How to haggle with companies and save THOUSANDS of pounds a year

WHETHER it's car insurance or broadband, haggling with companies can save you thousands of pounds a year.

It may seem uncanny for some but it's a proven tactic to lower bills – and anyone can do it.

According to a November poll by MoneySavingExpert, TV and broadband providers took four out of the top spots in the haggle rankings.

The poll, which had around 3,000 responses, found that 86% of Sky customers who haggled managed to get a lower bill, while 83% of RAC customers were successful too.

However, it's not just service providers that are worth haggling with.

Some shoppers successfully haggle in-store, while others barter with landlords and property sellers, or when they're on holiday abroad.

‘I save £1,000 a year by haggling’

ENTREPRENEUR Simon Paine, 46, reckons he saves around £1,000 a year by haggling with companies.

The co-founder of Rebel Business School said he “used to feel really uncomfortable asking for discounts”, but it all changed when he started his own business in 2012.

He told The Sun: “The money that we earn from our business, we’ve got to make sure it goes further. We almost have a duty to our future self.

“I realised I was missing opportunities to invest more money and save for my family.”

Now Simon, who’s separated but has three sons aged 18, 12 and five, goes through his regular bills at least once a year.

The savvy small business owner, who’s based in Leicester, said: “I start by going through the most expensive ones and ask myself, can I renegotiate any of these?

“I look at my mortgage, is it up for renewal and can I renegotiate it? If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

Examples of recent savings include £240 off his car insurance with Admiral.

The insurer wanted to hike it from £76 a month to £96 a month, but Simon questioned it and said: “That’s higher than I expect, what is the best price you can do?”

After five minutes on mute, Admiral came back and decided to match the previous price.

Simon has also saved £250 on his yearly energy bills by Southern Electric, simply by asking for the best tariff.

Plus, he once cut his car repair bill by £30 at Kwik Fit by asking if he could have a discount “because I’m a Southerner”.

Simon said: "Energy companies, insurance, mobile phone companies and most large businesses are all places where people can get discounts just by asking. 

“In my experience you never get the best price unless you ask for a discount. Always say 'please can I have a discount because…’ and then give them some reason."

“Getting a £15 discount off of something a month doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but over the course of the year, you've saved £180.

“You only need three or four of those, and suddenly you’ve made a £1,000 saving. That’s enough for a really nice family holiday.”

Don't be afraid to haggle

An increasing number of people are haggling with their bill providers, so it's worth giving it a go too.

The best deals are typically reserved to attract new customers, while many existing customers will have to barter to get similar cheap offers.

The worst thing that can happen is that you get rejected.

Tell them you want to leave

Firms value customer loyalty so if you're reaching the end of your contract tell them you're planning to move elsewhere.

A lot of the companies will have customer retention departments dedicated to keeping you on, so this is your opportunity to negotiate a better deal.

Remember, it’s often the party most willing to walk away that ends up with the deal they want.

Do you research, make it clear that you’re shopping around and also that you’d buy today at the right price.

Simon Paine, haggling expert and co-founder of Rebel Business School, told The Sun it's tough to negotiate if you only have one option.

He added: "If there are two providers – and if you are willing to walk away – it is amazing what you can get when you haggle for something."

Mention any problems you've had – but be polite

If you've come across any issues during your time with the company, it's worth bringing them up when you're trying to renegotiate.

They might offer you a new deal that will make up for these problems.

Just remember that haggling isn't about being confrontational or rude.

If you don't come across polite, you may halt your chances of securing a good deal.

Instead it's worth thinking of haggling as financial flirting – dazzle your way to the discount you want.

Pick the correct time

MoneySavingExpert has found that the best time to buy car or home insurance is three weeks before you want it to start.

It's also said the end of the month or financial quarter is a good time to try and renegotiate your contract.

Meanwhile, if you're haggling in-store at a car dealership once coronavirus restrictions allow, it's best to go at a quiet time, according to Simon Thornton, founder of Motor Source Group.

He told The Sun: "Going at a quiet time when there aren’t many other customers around will ensure they have time to negotiate.

"Equally, everyone in sales has targets to hit.

"These will usually be reviewed at the end of the month, so consider waiting until the end of the month to buy, as you will be more likely to be successfully with you negotiations. "

Don't settle for less

Try not to agree to the first offer they give you, as there's a chance they could give you something a little extra. For example free calls or roadside assistance.

The same applies if there's no movement on price – could you get more data or extra channels for the same monthly cost?

If you don't manage to strike a good deal the first time around, call back the next day and give it a go again.

Haggling online is easier

If you're able to, haggling online is often easier and removes the pressure of being face-to-face during negotiations.

It gives you time to consider your responses, meaning there's less of a risk that you'll say something that could scupper your chances.

A property expert has also revealed how to haggle down the price of your dream home.

We also share tips on how to haggle for extras and freebies on your new-build home.

Plus, we reveal what you should never say to a car dealer – and the top tips to make sure you get the best deal.

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Candace Owens tears into 'leftist narcissist' Meghan Markle
Next post Cheap UK spa days to book as venues plan to reopen from April 12 – with prices starting from just £45pp