Do you want to keep your cable and Internet subscription but don’t want to pay escalating bills each month? If this sounds familiar, this guide will solve your problem.
When I quit my job a year ago to take my side hustle to a full-time business, I had to cut some expenses. Cable and Internet were one of them. I had subscribed to one of the Spectrum WiFi and Internet plans then. Like you, I wanted to lower my bill without sacrificing the Internet speed and my favorite channels. However, negotiating is not that easy. It would be best to let go of some perks to get your desired price.
These are some tips and tricks that helped me reduce my TV and Internet bills:
Evaluate Your Needs
Start by evaluating your needs. You might be subscribed to a TV and Internet plan above your needs (I know I was).
You won’t need a large bandwidth if you use the Internet for daily browsing or checking email. 5 to 10 Mbps is enough for browsing and basic streaming. Additionally, if you are the only Internet user, eliminate the extra Mbps.
Similarly, evaluate how much TV you watch each day. If you are paying for premium channels, you don’t have features you don don’t/n’t need any more; eliminate all those extras.
Bundle TV and Internet
Bundling your TV and Internet service is another excellent way of cutting the bill considerably. It will make things more convenient. You don’t have to pay two separate bills.
On top of that, if you happen to have different providers that are competitors, this could be your opportunity to get a fair deal. Sales representatives are ready to offer a discounted package to offer you a bundle.
Look for Subsidized Programs on the Internet
Some providers have discounted packages for low-income households. However, meeting a specific criterion to qualify for this offer would be best. You could get the service by paying as little as $10 monthly.
Collect Your Leverage
When you call your provider, it is not enough to say you are unhappy with their service. I had to do some homework and gather evidence to make my case.
I had never made a late payment to Spectrum. I used this to my advantage. Another thing that got me a discount was the fact that my contract was coming to an end.
Recall a moment when you had a technical issue with your provider. If you had to visit them to resolve the issue, that would give you more leverage. Use all this information to tell them you are a loyal customer. Hopefully, it will convince them to offer a discounted rate.
Know Your Limits
Even though you think you can make a strong case, it doesn’t mean you will succeed. You must musdoesn’tyour limits.
Acting in a rage is not going to get you a better deal. Keep in mind that the person on the other end of the line is also a human being. They don’t decide the prices. Therefore, be asdon’tte to them as possible. Believe them when they say they cannot do anything. If you need to speak to a manager, ask politely.
Sometimes, the person on the other end is rude. In that case, you have to act assertively. Be prepared for both scenarios.
Cut the Cord
Don’t hesitate to cut the cord if you are unsatisfied with the offer. Know your aldon’ttives as well. It is okay to let go of cable for a while. You can subscribe to Netflix or Hulu instead. They are cheaper, and give you access to a vast library of shows. Look for a different Internet service provider. This time, pick the Mbps you need. Don’t hesitate to make bold moves.
These tips will give your budget breathing room by cutting on your cable and Internet needs so that you can meet your needs in other areas. Since it was a temporary compromise, I let go of the cable and subscribed to one of the cheapest Spectrum internet packages in Spectrum Evansville instead. I got them to offer me a negotiated price for the Internet plan. Making them agree to your terms is undoubtedly challenging but not impossible. Evaluate your needs, do your homework, and search for a better provider (in case you must let your provider go). Stick to the plan and make that call.