Tracfone Reviews

Reading an article in the newspaper about a simple cell phone made me realize how much my parents like the Tracfone. It is a prepaid plan with no yearly contracts or activation fees. First, you have to purchase the phone which can vary in brands and cost up to $60. Then you have to buy phone cards which range from $20-$80, depending on how many units are bought. The number of minutes are on the phone screen, and when they run low, you can buy another card which is available in most major stores like Walmart or Target. After buying the card, you have to call a number or go on a website to activate...

I have been a Tracfone user since 2001, and I see no reason to change anytime soon.  The phone obviously has it's pros and cons, but it's perfect for someone like me.  Everyone I know uses a 'monthly plan' for their phones, so this is much cheaper than that, at least for me and my family.  I'm certainly not a person who uses my cell phone very often, but I use it a few times a week.  Here is my experience:

 * Use the current online deals to get the best value.  For $99 you get a phone, a year of service, and about 400 minutes of phone time. The current phone they have advertised (as of 12/07)...

Tracfone has insanely poor customer service. They can not do simple tasks, put you on hold incessantly, and do not speak legible English.

I have been shipped 4 phones. We have spent countless hours on the phone just trying to receive a phone that worked  (two phones didn't work out of the box and one quit after 2 weeks, the newest works--so far) and to each phone activated due to technical issues. I had to correct the problems on their end with my ideas.

They are pulling their customer service reps from the bottom of the barrel. I would not recommend this company for prepaid cell phone...