Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/29/iphone_carphone_insurance/
Carphone Warehouse staff have been accused of confusing customers in order to get them pay extra cash for insurance.
The BBC's Watchdog programme sent researchers to five Carphone stores and in three of them were told that if their iPhone was stolen they would have to shell out for another 18 month contract if they wanted to replace their phone.
In fact, if your phone is stolen during the contract you have to buy a new handset but your original contract continues. iPhones come with a compulsory 18 month contract with O2.
Carphone Warehouse said it did not believe the small sample was a fair reflection of its stores overall, but accepted there was some confusion among some staff.
CPW sent us the following statement: "Providing customers with expert and clear advice has always been core to The Carphone Warehouse's principles.
"Because of the unique nature of the iPhone and its replacement process there could, despite detailed training, be some element of confusion among an isolated number of sales consultants.
"We will of course be investigating any further cases we receive as a priority. In the meantime we have contacted all our sales consultants to reiterate the correct advice around iPhone replacement and insurance."
The Beeb story is here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7115830.stm). ®
BestBuy blasts into UK with Carphone Warehouse buy (8 May 2008)
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2008/05/08/cpw_bestbuy_retail/
Carphone results flat but outlook unchanged (18 January 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/18/cpw_interims_2007/
Apple tells iPhone vendors not to reveal sales figures (14 January 2008)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/14/o2_carphone_warehouse_iphone_sales_ban/
Carphone Warehouse shares rally with buyout rumours (7 January 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/07/cpw_shares_yo_yo/
O2 names UK boss (13 December 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/12/13/o2_uk_boss_named/
'Heavy' handset challenges all comers to prove its mettle (6 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/06/sonim_indestructible_xp1/
Europe too cynical for iPhone (6 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/06/iphone_europe_sales/
Apple iPhones offered up for hire (3 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/03/erento_iphone_rentals/
Peter Erskine calls it a day at O2 (29 November 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/11/29/erskine_steps_down/
Orange to offer unlocked iPhones for €749 (28 November 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/28/orange_prices_up_iphone/
T-Mobile iPhones unlocked post-purchase by iTunes (26 November 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/26/apple_itunes_unlock_iphones/
Poll confirms Brits believe Jesus Phone salvation too costly (23 November 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/23/iphone_too_expensive_say_brits/
Charlie Sheen in upside-down iPhone outrage (22 November 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/22/sheen_iphone_outrage/
iRSI: Something else to add to your health woes (22 November 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/11/22/iphone_finger/
Sarin to Jobs: your sneakers stink and your GUI sucks (22 November 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/22/iphone_user_flaw/