Wheelin' & Dealin'

I'm not a changer. Once I decide on a product or service (phone, TV, internet, cell, bank, credit card) I'm generally there for the long-haul. In my mind, it just seems like too much hassle to change. Recently I decided to break out of this habit and I wanted to share with you how being organized will help me save one-quarter off one bill and one-half off another, I total savings of around $100 per month!

Background: Companies who want your TV, phone, internet, & cell business are in competition (no surprise there!) and they describe great savings if you bundle. I have no problems bundling if it gives me what I really want. For years I've had phone & internet with one company (Company B) and TV (Company C) with another. A bundle deal to put all three together looked like a great deal until I realized that several of the TV stations that I am fond of watching aren't shown on Company B. This was a deal-breaker for me. At the same time, I wanted to upgrade my phone & internet because it would actually bring down the price. With the bundle, installation is free. Without the bundle, upgrading internet & phone is $300.

Strategy:

1. I got all my numbers straight. I wanted to compare apples to apples so I looked at monthly charges, not surchanges, fees or taxes. I also checked for extra equipment fees. In addition, I checked what new customer deals are available currently.
2. I set aside some time because I knew these weren't going to be five minute phone calls.
3. I called each company and explained what I wanted and the fact that I was a long-time customer.
4. I admitted that I was wheelin' & dealin'. I said that I understood that it was easier for them to keep a current customer than to generate a new one, so I wanted to work together.
5. I kept calm. No threats, no yelling.
6. When I kept getting the same answers, I asked for someone in customer retention. I didn't ask for a manager. I was very specific about customer retention. This is a key term.
7. When Company B continued to say the installation fee was non-negotiable if I didn't bundle, I asked in a different way. After some nudging, she said she would check with her manager. Her manager wisely understood that I could "fly the coop." While the installation fee has to be on the bill (no way to tell the computer "no"), they would remove it from the bill after the fact. Before I said "yes" to this fabulous deal, I asked if I could check something and call them back within a day.
8. I called Company C to see about lowering the rate on TV. Yes, they could if I bundled. Again I was honest and said that I was a long-time customer who just wanted to stay with my current level of service but that I was wheelin' & dealin' for a better rate. Once again customer retention came through.

Bottom-line: with a few strategies, terms and a little time, I managed to get some great savings. I'm a happy camper and the companies don't have to look for a customer to replace me.