Things You'll Need:
- Internet access
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Step 1
Read over your current bill carefully. Make sure you understand your current plan. The number-one reason people end up with a high bill is because they don’t understand their plan. If you currently are confused by your plan or the way your bill prints out, have it in front of you and call your current cell phone provider or take it to the local store. Have them explain the way the bill breaks down so you know where to expect the extra charges to show, how many minutes you use each month, how many text messages, how many downloads, how many directory assistance calls, when your nights and weekend minutes start, whether or not you have mobile-to-mobile coveage, which areas are covered, and if there are any roaming charges.
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Step 2
Now that you know what you currently have, you can accurately compare it to other companies. Look online and see what the current competitors charge. Keep a list so you know exactly which companies you checked and their prices. Even if you do not plan to switch carriers, it is good information to have on hand when you call yours.
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Step 3
Know your contract date for each of your lines. Not all accounts will have the same contract date for each line. The date it was assigned or reassigned based on an upgrade or change of service will denote the contract date. This is your main bargaining tool, because most carriers will not offer that much if you are in contract, but if you are at the end of your contract, they will allow you to make offers and even counter-offers to keep you as a customer.
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Step 4
Check your current carrier’s website occasionally to see the promotions and special features they may now be offering. Something may have changed since you first signed up. They may now have combo packages for extra add-ons that were not available when you originally signed up. For example, some companies will combo package unlimited text messaging, Internet, and insurance for your phone in one package.
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Step 5
When you checked your current usage from your bill were you using all your minutes? Can you bear to lower your plan? Or are you going over and need to increase your plan to stop overage charges? Are you paying for text messaging per message instead of a package? It may be more beneficial to have a package versus paying for each use.
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Step 6
Instead of downloading ringtones at two or three dollars each, try creating your own on third-party websites.
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Step 7
When it comes to the end of your contract and you are ready to negotiate your new contract, make sure you call when you have some time on your hands. In most companies, you start out in customer service and are then transferred to a retention group. Make sure you have your notes with you for how much you currently pay, and if you found a better price somewhere else, have that price with you and the name of the company as a bargaining tool. Also, if you want a new phone, make sure you have already looked up the information on the price of that phone already.
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Step 8
If you were not able to find a better price at another company, then just say you are dissatisfied with the amount you are paying per month and the condition of your phone (remember to mention both). Have a notepad with your notes to keep you on track if you need it. The customer-service person will first start with general offers or the normal discount on new phones. You generally want to say it's not enough so that you will be transferred to the retention group, who can make better offers. Stay polite and to the point and both of you will end up with what you want and be happy at the end of the call.
