BRITS can save as much as £235 per year on their TV and broadband contracts if they make a simple change with their provider.
According to consumer group Which?, households are missing out on significant savings by turning a blind eye to their contracts and the services they use.
Which? has also reminded customers that a little haggling can go a long way[/caption]
Customers may be being upsold services and features they don’t need, or make use of.
According to new data, out-of-contract TV and broadband customers could save on average £160 by switching contracts.
While Sky customers could save a whopping £235 by seeking a better TV and Wi-Fi combined deal.
Which? has also reminded customers that a little haggling can go a long way.
Cancelling contracts and switching providers is harder than ever.
But the consumer organisation believes many TV and broadband customers could save an average of £117 per year simply by calling their provider and wrangling a better deal.
The art of haggling
It’s safe to say there is an art to haggling – and most Brits are typically too awkward to engage in it.
That being said, several studies suggest people are plucking up the courage to haggle more often, as the cost of living crisis continues to burn.
If you want a better deal from your current supplier, it is advised to give them a call on their customer number.
Once you’re on the line, ask for the retentions team.
Research the price and other packages online, and go prepared with other offers you’ve found.
And always be polite, as this can help your chances of getting money knocked off.
Remember: the charm offensive works.
You should have a maximum price in mind, but don’t let the sales associate know.
A little bit of silence on the phone is ok – don’t fill it, it might curb the sales associate’s train of thought when it comes to the savings they may offer.
Customers switching providers for broadband-only contracts have also saved roughly £105 per year.
While folks switching from BT, Sky or Virgin Media have saved even more – totalling £165 on average for Virgin users.
Wi-Fi customers who are not afraid of haggling can typically end up paying about £55 less than others.
Virgin Media customers with the courage to call up saw the biggest average savings of £81 for the year.
“Our latest research shows out-of-contract broadband, TV and mobile customers can save a substantial amount of money by switching providers or haggling with their current one – and that most people find the process easy,” Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said about the latest research.
“With many telecoms providers already adopting Ofcom’s ban on unpredictable mid-contract price hikes before it officially comes into effect in January, consumers can more easily compare deals and should feel empowered to switch and potentially save hundreds of pounds.”
