Big Bundle + Sports vs BT's Big Sport + Fibre 2

[kjmcdow]

Hi Guys,

I want the Big Bundle (362mbps) + Sports, which is £62 a month for 18 months for new customers.  However, I have been quoted over £92 despite being a loyal customer for over 20 years.  What am I missing?  Why should I pay £540 more than a new customer over 18 months?  Surely there is a good profit in  £1,116 over 18 months (£62 x 18)?  Do I really need to switch to get a better deal.  The closest BT equivalent is Big Sport + Fibre 2, which is £75.99 a month for a 24 month contract.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[japitts]

You're missing the fact that you're not a new customer, and approaching retentions from the wrong perspective.

You're halfway to a good negotiation by having a price from an alternative supplier for your services. Next up is to decide how willing you are to cancel your VM services to get that alternative price, compare against the standard price that VM advertise, and settle on a realistic price somewhere in the middle that you'd be willing to pay if VM offer it.

Now call Retentions and start negotiating. If they won't offer you a price you're happy with, then give your 30days cancellation notice and get an BT install scheduled. You can always cancel that in 14days if Virgin offer you an improved price, but the more you call VM back - the more they'll realise you don't really want to leave. Their discount offers could reflect that.

[kjmcdow · Accepted solution]

Thanks for sharing your insight, which can be distilled down to move provider or put up with the fact that you'll have to pay more than a new customer, but less than you might if you negotiate hard and play the game.

I suspect the answer to my question is that most people can't be bothered with the hassle and end up paying more than they need.  Uswitch here I come......

[japitts]

If you want to benefit from new-customer prices every 18months, then yes - you need to be prepared to be a new customer with a new provider each time.

Reasonable retention deals can be had from VM, but you need to be prepared to do a bit of legwork yourself and not just call in to say "please can I have another discount". You'll likely get something, but unless the retentions agent thinks you're serious.. why should they give more discount?

[kjmcdow]

I'll serve my cancellation notice.  Thanks for all the insight; much appreciated.