I negotiated the fees and rates by saying, "I'm a great customer and I'd hate to have to leave but there are some other companies offer better rates, and then I'd ask them what they could do for me.
In a lifehacker.com article I first heard about this and the recommended you break the ice by asking a routine question, like, "I just wanted to confirm you received my bill on time." Then, highlight how long you've been a customer: "Can you tell me, how long have I been a customer? Do your records show that?"
At this point, it's time to ask for a rate reduction. Use this phrase: "Times are tough." Also, if you've done your homework, you can say, "X company is offering a better deal. I'd hate to have to switch just over a few bucks. What can you do for me?" If they won't budge, ask to speak to supervisor, or the customer retention department, who have the power to make changes.
The question most pose at this point is will it always work? No, in fact it took me a couple of tries, but in the end I found that a few minutes work on the phone saved me and my family a pretty good bundle of cash.
For your convenience, here are the direct numbers to call.
1. Cell phone (very easy)- Verizon Wireless: 1-800-922-0204
- ATT Wireless: 800-331-0500
- Sprint: Dial *2
- T-mobile: 800-T-MOBILE
- Gym Olympus (615) 895-0604
- Anytime fitness (615) 893-9464
- MAC (615) 396-0999
- Gold's Gym (615) 895-8162
- Comcast: 800-266-2278
- Direct TV: 1-800-494-4388
- See phone number on back of your credit card
- Geico: 800-861-8380
- AAA: 866 539-8033
- Allstate: 866 704 9900
- Progressive: 800-776-4737
- State Farm: 855-733-7333
- Cigna: 800-244-6224
- United Health: 800-328-5979
If you have any success let me know by posting a note here in the comments section.
a friend of mine just tweeted to me that he has an appointment on his calendar to do this every year.
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