Cool Cash Money

Just Ask

I received my quarterly bill for alarm service monitoring a few weeks ago with the, “In order to maintain the service you are accustomed to” lean in sentence and knew that meant they were panhandling for another rate increase.  I did a little checking around Houston and found a monitoring service for about 35% less.  So I call my current company to cancel my service.  As I am talking to the agent and telling her I want to cancel due to the rate increase, she says, “Oh I can roll your rate back to the original one that you started with 13 years ago.”  She went on to say the rate increases are automated and unless someone calls in, they go into effect.  For a moment, I thought it would be easier to stay with them, but then I started getting a little miffed that they had been stiffing me for 13 years.  I did cancel the service based on that issue.

Earlier this week, I called AT&T to discuss options for lowering my internet service bill.  As I was talking with the agent, she mentioned some bundled discounts for combining my phone, internet, and television services.  By bundling, I could potentially save right at $30 a month and get $250 in rebate gift cards.  I then called my current satellite television provider to discuss what type of customer retention options they could offer.  Keep in mind, I have been with them 11 years and do like their service.  I was calling solely from a financial perspective.  By the time we wrapped up the call, my bill was reduced $31 a month just by making a phone call.  There were even more saving to be had if I had chose auto pay options and some other things.  By doing a little leg work and making a total of four phone calls, I’ve reduced my monthly living expenses by 20 Coors Lights at the bar, or $50 in real people currency.  J

Customer retention is a big deal to companies.  Even though most of the ads for cell service, internet, and other services are geared to new clients, the companies really do not want to lose any of their existing customer base. 

I hear a lot of people say they do not have the time to look at the bill or it’s not worth their time.  If you are looking at one certain bill, you could be right, but take a look at all of your monthly bills and the picture changes.  It takes on a little different complexion when you expand your vision.  If you are current on your credit card bills, you can call and ask them to lower your APR.  You can typically get corporate discounts on cell phone service if you work for a large company or belong to a large group.  I know Chevron employees can get a 20% discount.  Harley Owners Group (HOG) members can get 17% by registering through the HOG web site. 

Set aside a little time this month to review your monthly expenses for service.  You might be surprised what you find.  Remember, you are the consumer and have choices.  Just ask.