Re: Money-saving tip Amy, what did you say when you called to ask for lower monthly dues, etc with these accounts. That would be greatly helpful. Do you think I would have any chance of getting this to work as far as car insurance, cell phone, etc go? Thanks. -Matty
Re: Money-saving tip Hi Matty, Ooo! I didn't even think to call my cell phone company -- I would say you have leverage with anyone who you can walk away from -- if you're not in a longterm contract (or even if you are) and you can just go give your money to a competitor tomorrow, I would say so. With my isp I just said "I've been a customer for a long time and I was wondering if you could give me a few months free." They just said "sure." They also reversed my start-up charge of $100. Let them figure it out. When I called my isp the guy said "So, you're having problems with your service?" I said "no." He said "work with me here -- I can't reverse charges unless you say you're having problems!" Ha! I changed my cell phone number and they gave me a much better plan for the same rate I was paying -- I didn't even have to ask. Don't know w/car insurance, but I figure it's worth a phone call. Just tell them that you think you're a good customer, you're sure they'll agree and that you want your rate lowered -- that their competitor XXX co. offered you a cheaper deal. You can do it w/products too. I'm not a parent, but a girlfriend of mine got a defective box of diapers and called their 1-800 # to complain. They sent her some ridiculous amount of free coupons (not available to consumers normally.) Good luck! Amy www.datingamy.com
Re: Money-saving tip Warning, be careful with this: I don't know about other companies, but the one I work for (don't post it here please, don't know if they have a bot that searches for their name) has what amounts to a retention department. You work it just like credit card companies - don't be mean and threaten, just say you really like the company, been with us xx years, but this one thing really has you upset. Sometimes they can do something and sometimes they can't. They will probably pull your driving record, so don't do it if you have recent violations they may not have picked up - stay under the radar or you could end up with a negative result. Also, if you have any non-pay cancel/reinstatements, don't bother, they can't do it in those cases. Also, generally speaking, insurance rates themselves are not negotiable. However, they can review your standing, and if possible, based on your record, move you from standard to preferred, or tell you of a discount you could qualify for.
Re: Money-saving tip Good advice breeze. Yeah, I've never tried it with something like insurance where you're qualifying for a certain rate. How would calling to get a lower interest rate on your credit card affect your credit score? I've never done this, but I wonder if they make an inquiry to change your rate? It sounds like it's immediate when I've heard bout it being done. Amy www.datingamy.com
Re: Money-saving tip Not usually, but I recommend you post which card you want to negotiate with and ask if they pulled a hard inquriy before you call them. Also do a search for that card company - it might turn up older info that is useful. Saar and LKH know the ropes about getting rates lowered - they have posted some good tips.
