Originally posted by Geo
If you are looking for the CHEAPEST way to do this then you could purchase a downgrading service off of eBay from $20-40 providing your console is downgradable, you can send it off and someone will use an E3 flasher and do it for you.
I wouldn't really recommend it if it is your only PS3. I would recommend getting a 3.55 OFW slim off of eBay with decent HDD space and then learn about the different firmwares etc etc. This way you still have your normal PS3 to go to if anything happens to go wrong i.e a brick or a ban.
You could do the suggested method but still purchase an E3 flasher as a super backup in case you end up messing up the CFW you have purchased but that is a more expensive option. However if you become experienced enough it may be a nice little earner. All in all apart from this thread I suggest a lot of research should be put in to jailbreaking and lots of aspects about it to ensure a trouble free experience.
If you really want to be involved in the modding world then I would also recommend purchasing a console on a DEX firmware (Developer) OR converting the console you get to DEX.
Doing a downgrade service is the worst thing you could possible do to your ps3. People could steal you CID and you won't be able to sign in unless you buy a new one.
The cheapest and safest way to start modding off a ofw is to purchase a e3 flasher and downgrade your ps3.
After you do that you will need to find a cfw that you want and you'll need to install a few pkg files that would decrease the odds of you getting banned stuff like PS ninja.