Finding ways to save some extra cash is important for any parent, particularly in an unpredictable economy. While cutting unnecessary expenses and spending more cautiously can help, it’s also worth taking advantage of opportunities to minimise your monthly bills.
For instance, these days everyone needs broadband. The internet is crucial for more than just watching YouTube and Netflix videos, and posting pictures of your family on Instagram. It’s also a vital tool for research, work, and communication. But paying for high-speed internet can quickly eat into your monthly budget if you’re not careful. Switching to an alternative provider could be an option for some – but what if you want to stick with your current broadband company?
There’s still a way to save. All you need to do is learn how to haggle.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Knowledge is power – particularly when you’re trying to get a great broadband deal. With that in mind, gather as much information as you can. Find out what kind of deals your current provider offers new customers, and the other deals available elsewhere on the market.
There are comparison sites that can show you all the available prices from different vendors when you enter your postcode. Make a note of the deals you’re most interested in. You can refer to these packages when talking to your provider, and ask if they can match your budget.
Step 2: Contact Customer Support
Once you have as much information as possible, get in touch with your provider’s customer support to start a conversation. These days, you can reach out via phone, instant chat, and email with most broadband companies. If you’re calling the company, you may need to share your account details so they can confirm who you are before jumping into any conversations.
Most of the time, you’ll need to be transferred to a specific member of the team responsible for dealing with accounts and contracts. These are the people who can actually offer you saving opportunities.
Step 3: Chat about Your Options
Once you get through to a person who can talk to you about your account, start a conversation. Explain that you want to renew your contract with them, but you also need a cheaper price for your service. Highlight the offers you’ve already found elsewhere, and ask them what they can provide.
If you’ve had issues with the company in the past, mention this to show how you’ve stuck through them through difficult experiences. If you’ve been with them for a while, draw attention to the fact that you’re a loyal customer. Remember, if they do offer you a deal, you don’t have to accept the first option. You can always ask if there are any other plans they can provide.
Step 4: Be Willing to Compromise
Even if you put an amazing case for a lower price, there’s a chance your broadband company won’t be able to drop your price any lower than it already is. But, they might be able to provide additional “bonuses” to ensure you’re more likely to stay with them.
For instance, they might be able to provide a cheaper deal on a TV and broadband package, so you can get two services in one. Or they could be able to give you a higher amount of bandwidth (or a faster connection) for the same price.
Step 5: Try Again
If you don’t get the deal you were looking for the first time you call the customer service team, tell the agent you need to think about your options, then call back later. You might end up with a different member of staff who will be willing to offer a better deal.
If, after a couple of attempts, you discover your company still isn’t budging on price, you might need to reconsider leaving. If you can get a better deal elsewhere, switching broadband providers can be the best way to save some much-needed cash. Plus, it’s often much easier than you’d think. Very often, when you switch, a new provider will do all the hard work for you.
Quick Questions
Can I haggle on someone else’s behalf?
If you want to help your parents or your partner, get a better deal, you might be able to contact customer service on their behalf. However, some companies will still ask for the bill payer to confirm they’re safe to talk to you on their behalf.
Will I be charged for the call?
There may be a charge for calling some customer service teams. Free-phone numbers usually need to be called from a landline connected to your provider. If you’re concerned about the price of the call, make sure you check out the costs in advance.
Words of Wisdom
Haggling with customer service can be a challenging experience for some of us – but it’s one of the best ways to save some money. Just remember to keep calm, cool and collected. Don’t try to fill the silence if the call feels awkward (they could just be looking up information). Always be clear, kind, and respectful, and make sure you don’t lose your temper.
How to Haggle Your Broadband Contract Down to a Better Price is a feature post
