On average, phone contracts last 2 years. During that time, what was originally the latest smartphone model quickly becomes an antiquated device as every month, nay, every day a newer model with even better capabilities is released.

Given this constant turnover in the mobile market, it’s not uncommon for tech lovers to grow excited as their upgrade eligibility date approaches. But whether you have a preferred brand, specific specs you’re looking for or have your next phone already picked out, smartphone owners should be aware of a few things before their next upgrade.

Research, Research, Research

This point holds true for any purchase, whether it’s a new car or a new phone. Sales reps usually work on commission, so the quicker they get your signature and can move on to the next client, the better.

But that’s only the half of it. If you’ve ever endured a service call with a representative from your wireless provider, whether it was to dispute a charge or report a lost device, their programmed responses and overall lack of helpful information is at times mindboggling. So if you’re looking for a new device, it’s best to not depend on a company representative to offer sage advice on what phone is right for you.

Instead, you should perform your own research. Be sure to check:

• Tech blogs for detailed reviews and comparisons of the latest phones

• Your account information to determine what your options are and what services your wireless provider offers

• Offers from other wireless providers to determine who has the best deal

Going in as an informed consumer is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Leverage Yourself

Many wireless service providers have exclusive deals targeting new customers. If you’re looking for a better deal than what’s being offered by your provider, threaten to take your business elsewhere. Whether hollow or not, since most sales reps work on commission they will take it at face value and try to match their competitor’s offer. However, though your threat may not be real, make sure the offer you’re citing is.

Additionally, if there is no better offer, take the traditional route and complain about the service. JD Power and Associates conducts an annual survey on the quality of service offered by the top wireless companies. This graphic provides a breakdown of the top 4 wireless companies and their overall performance based on a 2011 survey. Citing publicly available information and including your own personal experience will give credence to a complaint that might very well translate into a discounted offer.

Don’t forget that you always have the option to follow through on that threat if you feel a competitor has a better deal and offers better service. Most wireless service providers allow customers to transfer their phone number, so unless you have to pay a fee to break a contract, switching providers shouldn’t be a problem.

Get Free Stuff

As a new customer, even as a returning one, upgrading a phone usually means starting or renewing a contract, which means a new sale. Some companies, like T-Mobile for example, allow their sales representative to offer free accessories to solidify a sale. Two ways to exploit this little-known fact are:

• Opt for advanced features in exchange for free accessories; the sales rep doesn’t need to know you’d sign up anyway

• Simply ask for a free case or complimentary headset

The Best Deal is Yours to Make

As the consumer, we have more power than companies are willing to admit. So when it’s time for your next upgrade, keep these tips in mind and you’ll walk away with more than just a new phone.

Author Stephanie Sanders is a communications consultant and writes for a UK mobile phones site, offering all the latest phones and plans.