the time to show me a bit about how to work the phone, and made sure I knew how to get the SIM card out, should that ever be necessary.  Finally, it was time to ring up the transaction.  The poor people behind us had been waiting a half an hour at that point, when finally one of the other cell phone reps came back from lunch.

Anyway, Lance tried to run my gift card through.  The machine beeped.  And beeped again.  And again.  Finally, a CSM was called over.  He finally got the gift card to work.  Lance handed me my receipt and reminded me to keep it in a safe place.  And the transaction was over at 4:20.

My Expectations of the Transaction Vs. What Really Happened

I expected to spend about a half an hour in Walmart.  In reality I was there for almost an hour and a half, because I had to call my husband to come down.  I was slightly annoyed by this fact, especially after Lance told me it was due to a Walmart policy and not an AT&T policy.  I wish there had been something on the website clearly warning me about that detail. I’m sure I’m not the only wife in the U.S. who takes care of the bills, even when they’re in my husband’s name.

I didn’t expect the line to back up so far behind me. I really felt horrible for the people who had to wait in line behind us.  However, I must give kudos to Lance.  I have worked in retail, and when you’re the only person available and the line is backing up, it creates a pretty stressful situation. However, he remained professional, and apologized to the people behind us.  But he didn’t rush my transaction.

Once my husband got there, things went pretty much as I had expected.  The transaction took about a half an hour.  The store representatives were friendly and professional.  And despite the line, the customers were pretty understanding too.  I was pleased with the transaction, overall.

My Expectations of the iPhone

As a fairly frugal person, an iPhone isn’t something that I would have even considered buying with my own money.  The thought of paying $30 a month for a data plan makes me cringe (thanks Walmart for taking care of that!)  But I’m trying to have an open mind.

As a blogger and techno-geek, I’m sure the iPhone will make my life more interesting.  I’m already addicted to all the different applications. It will definitely make traveling easier.  I’ve added the Kindle application and a Bible, so I don’t need to bring any books on the plane with me.

As a busy mom, I’m pretty sure the iPhone will save me time. If I get to school a few minutes early to pick up the kids, I can read email, edit blog posts, or create a shopping list.

As a frugal mom, I’m skeptical as to whether it can save me money. $297 for the phone and an extra $30 a month on my phone bill add up quickly.  I think the iPhone will be useful in checking prices when I’m out and about.  But I’m not convinced it can save me enough money to justify the purchase of an iPhone on the basis of saving money.  We’ll see.  I’m going to try everything in my power to use the iPhone to the maximum of it’s money-saving potential.  If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Despite my skepticism, though, I must say the iPhone is REALLY cool! And I’m glad I get to try it out!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!