If you’re tired of shelling out close to $100 a month on your internet bill, there’s good news, Americans can save big with just two simple steps.
According to broadband experts, slashing that bloated internet bill could be as easy as nailing the first two minutes of your call and doing a little homework before you dial in.
The internet bill is one of those sneaky monthly expenses that creeps up without notice. In fact, over half of adults in the U.S. are now paying more for their internet than they did a year ago. But experts like Trey Paul and Glenn Goad say it doesn’t have to be that way. The first key to saving? Kindness. Yes, seriously. Being friendly to the customer service rep on the other end of the line might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you had.
“Kindness is key,” says Paul, a broadband expert. If you’re polite, courteous, and patient, you’re much more likely to get someone on your side. It might sound like a soft skill, but reps are human too, and they’ll likely go out of their way to help someone who treats them with respect. That first impression in the opening two minutes can either score you a discount or get you nowhere.
Once you’ve got that tone right, the next crucial move is preparation. Glenn Goad, CEO at EarthLink, stresses how vital it is to know your customer history. If you’ve been loyal to your provider for years, that works in your favor. Providers don’t want to lose long-term customers, so coming in with that leverage makes your case stronger.
Before you make that call, know exactly what your needs are, how much speed you need, what kind of broadband works for your home, and what you ideally want to pay. It gives you a confident position to bargain from, and you’ll waste less time waffling.
Can’t get a price drop? Then ask for perks. Some providers might not budge on cost but could throw in free streaming subscriptions or loyalty discounts that sweeten the deal. An AT&T spokesperson even told CNET that discounts for qualifying customers might be available if you just ask about them.
And while negotiating is smart, don’t go full hardball unless you’re absolutely sure you’ve got a better deal elsewhere. Bluffing your way through a call could backfire if you don’t actually plan to switch providers.
With inflation hitting everything from groceries to gas, managing your internet bill is one of the easiest ways to save money each month. By focusing on how you open the call and doing just a bit of prep work, you can go from paying premium prices to scoring a deal in minutes.
