What deals have you bagged?

Hi somabk01

You can't really go by what other people have been offered as it depends upon your negotiating skills.  Generally better offers are forthcoming if you are out of contract, or within the last 30 days of your current contract and you call to plabe a cancellation request rather than to regrade or negotiate a new price.

Do your homework first, be awre of what you want and the price you are prepared to pay, and price up similair speeds/packages with other suppliers.

Also do you have an O2 sim, or are thinking of taking out a new sim deal?  If so you may be able to increase your broadband speed to the next level by taking out a Volt deal.  This would also double your sim data on O2.

It's sometimes cheaper to take out a landline and broadband package rather than a broadband only deal as VM give higher discounts if you add more components to your package. You don't have to plug the landline in, but it comes in handy if you need to contact VM as it's a free call with you dial them using 150 from a VM landline.

You should select options 1, 4 and 4 when dialing 150 from a VM landline, or 0345 454 1111 from any other phone, which should put you through to retentions (thinking of leaving) 

They have better offers than the front line agents.  Although you might speak to a first line agent to begin with tell them you are wanting to speak to cancellations and they should then pass you through to the actual retentions agent.  

VM's actual prices can vary on a day to day basis, and agent to agent basis. I know it sounds odd, but agents are given a set amount of allowances to offer at varying price points.

If they have used up their quota of lowest prices for the day or week, then they couldn't offer say the Mega Volt bundle for £100, but if the next agent hadn't reached their quota then they would be able to offer that price point.  It's also possible that one of the retention teams may be "trialling" a price point not available to other teams.

To be honest if you are fairly happy with a  quoted price whilst on the phone with the agent (or need to confirm it first with say your partner) then accept it as it probably won't be available again.  You can then take advantage of the 14 day distance selling window should you change your mind and wish to reject that offer. You would then go back to your original pricing, even if it was the out of contract price,  and package (or nearest equivalent) and then have the option of either cancelling or renegotiating.

Negotiating a better deal with Virgin Media as an existing customer can lead to significant savings. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand current retention offers, recent customer experiences, and effective haggling strategies.

Understanding Retention Deals

Retention deals are special offers provided by service providers like Virgin Media to encourage existing customers to stay, especially when they're out of contract. These deals often include discounted rates, upgraded services, or added benefits not available to new customers.

Recent Customer Experiences

While individual experiences may vary, several customers have shared their successful negotiations:

• Broadband-Only Packages: Some users have reported securing the M125 broadband package for £15 per month. With the Volt benefit, this package can be boosted to M125 speeds. However, it's essential to note that such deals may still be subject to annual price increases.
• Bundled Packages: Another customer managed to negotiate a package including M250 broadband, TV, and Talk Weekends for £31 per month, with a price increase scheduled for April 2026.

Effective Haggling Strategies

To maximize your chances of securing a favorable deal, consider the following steps:

1. Research Competitor Offers: Before contacting Virgin Media, investigate deals from other providers. This information can serve as leverage during negotiations.
2. Review Virgin Media's Current Offers: Log into your Virgin Media account to check for any exclusive deals available to you as an existing customer. These offers can provide a baseline for your negotiations.
3. Initiate the Conversation: Contact Virgin Media's customer service and express your interest in exploring better deals. Be polite but firm, and mention any competitive offers you've found.
4. Be Prepared to Negotiate: If the initial offer isn't satisfactory, don't hesitate to ask for a better deal or additional perks. Sometimes, speaking with the retentions or cancellations department can yield more favorable results.
5. Consider Contract Length and Price Increases: Be aware of the contract length and any scheduled price increases. For instance, Virgin Media has implemented mid-contract price adjustments, with some customers experiencing increases of up to £26 annually.

Additional Considerations

• Impact of Inflation: With UK inflation rising to 3% in the 12 months leading up to January 2025, many service providers, including Virgin Media, have adjusted their prices accordingly. This economic context underscores the importance of negotiating the best possible deal to mitigate the impact of such increases.
• Service Changes: Be aware of any changes to the services included in your package. For example, Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 are set to cease broadcasting in the UK and Ireland on February 28, 2025. Such changes might affect the value of your current package and can be a point of discussion during negotiations.

Conclusion

By staying informed and proactive, you can negotiate a retention deal with Virgin Media that aligns with your needs and budget. Remember to research thoroughly, communicate effectively, and consider both current offers and future changes in services and pricing.