getting a better deal from verizon

**MoneyLifeandMore** · 03-10-2013, 04:42 PM

I would start by understand what contracts you've agreed to and trying to figure out what every single line item on the bill is. You can then try to negotiate lower rates on services you aren't contracted on or cut services that you're being billed for but aren't getting value from.

In terms of negotiating, sometimes just asking what discounts you qualify for will do it. Other times you might have to talk to a supervisor or show them comparison rates from other providers of the same services.

**Snydley** · 03-10-2013, 05:24 PM

Hi-
That bill sounds ridiculously high. I used to have a Verizon bundle and I became so frustrated in my attempts to decode the multi-page bill that I once made a rep since on the phone with me for over 1/2 hour and explain every line, every 'discount'. They deliberately make the bill nearly impossible to understand without help.

I was on a plan with them for a bundle with HBO for $85/month last year. The 'special' ended and they told me it was going to $140/month. I said if they could get it to $100 or so I'd stick with them, otherwise I was switching. They said there is nothing they could do. I switched to Comcast for $95/month and within one week I had an offer from them for $85/month again. I still have Comcast.

They count on you being too lazy to switch companies. Do you have Comcast (Xfinity) service in your area?

-Jen

**disneysteve** · 03-10-2013, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by Snydley View Post

They count on you being too lazy to switch companies.

Not only that but they count on people being too lazy to even call and question their bill. The last time my Comcast promo ended, I called and was told I could get even more channels for less money. Of course, I took them up on that deal. That promo ended recently and my bill spiked up. I called again and they simply didn't have a good deal for me, so I cancelled a bunch of extra channels that were now costing me more money and dropped my bill down that way. The point is the onus is on the customer to look out for the best deal and negotiate to keep the bill at a level you are happy with.

**bUU** · 03-11-2013, 02:43 AM

Our bill is in the $180 range. While prices vary a little from place to place, you should be able to get something in the $160 range easily (we pay a bit extra for better Internet service, because we do a lot of uploading for our church), if you get rid of all the extra services: Swap down to television service on a single outlet and watch television together; cancel all premium channels and don't do any pay per view; swap down to the most basic telephone service they offer in the bundle. For the first year or two or three, you can probably negotiate them down, perhaps even below $100. (After that, they realize that you're just playing them, and you actually do have to cancel your service, and do without cable, television and Internet a while, to get a better deal - too much inconvenience afaic.)

**mr. scrooge** · 03-11-2013, 03:23 PM

thanks for the input. im not giving up on this. im shore im paying to much and have simple been somewhat intimadated but that has to change. I will keep all informed.

**mr. scrooge** · 03-11-2013, 04:00 PM

UPDATE. I just cancelled my verizon broadband "protection pac enhanced" AND SAVED $19.99 PER MONTH!

My contract with verizon is up next month and Im wandering what sort of charges I should negotiate with them. Im thing the $19.99 dvr service or the $7.99 box top rental? Any other ideas? My contract is up next month and I want a better deal. this is kinda fun and thanks!!

**disneysteve** · 03-11-2013, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by mr. scrooge View Post

UPDATE. I just cancelled my verizon broadband "protection pac enhanced" AND SAVED $19.99 PER MONTH!

My contract with verizon is up next month and Im wandering what sort of charges I should negotiate with them. Im thing the $19.99 dvr service or the $7.99 box top rental? Any other ideas? My contract is up next month and I want a better deal. this is kinda fun and thanks!!

Find out if there is anything that you are renting that you could buy instead. I'll hang my head in shame and admit that I've been renting a cable modem from Comcast for $7/month. I went on Amazon a week ago and bought a used one for $14. So instead of paying Comcast $84 plus tax, I spent $14 once. After only 3 months, I'll be ahead.

**mans442** · 03-11-2013, 06:10 PM

I was paying over $180 per month for Comcast bundle about a year ago. I dropped the phone service and purchased a Ooma (ooma.com) Voice over Internet box as a replacement. The basic service is free and they will port your existing number for a fee. I also found out that you can call Comcast and ask for the economy digital cable and economy broadband. These services are not advertised. The Baud rate is a bit slower, but no issues watching HD movies or playing XBox games. I just don't do them all at once.

New total outlay with changes is about $95.00. Sure, I don't get some channels I like, but there are still plenty of options (over 50 total cable and local channels, HD, etc).

Jason

**JoeP** · 03-12-2013, 05:08 AM

My unscientific observation: Someone might be 100% satisfied with their current situation, but if an offer is perceived positively, little thought goes into the potential liabilities such as cost, contract, and extra equipment. Rather, the "end state" is envisioned and with little research, a commitment is made.

It is also human nature, I believe, to want more yet be resistant to having things taken away. So when the promotion ends, one can understand reluctance in giving up or even scaling back a premium feature or device.

We found success in starting at nothing (no cell phone, no pay TV, no broadband) and then build up requirements based on first what we really need, and then optionally what we want. We found that very small adjustments keep our happiness level around 95% with cutting our costs about 95%.

getting a better deal from verizon