Our new Broadband Haggling guide - please share your feedback

RaeB

Virgin media. Haggle and if you can't get what you want then call their bluff and leave.

I was out of my contract deal last week. Called Virgin up on Friday to see what deals they could offer, I use M125 broadband only. First offer was £34.
Me no thank you, that's too much.
2nd offer £32 and upgrade to 250 speed. Me no thank you I don't need that.
3rd offer...we can shave another £1 off.
 Me no thank you, still too expensive, please cancel my contract. 
Phone call at lunch time today (Monday) from Virgin media... You've cancelled your contract because it's too expensive.
Me, Yes that's correct.
Virgin We can offer you M125 broadband for £20 a month.
Me, can I double check you said £20?
Virgin yes two zero.
Me 💪🎉 thank you very much, I'll take that.  😁
I'd call that a result, £5 cheaper than what I was paying previously.

SeanM42

Has anyone had luck with Plusnet re calling their bluff and leaving? I spoke to a Plusnet rep on Friday to complain about being overcharged for last month. I'm nearly out of contract so referred them to a Vodafone deal at the moment and whether they could match or beat it, which they said they couldn't do. I did reiterate that my faith in them was low owing to being overcharged but to no avail. 

southsidergs

SeanM42 said:

Has anyone had luck with Plusnet re calling their bluff and leaving? I spoke to a Plusnet rep on Friday to complain about being overcharged for last month. I'm nearly out of contract so referred them to a Vodafone deal at the moment and whether they could match or beat it, which they said they couldn't do. I did reiterate that my faith in them was low owing to being overcharged but to no avail. 

So did they refund you for this overcharge? Sounds very much like it could have been linked to your contract ending soon but you've not really explained it.

Also I always laugh at "price match xx" why do people think broadband providers should have to price match each other? Look at complaint data & you'll see why vodafone is cheaper for example

SeanM42

Refund's going through and no, it's not linked to my contract ending as they admitted. 

If you're having a laugh at the concept of price match, I think you're in the wrong thread as this one concerns haggling. 

JSmithy45AD

southsidergs said:

SeanM42 said:

Has anyone had luck with Plusnet re calling their bluff and leaving? I spoke to a Plusnet rep on Friday to complain about being overcharged for last month. I'm nearly out of contract so referred them to a Vodafone deal at the moment and whether they could match or beat it, which they said they couldn't do. I did reiterate that my faith in them was low owing to being overcharged but to no avail. 

So did they refund you for this overcharge? Sounds very much like it could have been linked to your contract ending soon but you've not really explained it.

Also I always laugh at "price match xx" why do people think broadband providers should have to price match each other? Look at complaint data & you'll see why vodafone is cheaper for example

I can't see where anyone said they "should" price match, it's used as a negotiating tool. It's not a difficult concept to understand.

Peppa537

My BT fibre 2 BB (with landline phone but no calls package) was £32.48 after price increases and doesn’t end until 14th October. BT have phoned me twice though over the last few months with offers to recontract (this is a first) but nothing worth taking.BT always say when you get into the last 3 months of your contract to give them a call and they can look at offers. On my account it only showed recontacting at the £32.48, in October this was increasing by £6. I phoned them this afternoon mentioning what Sky and Trooli are offering me, £27.99 was showing on the system for her so she put me on hold and came back with £24.99 for the fibre 2 BB only or £26.99 if we kept the landline (again calls not included). We never use the landline phone unless someone phones us, and most people phone our mobiles or WhatsApp call us anyway so opted for the £24.99 option. 2yr contract and obviously with the March price increases but I’m happy with that.

Lancsbreaker

I've been with Virgin and its predecessors for 20+ years - have 125+mb broadband, basic phone line inc weekend calls, and Mix TV package with TiVo box. Was paying £48/month. Came to end of 18 month contract, and Virgin proposed that price should go up to £81........

Researched the alternatives - called Virgin and after pointing out my long period as a loyal customer....was offered a further 18 months at an unchanged £48. Could probably have pushed for better, but in all honesty was reasonably happy with that and couldn't be bothered going through changing supplier.... and I know how to work the Tivo

C_Mababejive

I currently haave VOD FTTC and they just nipped it up to around £30pm . Im not long out of contract. I'm looking to cut that cost and im willing to move if necessary. Has anyone clinched any recent deals with VOD ? Thanks

Idroid88

Been with BT for a very long time and I always renegotiated a better deal.  This year, after reading Martin's tips and doing some more homework on the competitors, I saved £204 per year on broadband compared to what they were offering via renewal email and, initially, over the phone.  Now to get rid of their email address so next time I am not tied and can get bigger savings.  Thanks Martin

bristolleedsfan

Idroid88 said:

Been with BT for a very long time and I always renegotiated a better deal.  This year, after reading Martin's tips and doing some more homework on the competitors, I saved £204 per year on broadband compared to what they were offering via renewal email and, initially, over the phone.  Now to get rid of their email address so next time I am not tied and can get bigger savings.  Thanks Martin

Product you have and new charges/costs ?????