Step 1. Competition. Not too long ago, the cable operators were the only players in the cable market. Now, they are facing stiff competition from Satellite and Telecommunication Companies. Contact your cable company's competitors and detail their offers in a spreadsheet. Remember to include how many channels come with each package, the price of additional boxes, availability of DVR service, and how many HD channels are offered
Step 2. Contact your current service provider. Make sure you speak to someone who is in the retention que, as they usually have the best offers. They are the last line of defense. Let them know that you have received several promotional offers from their competitors and have decided to switch to one of them because of pricing. They should already be looking at the services on your account and brainstorming how they can save YOU as a customer.
Step 3. Start with the lowest offer. Begin with lowest offer you have from each competitor and detail everything the package includes. The customer service rep will match the offer. Don't accept it right away. Tell them that they need to come in lower than the competitor to retain your business. Ask to speak to a Supervisor if they claim they can not offer you a lower price. You may not get a lower price, but the supervisor may be able to offer some free extras; ie.. free digital boxes or free premium channels for 6 to 12 months.
Step 4. Add Phone or Internet. Another way to lower your bill is to add additional services. Think about adding their home phone service. This will put you in a three product bundle for a discounted rate on all three products. You may pay a little more than your current rate, but then you can eliminate your home phone service with the telecom's. Cable companies rates are lower than a Verizon or AT&T.
Lets say you have Digital Cable with HBO, Starz, and also High Speed Internet, you are probably paying around $150 a month. For an additional $10-$20 you can go into one of their many triple play packages. Usually, they throw in an extra premium channel like Showtime or Cinemax and faster download speeds. Your phone service with your current provider is around $50-$60 a month. Right there, you are saving $40-$50 a month.
Step 5. Start thinking about eliminating services. If the final offer does not fit into your budget. Begin with premium channels as they range from $18-$22 a month. Next, see if you have any cable boxes in your home that are not viewed often and think about eliminating your DVR service. Most shows are now available for free on the Internet.
If you need your Internet service, see if they have an Economy Internet package. The rate and speed is about the same for DSL.
Step 6. Review all your options. Go over all of your options one more time with the customer service rep. If you are still not satisfied with their offers, ask them to set up a disconnect because you are going to switch to another provider.
See if the rep counters with one final offer. If it is still not acceptable, ask them to schedule an appointment to disconnect your service.
Step 7. Final Step. A day or so before your scheduled disconnect, you should receive in the mail a letter or a phone call from customer service trying one last attempt to save you as a customer.
NOW, is your chance to accept their most aggressive offer. If the offer still doesn't tickle your fancy, proceed with the service cancellation and sign up with another service provider. You may even find out that the new company may be a better product and offer better customer service and tech support.
Why do people like Macs, because its a better product than a PC.
It's a win-win situation. Your bill will be lower either way if you decide to stay with your current provider or switch to one of their competitors.
