When you've come to the end of your broadband contract, it is always advised that you shop around for a better deal before renewing. Our broadband comparison service can help you find the best deal in your area based on your preferences, but do you stick with your current provider or switch to a new one? Changes such as price hikes, a lack of offers and bad customer service can make someone switch broadband, but with the right haggling skills, you could actually nab yourself a better deal.
If you find a deal with better broadband speeds, extra incentives and packages all for a cheaper cost, you're going to want to switch. Before you do, give your current provider a call and let them know about the deal you've found elsewhere. With broadband and TV being the most common industry for hagglers, and with 90% being awarded discount when they haggle, it's always worth seeing what you can get once you threaten to leave. Here are a few steps you might want to take...
What You Can Achieve with Haggling
In Money Saving Expert's 2020 poll, 86% of Sky customers reported that they achieved something through haggling. Customers can get better broadband packages and cheaper deals through haggling, as most companies would much rather retain their customers for cheaper than lose them. The most common incentive that broadband providers give their haggling customers is a fixed discount, especially if a customer is complaining about a price rise (and rightly so!). Other benefits you can enjoy include faster download speeds, a new router, or additional services such as phone lines or TV deals. The best broadband deal for you might actually be with your current provider, but with prices rising the longer you stay, it's always best to see what you can haggle for.
Prepare and Build an Argument... But Don't Argue!
Broadband companies will almost always only offer shiny new deals to new customers. Their 'loyal' clients will stick with them through it all despite price hikes, but once you threaten to leave, the deals usually come out. Before calling up your current broadband provider to 'cancel,' you should do your research so you can point out cheaper deals you've found. You can compare broadband deals using our handy tool here! Keep an eye on the price and any extras, and be sure to make a note or bookmark the page and deal.
When bartering for the best fibre broadband deal or mobile package, don't go in with an aggressive attitude. The sales team are people too, and it probably won't get you anywhere. Instead, try a kind, calm voice to let them know the real reason you're looking to leave; you're not angry, you just simply can't afford it and need a cheaper deal. However, stand your ground, as broadband providers are well within their rights to not give you a deal as you are to leave.
Listen to the Retention Team
If the salesperson on the phone cannot offer you a good deal, or they aren't sure how to handle your request, they'll send you to their retention team. These guys are there to offer you something to try and get you to stay, so it's best to hear them out, as you may get more than you bargained for. You'll probably get asked why you're leaving again, but explain your reasonings in a polite manner.
If the deal still isn't what you wanted, reiterate the point that you still want to leave and let the advisor know you'll think about it and get back to them. Some may get back to you after a few days, but if they don't, it's still worth ringing back and trying your luck with a different advisor.
Things to Consider
When you're being offered a deal that sounds good, make sure you really pay attention to exactly what you're being offered. Sometimes, they may offer a great price, but they'll lock you into a contract you can't get out of for longer. If you really want a discount, hold out for one. Don't accept the first offer you're presented with (this is a rookie mistake!) and stand your ground. Furthermore, make sure you remember the other deals you saw whilst looking on broadband comparison sites; they might be better after all!
Here at Broadband Money Saver, we compare broadband deals and packages in your area based on your preferences, allowing you to find the best deal to haggle with! To find out more about our broadband comparison services, please drop us an email at [email protected].
