Opinions about haggling for a price instead of being offered it initially aside, accepting this is way things work don’t be afraid to push for a better deal!
18 month contract was ending. Price was in the mid £80s for Maxit, broadband and phone. Rang last month to negotiate a better deal. Had my reasons for leaving ready, Sky is cheaper, new customers are cheaper etc. Spoke to possibly an offshore call centre and got it down to £68. Happy.
Then the £15 increase letter arrived. So I rang back to explain this would wipe out any incentive to stay. I was assured the increase was for contracts renewed before November. Whilst on hold on 150 I heard a new automated message saying “this account is eligible for a £7.50 discount for six months. Press 1”. Before I could, the call was answered. I rang back a few times but couldn’t get the recording again. I did however let the last call ring out and hung up before anyone answered.
A minute later a very British person rang me from retentions. Sorry they missed my call. How can they help. I explained I was trying to get the recorded voice deal to no avail. “Okay, let me see what wiggle room we have for you” they said. After a few minutes I had another new 18 month contract, same package as we had, but for £59 a month. Had I not made any phone calls and stayed out of contract, the price rise would have pushed us to £100 a month.
In this day and age of varying customer service this was a very refreshing experience. There is an argument for not having to haggle, but until the industry changes its tact don’t put off making a few phone calls. And ring back if you’re still not happy. Just be polite!
