Discount on internet bill
One year ago, when I moved into the basement suite I currently reside in, I had to decide on an internet provider. We have two main providers in our area, and while I wanted to keep service from my former provider, the cable company seemed to be unable to figure out how to split our cable line from our landlords. So we ended up getting a DSL connection from their competitor. Through my work I was able to sign up under a discount that I assumed to last the length of my agreement with the company, but a couple of months ago I noticed a spike in our bill. I eventually phoned in, wondering what was going on, and was told that the discount that I had been getting was only for a year, and had since expired. When I explained that I was under the impression that the discount was permanent, I was told I would have to call back and talk to the Loyalty department, as they were closed that day (it was a weekend).
So I called back and explained my story to another CSR, who also told me that I would have to talk to the Loyalty department, but that he would put me through. After a short wait, he connected me with the “Loyalty and Retentions” department. She had already been told by the first rep that I was under the impression that my discount was permanent, so she told me that she would renew the discount. They had, however, raised the base cost of their service, so my monthly bill would be $3/month more than the original amount I had signed on for, but it was still about 40% less than without a discount. When I asked if this discount was permanent, I was told that no, they can only do discounts for a year at a time. I would have to phone back in yet another year and do the whole thing over again. Annoying, yes, but definitely better (and cheaper) than not getting a discount at all.
Free groceries
It is amazing how much a person or company is willing to bend when you simply ask if there’s anything they can do. Just a few days after my successful phone call with our internet provider, my wife and I were at a major grocery store picking up a few necessities for the next week. We grabbed a few items and headed to the checkout. There were only two lines open, one full regular lane, and an express lane with only one person in it. Seeing as we just had a small basket of items, we hopped in the express lane. My wife was keeping a close eye on the price of some salsa she picked up, and sure enough, it rang in 3 dollars higher than the advertised price. When she pointed this out, the cashier (who apparently was off in 5 minutes), sighed and asked, “Are you sure”? We were sure, so he sent someone out to do a price check. While waiting, a lineup started to build behind us. He pointed out that this was, in fact, an express lane, and as such, we shouldn’t be in this line as we had more than 15 items. Oh well, we said, this was the only open lane!
The price checker returned with the price tag, and sure enough, we were correct. Of course the cashier was unable to void the original price and input the new price without an override, which caused more time delays. Even after retrieving this device he was unable to get the correct price into the till, so he simply put the salsa in our bag and said, “take it”. So we did. We got free salsa just because we asked for a price check. Yes, it was a little awkward as we held up the “express lane” (we had 19 items, most of which were duplicates of the same item, like 4 yogurts, 3 lemons, and 3 limes), but I think it was worth it to simply ask, make sure you are paying a fair price, and in some situations, you might just get a deal out of the situation.
Clothing for a reduced price
Just yesterday my wife was killing some time at The Bay while we waited to go to a wedding. She found something that she really liked that was already marked down on sale, so she went to buy it. She noticed that there were some smudges on an unimportant part of the article of clothing, mentioned it to the cashier, who mentioned it to the manager, who promptly took off an additional 15%.
How has simply asking for a discount saved you money? Have you had any success getting your monthly bills lowered?
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Alan Schram writes about personal finance and his encounters with it in his everyday life. Alan is recently married and is looking to save money on expenses and reduce his debts.
Great article! I’ve had success with “asking” recently with my auto insurance. Rather than just accepting the fact that whatever they sent me in the mail would be my new policy for the year, I called and asked for a better rate. Saved $22/month!
Also, hotels are notorious for quoting you the highest rate and just assuming you will accept. Always ask for a discount, or an upgrade, or free breakfast.
Asking is definitely effective for cable companies as they often have loyalty packages that offer significant discounts. For my parents I was able to consolidate services and reduce their monthly bills by $50.
It’s important to check the prices as the cashier scans items at the grocery store. We’ve found many discrepancies in the past. Some retailers such as Extra Foods (Loblaws) has code of practice that if you are charged the incorrect amount they will give you the item for free.
Alan, they should have given you the salsa anyways. Since it was a major grocery store, they are likely participating in the Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code. If so, any item with a mislabeled price is free, up to $10. Thanks to Richard for sending the link.
Nice tips. You can also often apply this with other renewing charges, like your rent. You don’t necessarily have to accept that automatic $30+ hike; if you are a good tenant, you can often negotiate it downwards to a smaller hike.
NY times had a similar article sometime back during the deepest months of recession where retailers were acceptable to haggling!
Haggling is almost unheard of in developed countries but is a daily act in all developing countries.
I am great at asking for discounts.
You have to be tough and explain why you are right.
It is good to have plan B (I.e. Telus vs Shaw).
Bloomer had considerable ambitions for his business, community and family. A devoted father of eight-year-old twins, Maya and Matthew, he was the CEO of Delinda Technological Ser-vices, a successful company named for him and his wife, Linda. Del also established Light On, a foundation that teaches computer skills to underprivileged children. And the word around his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama was that he’d one day be mayor. Del had purchased insurance when his kids were younger and the business was just starting out, but knew he needed more. Greg helped him significantly increase his coverage to provide additional protection for his family and growing business.
Del’s decision to buy more insurance proved critical. Just one year later, Linda and the twins found themselves rushing Del to the hospital with severe chest pains. As Linda
ran to get a wheelchair, she saw Del, who had tried to stand, fall back into the car. He never regained consciousness. A massive heart attack ended Del’s life at age 40. “Del’s wish was to protect his family and business and pass on his legacy, and that’s what he did,” said Greg. With the help of Genex capital Linda got the insurance money. Linda and the twins are keeping Del’s memory alive. Linda has kept the business and the foundation running.
The money has also helped give her family a “fresh start” in a new home, pay off debts, and establish a retirement savings program for herself and college-funding plans for the
Alan, I am the master of negotiation and asking for discounts. I got a down comforter for 50% off at Kohl’s, by asking. I ask if the cashier has an extra coupon if there’s one out there that I don’t have. I HAVE NO SHAME. There are very few situations where I walk away from a potential discount.