Forum Discussion

Bizmuth's avatar
Bizmuth
Tuning in
10 months ago

Re-contracting

Virgin pricing is screwy. My contract went up from £80 to £118 a month so it was time to negotiate. Online, they offered me a deal of £94. I wanted to upgrade to 1gig broadband as I’m sick of the old Hub3 being useless. I phoned them up and was offered a full package including sky sports and movies for £80. I said I didn’t want all the extras, just the standard package. 
the price went UP to £110! 
it is actually £40 cheaper to get all the Sky extras. Go figure. 

 

[MOD EDIT: Post split to create own thread]

3 Replies

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta

    Only in your case. Another caller would very likely get another offer.

    If you do accept an offer, be very careful to get it in writing and check that's what you actually have. 

  • japitts's avatar
    japitts
    Very Insightful Person

    Bizmuth wrote:

    My contract went up from £80 to £118 a month so it was time to negotiate.


    Was your contract price increasing? Or were time-limited discounts expiring? I suspect the latter.


    Bizmuth wrote:

    I was offered a full package including sky sports and movies for £80. I said I didn’t want all the extras, just the standard package. 
    the price went UP to £110! 
    it is actually £40 cheaper to get all the Sky extras. Go figure. 


    That's multibuy discounting in action, it's quite common for landline & mobile telephony to attract generous bundle discounts, such that it's cheaper to have a "with" bundle than "without".

    If this applies to Sky Premiums, then I'd personally say "thankyou very much for the price" and accept whatever extra freebies are thrown in. Does it hurt to have those extra channels?

    • Bizmuth's avatar
      Bizmuth
      Tuning in

      Oh I’m not complaining, even if it sounds like I am. I was just wondering how you end up getting more for less? Bundling, like you said is the key. 
      on a related note, my new services are due to start today, my new hub should be arriving shortly. 
      I have a query about when the new services start? Do I need to contact them and confirm I’ve hooked up the new hub? Will the new TV channels just appear or should I restart my box? 
      lastly, my new contract is due to start today at the new price of £86. However, I have already been charges £118 for this months service starting on the 17th. Will I get a refund or will I just be charged less next month (August) to compensate?