Sky, Virgin & BT TV Haggle down prices and get serious discounts Article Discussion

sebsy

Hello everyone, first post here and after some advice please.

I currently have Sky tv with all Sky Sports channels and am looking to upgrade to Sky+ (Not HD as I don't want to pay more for HD, just stay on regular like I am on now).
I have been with Sky for exactly 4 years and currently also have Sky Talk for my phone and Sky Broadband, basically everything is with Sky.

I called last week to enquire about what they could offer me and was told £99 for the Sky+ box and £60 for installation. I didn't mention looking to cancel at any stage of that call.

I've heard many stories of people managing to get the box for free and some even getting the installation for free too. For a start I was under the impression the installation cost was £30 not £60. Anyway, I'm looking to call Sky later on this evening with the threat of cancellation in the hope of at least getting them down to Sky+ for free and installation of no more than £30.

What annoys me a little as a Sky customer is that a couple of days ago I had some mail through the letterbox, offering a free sky+ box for new customers joining to Sky tv. Why should new customers get a free box when I, as a customer for 4 years, am expected to pay a total of £160 for the privilege.

So, what is the best way to get them to give me what I want? Is it worth mentioning Virgin anywhere in there?

Just after some advice really. Thank you.


EDIT:

ShaneUK wrote: »

I have been nagging my girlfriend for ages to upgrade the Sky package (account is in her name, so they won't speak to me)

She has just phoned Sky, asking how much to upgrade from Sky to Sky+, and was told that it can not be done, but she could upgrade to Sky +HD instead, for "only" £200 + £60 for fitting, and then £10.25 per month for the HD channels!!

Not happy with this, she asked how she would cancel, and was told she would have to speak to cancellations.

She spoke to them, and straight away ("as a "loyal" customer for five years") was offered the box for free, with free fitting, and no monthly charge! Sounds like we will just get 7 HD channels - but I am very happy with this! She however is kicking herself for not calling them sooner!

Just spotted this on the last page. Why were you quoted £200 to upgrade? Do they just make up the price for every customer or something?

Hopefully I will get the same treatment as you and your partner, having been with them for 4 years. As I say I'm not even after Sky+ HD just Sky+ but I guess they perhaps don't do regular Sky+ anymore and only the HD version. Either way I'll be unhappy if they don't offer me the same as you

mcrdave

Just wanted to say thanks for the info chaps. I have just reduced my bill by half for 6 months by jumping through the hoops and going through to cancellations (after repeating my name address and account details 3 times before I popped up on his screen!). It was worth it, 10 minutes of hassle for 60 odd quid. (I was only paying £22.50 for starters).

cheers

mrdeepee

I'd been thinking about ringing SKY for ages to negotiate a discount on my bill because being a customer for 6 years now, I'd convinced myself that I should be appreciated more as a customer.

At the moment I've got SKY+ HD Entertainment pack with SKY Sports, Multi-Room, Broadband Unlimited & SKY Talk, and all these make my wallet lighter every month by #78.

I rang the normal Customer Service number but didn't bother speaking to any of the regular staff. I chose Option 4 which amongst other things was also the option you'd need if you're thinking of leaving SKY.

That took me straight to the Scottish Call Centre and I made up a story saying that we'd been given an employee offer at work from Virgin for their top broadband, TV & phone package with all the bells & whistles e.g HD, V+ Box, Multi-room, etc etc etc..,for just #25 for the first 12 months. I asked that since I was out of contract with SKY I'd like to know what they're going to offer me to remain a SKY customer.

I was offered the 50% discount for 6 months which I declined. Then the 25% for 12 months which I also declined. And lastly a free SKY+ HD Box to replace my bog standard PACE box which I've had since year dot, that I use in my bedroom, free installation, half price HD for 6 months and free installation for SKY Anytime +.

For those who haven't heard, SKY Anytime + is the new trick that has been enabled on the SKY+ box and it gives you On Demand TV, through your broadband, on a whole range of programmes available on SKY TV. It promises to have almost anything On Demand, that you want to watch. To have it activated though you'll need an engineer visit which costs #40 for a wired connection, or #60 and they'll send you a wireless receiver to attach to you box or you can do the wired connection yourself for free if you've got such inclinations.

Anyway, I digress.

I declined their 3rd offer as well and told the girl I spoke with that if she gives me the 50% discount for 6 months, as well as the free SKY+ HD box with free installs on the box as well as on SKY Anytime +, then I will grudgingly accept. And that will only be because I could do without the hassle, inconvenience & stress of transfering my entire package to Virgin, that is bound to accompany such a move.

