Many consumers struggle to find suitable mobile plans, with a UFC-Que-Choisir study revealing that 43% received poor advice from sales representatives, often being steered toward pricier options. This issue is linked to sales incentives that pressure sellers to prioritize higher-priced plans. La Poste Mobile was noted for the lowest recommendation accuracy, while major brands like Orange and SFR performed better. Additionally, many sellers overlooked extra costs, emphasizing the need for consumers to be proactive in ensuring their plans align with their actual usage.
Is Your Mobile Plan Aligned With Your Usage?
Are you sure your mobile plan fits your needs? According to recent findings by UFC-Que-Choisir, many consumers are left guessing. Their comprehensive investigation revealed that a staggering 43% of people seeking phone plans were inadequately advised during their visits to stores. Despite expressing a need for a basic mobile plan suitable for a 12-year-old, nearly half of the sales representatives directed them toward more expensive options, leading to unnecessary costs.
The Impact of Sales Incentives on Mobile Plan Recommendations
This troubling trend is closely tied to the commission structures of mobile sellers and their aggressive sales targets. Cyril Brosset, a technology journalist at UFC-Que-Choisir, explains that many phone salespeople earn a portion of their income based on performance bonuses, which motivates them to push higher-priced plans. “Managers also apply pressure to sell these more profitable options instead of budget-friendly alternatives,” he adds.
In their findings, UFC-Que-Choisir specifically noted that La Poste Mobile, now owned by Bouygues Telecom, had the worst performance in offering suitable plans, with only 45% of the recommendations deemed appropriate. On the other hand, major brands like Orange and SFR fared better, offering correct plans 64% and 61% of the time, respectively, compared to 57% at Bouygues and 51% at Free.
Moreover, essential costs, such as the price of SIM cards, are often overlooked by operators. The association highlighted that 57% of sellers failed to inform customers about additional charges, which can be as high as €14.90. According to Ariase’s latest barometer, the average monthly cost for a mobile plan—including unlimited SMS and at least 20 GB of internet—is €11.51, reflecting a notable decrease of 22.5% over the past year.
In response to these findings, the French Federation of Telecommunications argues that such sales tactics are common across various industries. They emphasize that consumers have access to a diverse range of mobile plans, as stated by Romain Bonenfant, the federation’s general director. “In a highly competitive market, if salespeople overstep in their sales pitches, customers will simply switch to competitors,” he asserts.
As a reminder, it’s important to know that you can change mobile operators even before your contract ends, although this may incur additional fees. Stay informed and make sure your mobile plan genuinely meets your needs!