The reply is straightforward: Ask for it.
It sounds almost too easy. Over time, I’ve built a habit of routinely contacting my service providers and vendors to snag discounts and savings I would otherwise miss out on.
With a single call this spring, I saved $414 on my family’s cell phone service. I also discovered how to receive 20% off each time I eat at one of my preferred restaurants.
Cutting my monthly expenses just by asking feels a lot like uncovering free cash!
Follow these steps to give it a try yourself.
1. Call Every Company That Bills You
You might be amazed at how many suppliers bill you regularly. Cable and internet, mobile carriers, insurance companies, subscription software, lawn care services … the list can be long.
If you don’t already have a list, review your credit card and bank statements and create one. This becomes your target list.
If you’ve ever rung your cable company, you’ve probably wasted time on hold. I use Fast Customer, an app that calls many companies for you and connects you once someone picks up. No more endless waiting!
2. Request the Best Offer
Once you’re connected to a rep, try saying, “Hi, I’ve been a customer for [number of] years, and I want to make sure I’m on the best price for my service.”
Then be patient. Let the representative lead the conversation.
They’ll first verify your current plan and rates. Companies frequently update pricing and launch new promotions to stay competitive, so simply asking for the best deal is often the quickest route to getting it.
When businesses roll out lower rates for newcomers, they don’t always notify longstanding customers. It’s up to you to ask.
Recently, I trimmed $70 a month off my phone bill because my carrier introduced new plans.
3. Probe for Offers
If the initial approach doesn’t yield results, you may need to dig a bit deeper. Ask these kinds of questions and you’ll likely uncover savings:
Ask About Any Current Promotions
“I noticed an ad about a new promotion you’re running … can you tell me more?”
It doesn’t matter whether you actually saw an ad on TV, in a magazine, on the company’s site — or a competitor’s marketing. The goal is to ask about promotions and have the rep outline current offers.
Ask Them to Match a Competitor
“[Competitor name] keeps sending me offers that look very appealing. I don’t want to switch, so is there anything you can do to keep my business?”
This is a strong lever, and many customer service agents will present offers only when a customer hints at leaving.
Ask for a Specific Discount
“Do you offer a reduction for pre-paying, or for paying by cash?”
Local providers, in particular, are often willing to extend discounts for favorable payment arrangements. If you have the funds to pay early, grab the savings!
Ask About Membership Discounts
“Do you provide discounts for any organizations or clubs?”
Being a member of AAA has saved me more than once.
Also check whether the company’s gift cards are sold at a warehouse club for less, like at Sam’s Club or Costco. For instance, I purchase restaurant gift cards at Costco for about 20% off.
And if you’re looking for ways to cut monthly bills by 1045, these membership and gift card strategies can add up quickly.
4. If They Won’t Discount, Ask for Extras
If the representative can’t lower your rate, they may be able to give you additional perks at the same price.
Here are a few possibilities:
Request Free Trials or Upgrades
“Is there anything extra you can offer? Any trial access to premium features?”
For example, nearly every time I call DirecTV, I walk away with a three-month HBO trial. With local companies, staff might not be authorized to cut prices but can sometimes grant upgrades or one-off promotions.
Ask for Timing Tips
“Do you have certain times of the year when you run promotions, so I can call back then?”
Many businesses have seasonal deals, and reps can tell you when to reach out to take advantage of them.
Ask for a Billing Date Change
“Could you move my payment due date later in the month?”
Shifting a bill date is not always possible, but if it can be done it effectively gives you a short extension on payment — like a couple extra weeks of service before the payment is due.
5. If You Land a Deal, Maximize It
This step is crucial. If you’re approved for a lower rate or a new plan, ask whether they can apply a credit for prior months (or several past months) when the new deal was available.
That way, you collect every cent they’re willing to give you.
These credits can add up fast and typically appear on your account as account credits, temporarily lowering your monthly bills substantially.
Why Not Give It a Shot?
Using this method, I spend less than an hour on the phone every few months and consistently come away with savings or perks.
I’ve secured faster internet, a cheaper mobile plan, free shipping, extra TV channels, account credits toward future purchases and thousands of dollars in discounts.
All it takes is asking.
Aaron Davishelps business owners cut through chaos and get things done so they have more time for what matters. As a teen he launched a nationwide video production business that generated millions in sales. Visit his site for additional productivity tips!
