Bundled Services
Other services that can be bundled include your television, Internet connection and phone service. These three, previously handled by separate providers, are now usually handled by one company. For example, your cable service provider can offer television and Internet connection, and they can also give you a phone line. With the phone line, your service is Internet telephony – your calls are routed through the Internet to give you quick and easy calls at a low rate.
Your phone company may also provide a similar arrangement, enabling you to bundle all three services. Some providers also include cell phone service, but for the most part this package will include television, Internet and phone service only. And this is where you can save money – by switching to a new provider or telling your current provider about your plans.
Rate Comparisons
For example, if you are paying $170 or more per month for bundled in-home service, you may find that the other provider charges $125 or less, at least for the first year. Those rates are based on a quote that I received, so I am not pulling a number out of thin air. Based on a monthly savings of $45, that’s an annual savings of $540.
In my case the savings were more dramatic and my cable provider agreed to my request on the spot. Instead of paying $191 per month, my rate is now $117 per month for the next year. I will personally save $74 per month or $888 per year! Lest you think I’ll be satisfied with the higher rate a year out, the cable rep told me to call back at the end of the promotional period to get the company’s latest offer.
Retention Services
The best way to handle this is to get a quote from a competing company to see where the savings can be had. Then, call your current provider to see if they’re willing to match the lower rate. You’ll be transferred to a retention department where you should be offered a much lower rate as I was.
If you don’t take action, you won’t save. Importantly, as you realize what savings can be had, this should encourage you to check with other service providers to see if other contracts or arrangements can be renegotiated as well.
See Also — 7 Money Saving Tips for September 2011
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