According to the NPD Group, the average pay TV subscription
package in the U.S. could reach $200 by 2020.
At the beginning of 2015, Comcast and Time Warner Cable both
raised the rental fees for customers who lease cable modems and renamed the
word on customers’ bill’s to “voice or data equipment”. For Comcast customers, the
fee increased from $8 to $10 per month. Time Warner Cable increased its monthly
modem fee from $5.99 to $8.
Since you can get basic cable for as
little as $19.99 per month and cable plus internet for less than $40 per month, if you spend more than that on Netflix and Hulu or other
digital programming then it is better to keep cable. Comparison shop to find
the best price at http://www.myrateplan.com/bundles/.
Here are 20 ways to reduce your high cable bill.
1. Ask.
Ask if your bill can be reduced. Consider talking to an online representative
through chat. If you are unable to get it lowered, ask for the cancelation
department.
2. Refer to the competition.
Refer to specials and discounts offered by competitors.
3. Research.
Do research on discounts and promotions the company may be offering through
advertisements or on their website.
4. Don’t make the first move.
Let the company start negotiations and then decide if you will accept the offer
or want to negotiate further.
5. Get just the basics. Get the cheapest plan possible;
eliminate all premium channels, extra features such as DVR, HD service, sports
packages, pay per view channels, etc.
6. Check
back often. Companies offer at least 10-20% discounts on pricing, coupons or
specials that are not advertised. Call every 3-6 months and ask about
discounts. Discounts usually last 6
months to 1 year.
7. Service.
If you are not happy with the quality of service you are receiving inform the
company. If you had paid your bill on time remind them of that as well. Let
them know you would like to remain a customer but cannot afford the current
pricing.
8. Price
Lock. Ask the company if they offer price locks. This will help you keep the
price for at least 6 months to 2 years.
9. Loyalty.
Remind them how long you have been a loyal customer and that you are considering
switching to another company.
10. Bundle.
If you have multiple services with different companies bundle services to save
money such as cable, phone and internet.
11. Alternatives.
Rent movies from Netflix, Redbox or the library. Use services such as Hulu or
streaming services such as Zatto, Hitbliss or streaming from TV stations such
as ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox.
12. TV.
Eliminate televisions in every room with a separate cable box. Keep televisions with a cable box in common areas
only such as the living room, family room or basement to save money.
13. Cancel. Cancel Wi-Fi service. Use Wi-Fi at
public locations or libraries.
14. Avoid
contracts. Contracts include hidden fees and you could miss out on a lower
priced promotion.
15. Waive. If you have been a loyal customer or have good credit ask to get
fees waived such as installation fee, late fee, service fee, etc.
16. Equipment.
Return equipment you are no longer using and get a receipt.
17. Senior Discount. Ask about a senior discount.
18. Install.
Buy the equipment yourself and install items such as modems, routers, adapters,
etc. Buy used equipment online to save more money. You can purchase a
Time Warner-compatible modem for $90 to $130 instead of leasing one and a
Comcast modem for approximately 70. Comparison shop at http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/.
19. Inquire.
Review your bill each month and inquire about new or unknown charges.
20. Terms.
Read the terms and conditions of the services you pay for to ensure you don’t
violate them and incur additional fees.
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