Internet
Make sure you are not over-egging the gigabytes. Prices often increase because of your ‘usage allowance’; the more gigabytes you use the higher the monthly price - you may be eligible for a lower priced tariff. Check with your supplier as they will likely have an account of this.
Research the best prices. Visit a price comparison site such as http://www.guardiandigitalcomparison.co.uk or http://top10.com/broadband, take note of leaflet offers and promotional offers in newspapers and magazines. Note down the package that interests you, plus one or two similar, but cheaper ones.
Beware the sales lines. ‘Speeds of up to...’ can look attractive; however the actual speed you attain depends upon your phone lines capability of achieving it. Test out your current speeds by visiting http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/speedtest
Speak to your number two choice. Be polite and friendly, but let them know in order to get your custom they need to improve their offer. Below are example figures to explain the method.
Let them know you are out of contract and are ‘considering’ moving suppliers. You are currently paying £12 per month but find this expensive hence calling them. You have noticed they offer a similar package (albeit slightly more GB, though you don’t need them) for £11. In order to gain your custom, what is the best price they could offer in order to persuade you to move companies? Assuming they say £10, move to point 5.
Speak to your current/preferred supplier. Explain to them as a customer for nearly 5 years you were initially just going to sign up to a new deal with them, however ‘Company 2’ have spoken to you and offered you an incentivised deal at £10 AND they are giving you a larger allowance of GB; the fact that you do not need this additional usage is neither here nor there. Would they offer you a better price in return for you signing up for another year?
If they agree to a better deal, you have saved yourself money, if not you have a cheaper alternative.
Written by Marc Lockley, this article was published on July 21, 2010. Marc's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional financial advice.