Can Long-Time Customers of Monthly Services Like Phone and Cable Get Great Discounts Just for Asking?

Many long-time customers of monthly services such as phone and cable may wonder if they can get great discounts just by asking. While the answer varies based on the specific service provider and the type of service, there are potential avenues to explore. Let's delve deeper into these options and the strategies you can use to save money.

Landline vs. Cellphone Discounts

For a traditional landline, the chances of receiving a significant discount for simply asking are limited. Historically, landline providers have not offered special breaks to individual subscribers. While bulk purchases of landlines do offer volume discounts, individual customers have typically paid the same price regardless of usage. Cellphone providers, on the other hand, often have retention departments whose job it is to keep you from switching to another carrier. Thus, it's worth reaching out to them.

Carriers and MVNOs

When it comes to mobile services, coyote companies (MVNOs) and large carriers both offer opportunities for savings. MVNOs typically offer cheaper plans, but might not provide the same customer retention efforts as the larger carriers. Larger carriers, on the other hand, often have retention departments that can offer discounts.

Customer Appreciation Programs and Retention Strategies

While not a guaranteed discount, many companies have customer appreciation programs that can grant you a decent break on your service if you extend your stay. This can be as simple as an additional month of service for a reduced rate. It's always worth asking, as the potential savings can be significant.

The Art of Negotiation

A less formal but often effective approach is to play the game of negotiation. If a service provider tells you there's nothing available, tell them you are planning to cancel your service. They may then transfer you to their retention department where special plans can emerge, often with terms of 1-2 years. After this period, the special discount may end, so it's important to be aware of this and possibly repeat the process.

The Case of Cable TV Services

Cable TV services are notorious for being expensive. However, there are often cheaper alternatives through IPTV services. You can easily access up to 3800 channels through an IPTV service for as little as $10 per month, making it a more cost-effective choice. IPTV services can be easily connected to your regular TV or monitored on an Android box with high-resolution capabilities (up to 6K).

Home Telephone Service Alternatives

Home telephone service on a landline is another area where significant savings can be achieved. Many people continue to pay $24-$45 per month for a landline, but there are VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services that can offer similar features for a fraction of the cost. VOIP services like NetTalk can be ported to your home telephone wiring and provide a host of services typically charged by traditional telco companies, such as:

Cross-country long-distance calling Voice mail Caller ID Call display Call waiting Call forwarding Voicemail to email International calling (often free) All for as low as $5.95 per month on some plans.

All you need is an internet connection to enjoy these features.

Conclusion

While getting great discounts through simple inquiries might not be a given, there are strategies to explore and potential savings to be made. Whether it's through negotiation, extended service terms, or switching to cheaper alternatives, the key is to be proactive and informed about your options.

So the next time you find yourself wondering if you can get a better deal, don't hesitate to ask. You never know what you might get!