Part of living the champagne life on a beer budget comes with pinching pennies anywhere you can.
Have you realized what a scam the cable companies are? It came to my attention that we were paying WAY too much for our cable ($155 a month). Don’t get me wrong, I love my reality TV but I could survive on netflix if it means I can buy that J.Crew necklace I’ve been drooling over, or new furniture for the apartment. (Priorities, people).
I realized online they were offering $89.99 a month for new users, for the same package we have. EXCUSE me. $65 less than what we pay for the same.exact.thing.
When I saw Linda’s amazing post about negotiating her cable bill, I knew I had to do the same. I was fired up. Linda gives you a fantastic play-by-play on how to ping-pong the conversation with them.
My Tips:
1. Know what number you want to get it down to before you call, but do not say it to the provider. Just keep it in the back of your mind. That way you are more confident and when they do give you an offer you can quickly accept or reject.
2. Start by stressing your unhappiness, why, and tell them you have explored other options and have found a cheaper provider that you will be switching to. (As Linda notes, your silence is golden in this whole phone call. The more silences on your end, the more they scramble to give you a better deal –they don’t want to lose you.)
3. Once they come up with an offer for you…dig. Ask for extra movie channels, or any other promotions they have going on that they can throw in there to sweeten the deal.
4. Ask for the bill to be pro-rated to the date of the phone call.
5. Get the name of the representative you speak to, in case you run into issues down the road. (A good tip for life in general. I have found that many times I will be told something by a representative to be told something different later on by another representative. Having that rep’s name gives your story more credibility and the company can look into matters).
Long story short, we were offered our same plan for $109 a month, saving us $46 a month. That’s $552 in savings a year people, (although I’m sure none of you forgot your basic multiplication skills and could figure that).
J was stunned at what a scam we’ve been falling for for almost a year now.
Have you negotiated anything recently? And if so, what was it?
xoxo,
H
P.S. I’m not going to talk the Bachelor here…but add me on twitter: @hannahhagler and lets tweet our thoughts!
My daughter has a theory. If you don't like what the first person told you, call back and speak with someone else. She always gets a better deal.
I will definitely be using this post in the future – great tips (thank you!!)
I had to do that a few months ago. Ended up saving $80 off of my bill! Ha!
Amberly
http://www.asliceofglam.com
One of my fave things to do is renegotiate my cable bill… you can ALWAYS talk them down by threatening to leave. Since my man and I moved in together though I haven;t done it yet. Not kidding, you have inspired me. I am going to call them right NOW! hahaaaa!
xx
Holly Foxen Wells
GlamourMash
I have this on my to-do list when I saw Linda's post….I'm so doing it this weekend when I have a few moments…and with my phone company as well!!
WOAH! Go you! Seriously, I'd never have the guts to do this–I'm terrible with customer service people.
Alyssa
The Glossy Life
YES YES YES! I couldn't agree more w/having to negotiate your cable (and all other service providers like cell phones, internet, etc). My husband has taken the lead these days and negotiates our cable bill everytime the original offer expires. We're also NOT loyal to companies and switch if another company is offering significant savings.
Hey dear I really like your blog! What about following each other? Also on bloglovin, facebook if you want…just let me know :3 <3
NEW POST UP!
http://www.OntoMyWardrobe.com
I think you are amazing
Cable companies are the worst. I feel like it's always a fight to get whats fair. So annoying.
That is too awesome. I have to remember these tips the next time I need to haggle something.
They really are scammers.
Way to go, and your advice is perfect. Have you spent the savings yet 🙂
great tips 😀
love your blog btw
xx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
What a great tip! This will definitely make me rethink everything.
– Kaitlyn
Boardwalks & Boulevards
this is an excellent life tip.
i rang up to cancel my pay tv and they ended up giving me a few months free so i stayed.
http://www.kindoflovely.com
nice!! 🙂
http://www.ireneccloset.com