03 Feb 2010 Tell a Friend
It's time we started using our consumer clout! Put your negotiation skills to good use, and start demanding better deals - you could save hundreds each month. Remember, a smile works wonders even when you're negotiating over the phone.
Lower your Credit Card interest rate
Call up your credit card providers (use the free number that you'll usually find on the back of the card, or go on to saynoto0870.com for free versions of premium-rate numbers). Ask them if they could check to see if you qualify for a lower interest rate - there is no harm in asking, and the representative might move you straight away, especially if you are usually on time with your repayments and generally on good terms with your card provider.
If the representative is not prepared to lower your rate, mention that you have seen a lower interest rate with another card provider (it's worth doing some credit card comparison research first) and that you would like to transfer your balance over. Rather than losing you as a customer, they may then be persuaded to match this other rate or at least offer you something more competitive.
Get a new, improved mobile phone tariff
Coming to the end of your mobile phone contract? Now is the prime time to get a great deal. Mobile phone companies know how much you are worth to them over a lifetime, so they will do what they can to hang on to your business. First, check your phone bills from the last six months. Then ask yourself the following questions: How many minutes and texts do I use on average each month? Where are the additional charges coming from? Which handset would I want to upgrade to?
Then, work out which package would suit you best and how much you can actually afford to pay each month. Again, shop around to see what other mobile phone networks are offering. Phone up your provider and tell them that you have found a better deal elsewhere and would like to move. Give them the tariff and pricing details that you would like to move to, and they will more than likely match these for you. Try and avoid getting tied into an 18-month contract (this will usually be the trade-off for getting the best deals), because this means you're an awfully long time away from the next chance to improve your deal.