The broadband, TV and phone market is especially competitive, with providers constantly vying for our attention with special offers and discounted deals.
But more often than not these discounts are reserved for new applicants, leaving long-standing customers paying more.
But loyalty can pay if you know how to play the game.
Don’t ask, don’t get
Businesses are there to make money so, as an existing customer, unless you ask for a better deal, your provider is unlikely to ring you out of the blue and offer you one.
But before you ask, do your research first. Use a price comparison site such as Confused.com to find out which companies are offering the cheapest deals.
Armed with this information, call your provider and inform them you want to leave.
The thought of losing your custom, or rather your money, will usually prompt them to ask why.
Admit that you’ve spotted a better deal, and while you’re happy with your current service, it’s too good a deal to pass up.
This is normally the trigger your provider needs to start slashing the cost of, or adding services to, your current package.
How to haggle
If, at this point, they don’t offer you a better deal, or what’s on offer isn’t to your satisfaction, start haggling.
Tell them what sort of price you’re looking to pay and/or what services you’d like to receive and ask if they can offer you this.
If the response isn’t what you were looking for, you don’t have to see through your threat of leaving: simply say you’d like time to think about their offer.
Does it work in practice?
I have broadband and home phone with Plusnet. I’ve been with them for almost four years and I’m happy with their service.
But I pay £11.49 for broadband and £11.99 for home phone a month – so £23.48 a month or £281.76 a year.
I spoke to a helpful woman in the disconnections department who, upon hearing that I wanted to leave, initially offered me a £5 discount, lowering the cost to £18.99 a month.
But, stressing my almost four years loyal custom and praising their great service, I asked whether they could reduce the price any further.
After a couple of tense minutes on hold, I received a better offer of £17.74 a month which works out as £212.88 a year, a mighty 25 per cent saving on what I’m currently paying.
So it does pay to haggle. Indeed, fellow Confused.com reporter Lois Avery had similar success getting Virgin to slash its £100 broadband installation fee to just £40.
Minimum contract
Normally, you should make sure you’re not still tied into any minimum contract period before haggling for a better deal as there’s normally a charge if you want to leave mid-contract.
I’ve been a Plusnet customer for years but a recent house move has tied me into a new 12-month contract with a £90 charge if I want to leave during this period.
Despite this, Plusnet still offered me a cheaper rate. So if you’re in similar situation, don’t let the fact that you’re under contract put you off trying to negotiate a better deal.
Best buys
Here’s our round-up of the best broadband, TV and home phone bundles for new customers. Existing customers can use these deals as a bargaining tool with your current provider to try and cut the cost of your package.
Plusnet 12 months half price Value broadband
Only £3.24 a month, £6.49 thereafter. Must take line rental at £11.99 a month which includes free evening and weekend calls. This offer ends soon.
TalkTalk 9 months half price Essentials and Plus broadband
Only £3.25 for nine months and £6.50 thereafter on Essentials, £7.25 for six months and £14.50 thereafter on Plus package. Free connection (usually £30) and free wireless router. Inclusive evening and weekend calls on Essentials or Anytime calls on Plus. Hurry, this deal ends soon.
Sky 6 months half price broadband and calls
From only £5 per month with unlimited downloads and unlimited evening and weekend calls. Hurry, this offer is time limited.
Orange exclusive - 3 months free and £50 M&S Voucher
Only £7.50 per month for Orange customers thereafter or £12.50 if not. Free connection, unlimited evening and weekend calls, two-for-one cinema tickets with Orange Wednesdays and one free movie download from iTunes every Thursday. To take advantage of this offer, use this link.
Virgin Media 6 months half price broadband, phone and TV
From £10 per month for first six months, unlimited downloads, free installation worth £40 and free weekend calls. Hurry, this deal ends soon.
Primus exclusive - £6.79 line rental only
The cheapest standalone line rental in the UK is ideal for light users or customers who need a landline for broadband. Evening and weekend calls 1p per minute, daytime calls 6p per minute to UK landlines. Find this exclusive deal here.
Tesco broadband 4 months free plus 1000 Clubcard points
£8.00 per month thereafter, free connection, Tesco line rental required at £11.75 per month which includes unlimited evening and weekend calls. Offer ends soon.
Have you managed to haggle down the cost of your bills? We want to hear your success stories. Let us know by using the comment board below.
