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I slashed essential bill by £312 thanks to an ‘amazing’ Martin Lewis tip – how you can check
Plus, a warning from The Sun's Chief Consumer Reporter on missed savings
A MARTIN Lewis fan has revealed how they slashed an essential bill by £312 thanks to a simple tip.
The fan of MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) emailed in to say how they slashed their mobile phone bill by following the consumer champion's haggling tips.
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Penny said: "I'm a big fan of yours. I have ADHD, you've probably heard of the 'ADHD tax' where we can waste money by not sorting our finances.
"My mobile bill had risen to £40 a month and I barely phone anyone.
"I kept getting images of you looking at me disapprovingly, and finally now it's down to £14 a month.
"A huge saving for me thanks to your mobile haggling tips & all the amazing people at MSE."
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The ADHD tax describes the "cost" people with ADHD pay as a result of their struggles.
It specifically refers to the financial price people with the condition have to pay.
This could be because they're less attentive when it comes to switching their household bills.
HOW TO HAGGLE YOUR BILL DOWN
If you think your bills are too high and want to drive them down, the first thing to do is find out what the cheapest deal on the market is.
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You can use this rate as a bargaining tool to get a better offer from your provider or as inspiration to switch providers.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, speed and provider.
If you've found a cheaper rate with another provider, get in contact with your current provider to see if they can match the price.
MoneySavingExpert.com recommends that you reach out to your network providers "disconnections" helpline as a last resort.
This is because most companies refer to disconnections as a synonym for "customer retentions".
Once connected, repeat your request - if you seem genuine about disconnecting, you should get a much-improved offer matching the market's best openly available tariffs.
If you're unsuccessful at haggling, then you could threaten to leave.
Your provider might then feel more inclined to keep you by offering you a better deal.
Attempting to haggle will always make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
OTHER HAGGLING TIPS
MONEYSAVINGEXPERT.COM has listed a number of other tips to boost your haggling chances:
- Timing is crucial: Haggling works best when you're near or beyond the end of your contract.
- Benchmark the best deal: It's important to have the factual arsenal at your fingertips before you pick up the phone, so do your homework.
- Use charm, chutzpah, cheek... and a smile: Aggression or anger will just put their back up and won't get you anywhere.
- Use the phrases that pay: You may find that your customer service rep will only offer a small discount at first, but if you don't agree with the price, try phrases like: "I've worked out my budget, and my absolute max is XXX...", "[EE/O2/Three/Vodafone] can do it for less," etc.
- Problems mean discounts: If you've had issues with your network in the past – for example, poor coverage or long waiting times on customer care calls – then politely tell them when you haggle.
- Don't say yes to the first offer they give: You should never go with the first offer. Chances are, it's not the best deal they can do.
- Don't fill the silence: They may push you to agree because it's a "limited-time offer", but don't feel pressured into agreeing to the new price or deal unless you're certain.
- Ask if they can throw in extras: If they won't slash the price, ask them if they can at least include any extras.
OTHER WAYS TO SAVE
If your attempt to haggle didn't work - switching providers can be the best way to save money on your telecom bills.
But if you do want to switch, make sure you know if you're in or out of contract.
If you're mid-contract, though, and wish to leave, bear in mind that you could face an exit fee, so check with your provider for any charges.
It's always worth asking your provider if they'll offer you something cheaper anyway so do give them a call even if you're in contract.
If not, make a note of the date your contract ends and tally up other deals that you could switch to.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
MILLIONS ARE MISSING OUT ON CHEAP TARIFFS
A WARNING from James Flanders, The Sun's Chief Consumer Reporter:
If your household is on a low income it's always worth investigating social tariffs.
These broadband and mobile phone packages have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
They're often available to those on income support, Universal Credit, or disability allowance.
Around 4.2million households are eligible for these cheaper tariffs, but only 55,000 are making use of them.
Voxi and SMARTY both offer these cheaper mobile phone contracts, and prices start at £10 a month.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories.
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