At this point, the girl said I couldn't have both and will have to pick one. I dragged the discussion on for a bit and went on and on about how I may end up leaving SKY because they obviously didn't appreciate the custom of a long standing loyal customer such as myself. The girl didn't budge from her offer and after exhausting all my arguements, I began to think that I may have perharps overplayed my hand.

I decided to withdraw, rethink my strategy and call back later. So I told her I'd speak to my girlfriend to decide the package we want with Virgin and I'll probably ring up before the month runs out to cancel.

I rang back 3 hours later, got through to a different girl, told her I spoke with her colleague earlier in the day who offered my 50% free for 6 months on my subscription as well as a free SKY + HD box and free installations on the box and on Any time +.

And surprise surprise, she believed me and signed me up straight away for what I'd asked for.

Now was that brilliant or was it just terrific :T

Andy017

Currently with Virgin and i'm paying;

Total service charges £89.39
Line Rental 15 February - 14 March £12.24
Talk Unlimited 15 February - 14 March £8.00
X L Triple Saving 15 February - 14 March £-20.95
TV Size: X L 15 February - 14 March £25.00
1 Add Set Top Box(es) 15 February - 14 March £15.00
Add Set Box(es) Discount 15 February - 14 March £-9.40
Broadband XL(20) 15 February - 14 March £37.00
SkySports £22.50

Anyone think I'm getting shafted here?

CooliceT

anyone got a freephone number I could use to phone SKY with?

my half price package for 12months ends this month, and if I can't carry on with the price I'm paying I want to cancel...

Keeop

To the previous poster, have a look on saynoto0870.com for an alternative Sky number.

Just phoned them myself and took the 6 month half price deal. It seems that and the 25% off for a year are the current TV deals. It sounded like there were other options available for customers taking out phone or broadband options as well but I only have, and want, the TV.

Anyway, to clarify earlier posts, the 6 month deal is open-ended and does not tie you in with Sky any further - you can still cancel at any time - whereas the 12 month deal does mean a new 12 month contract.

So, very happy indeed with the outcome and will phone again in six months time to see what's available then.

Cheers.
Keeop

LB1985

I'm nearing the end of a 12 months half price offer through my employer. Currently paying around £26 for 'the works' including HD package. I've been told the best they can do for me is give me 25% off the TV (excluding HD pack) if I sign up to a 12 month contract. I was categorically told that I would not be able to get 50% off for 6 months, as some have mentioned here. Any views from anybody? Seriously considering cancelling now.

Update: Called back and was able to get 6 months at 50% off for TV, no new contract. Have dropped HD package to bring cost down to £26. Pretty happy with that!

FleetFanatic

Andy017 wrote: »

Currently with Virgin and i'm paying;

Total service charges £89.39
Line Rental 15 February - 14 March £12.24
Talk Unlimited 15 February - 14 March £8.00
X L Triple Saving 15 February - 14 March £-20.95
TV Size: X L 15 February - 14 March £25.00
1 Add Set Top Box(es) 15 February - 14 March £15.00
Add Set Box(es) Discount 15 February - 14 March £-9.40
Broadband XL(20) 15 February - 14 March £37.00
SkySports £22.50

Anyone think I'm getting shafted here?

Well my point is who actually needs XL Broadband? 10meg (L) is plenty & I hammer it's use.

Sky Sports - can be bothered to pay for that, as I wouldn't watch anything other than the football & even then I wouldn't watch every match. Internet broadcasts are out there my friend, for free.

I am happy with L broadband, XL Phone, XL TV & 2 V+HD boxes for £49 a month.

Does this help?

Andy017

FleetFanatic wrote: »

Well my point is who actually needs XL Broadband? 10meg (L) is plenty & I hammer it's use.

Sky Sports - can be bothered to pay for that, as I wouldn't watch anything other than the football & even then I wouldn't watch every match. Internet broadcasts are out there my friend, for free.

I am happy with L broadband, XL Phone, XL TV & 2 V+HD boxes for £49 a month.

Does this help?

Well maybe your right, I upload a lot of things to the internet and play a lot of online gaming though, so having the XL does have its benefits.

I couldn't live without SkySports, you'll struggle to find a bigger football fan than me Being only 17, I've been brought up with football all my life.

I still feel my parents are getting royally shafted though, compared to what other people are paying..

bonnerbob

Just been on for about 30 min! Offered me nothing except advised me to get rid of some packages and multiple room! Am fuming!