How to Negotiate Lower Bills Easily
If you need lower bills, but you're not sure how to get them, this step-by-step guide will show you how to negotiate for reduced bills and greater savings.
1. Look at your budget and identify the services you can negotiate lower bills for. This won't work for everything, of course, but discretionary spending like cell phones, high-speed Internet, cable TV, and other modern conveniences are good candidates.
2. Even if you don't plan to switch companies, look at the local competition in the area. You may find better deals around that you can point out to your current service providers.
3. If you're trying to lower bills for telecom services, be very suspicious of service "bundles." Look at services you don't use or that you can "unbundle" in favor of less expensive alternatives.
4. Call up your service provider or, if possible, go to them. Remember that your average telephone service representative cannot lower your bills for you -- his or her function is to sell you more services.
5. Speak to a manager or supervisor if possible. Point out your reliable payment history and the local alternatives that would be less expensive than your current bills. Do not be afraid to say that you will switch companies if you cannot get a resolution -- this is very effective.
6. Take down the name of the person you spoke with, along with as much concrete information as you can get on reductions, discounts, special deals, etc. that will be applied to your account. Make note of when they'll begin and when they'll expire.
7. Compare the next month's bill to the previous to ensure that discounts have been applied. If yes, remember to send a personal letter of appreciation, circulating copies to the person you spoke to as well as his or her immediate supervisor.
8. If discounts or a lower fee has been promised to you but does not appear, send a letter via registered mail to the person with whom you spoke and his or her immediate supervisor, being polite but firm, and reiterating the bargain discussed. Emphasize your appreciation of the service but be resolute in switching companies if necessary.
For a breakdown of each type of bill and advise to get it lowered click here.
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