For years we’ve been told a new puppy or pet is not something we
should give as a present. Many animal rescue groups refuse to adopt
animals during the month of December for this reason. Pets are a very
personal gift and require a good deal of time, money and commitment.
Like a pet, a mobile device is very personal item and potentially
requires a good deal of time, money and commitment.
A mobile device, whether a simple feature phone or a smartphone, has
become a deeply personal item. The mobile today, for many, has become
an extension of themselves. The mobile in many cases carries all our
most personal information, contacts, calendar, notes and with growing
frequency memories in the form of pictures, video and even music. Many
people spend time and money making their mobile their own.
Time
The receiver may not wish to invest time learning the new device.
Features and functions tend to be fairly uniform between models of the
same manufacturer but not always. If a mobile is a different make it
could be a brand they don’t like, regardless of the features it may
include. Smartphones can of course demand even more time learning their
bells and whistles.
Money
A new mobile may be great but what is the total cost of ownership?
Does the new mobile require an extra data package, messaging? If the
device is a 3G unit, does the receiver live in a 3G service area? Does
the receiver want or need these extra options? Can they afford to pay
for them or are you committing to pay for the extra costs? If paying
for the extra costs for how long are you going to do so? What if the
new mobile is on a different carrier, will the receiver have to break a
contact with their existing carrier? A smartphones, for example, could
require extra software or hardware to connect to a computer. A new
mobile may require new accessories such a desk or car chargers. All of
these things are important to consider not only for yourself and more
so when giving a mobile.
Commitment
OK, you’ve bought your loved one a new device, have you also bought
them a new wireless contract? Do they want a contract? Mobiles can be
purchased without a contract, at a higher cost but the freedom of
choice may be worth it to the receiver. If the mobile requires a
contract who’s responsible for the contract and who’s paying for what?
Are you volunteering to foot the bill? How long are you going to pay
the bill? If there is a commitment for 1, 2 or 3 years, shouldn’t the
person using the mobile make the commitment?
Features
Today mobiles come with a variety of features and colors. Some of
these features may require extra money, a data package for example, see
Money above. Let’s not forget color. If the mobile you buy for your
loved one is the wrong color, exchanging it for another color may not
be as easy as exchanging that shirt — two sizes too small and lime
green. The features you think are important may not be important the
receiver. Music and gaming are fun but not practical for someone that
needs a mobile for work and could benefit more from a device made for
email.
Summary
The average person keeps a mobile for two years but is the person
you’re giving the mobile going to want and like the one you’ve selected
for two years or more? As an alternative consider a wrapping up a
picture of the mobile you would have selected with a note saying,
“Redeemable for one mobile.” Visa gift cards are also a good
alternative. A Visa gift card will allow the receiver to shop around
and buy the mobile of their choosing for the amount you’ve given them
or maybe splurge to buy a more expensive model and pay the difference
themselves. A Visa gift card would also let them buy something else, if
a mobile device wasn’t actually on their wish list this year. Above all
consider all the facts before buying a new mobile, especially when
buying one for someone else.