Is it possible to haggle with cell phone companies?

ManBearPig

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2000
9,173
6
81
Or should i not even try? We've been with them since they were ATT...then cingular...and now ATT again. Our contract is close to up, and my mom is thinking about switching carriers, but wants to see if they'll throw in anything for us at all (rate plan wise).

So, is this possible? It seems like the people at the retail stores are machines and just spit out memorized lines, heh.
 

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
What is there to haggle??? They have their set prices and that's it. This isn't like cable tv or phone landline.
 

Wonderful Pork

Golden Member
Jul 24, 2005
1,531
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Originally posted by: zerocool84
What is there to haggle??? They have their set prices and that's it. This isn't like cable tv or phone landline.

Thats not entirely an accurate statement. I know for sure with Sprint there is (or was, back in 2007) their "retentions" line. You could haggle some outstanding deals if you got the right rep in a good mood.

I'm sure if you're a good enough customer and you're calling to cancel they could direct you to such a department. The worst they can say is no.

EDIT: This is NOT from a retail store though, you need to call in to customer care.
 

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
Originally posted by: Wonderful Pork
Originally posted by: zerocool84
What is there to haggle??? They have their set prices and that's it. This isn't like cable tv or phone landline.

Thats not entirely an accurate statement. I know for sure with Sprint there is (or was, back in 2007) their "retentions" line. You could haggle some outstanding deals if you got the right rep in a good mood.

I'm sure if you're a good enough customer and you're calling to cancel they could direct you to such a department. The worst they can say is no.

EDIT: This is NOT from a retail store though, you need to call in to customer care.

Well I know for Sprint if you're a credit union customer or aol accout like aim then you can get 10% off.
 

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
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Don't listen to zerocool... it's entirely possible for them to attach discounts on their services if they so choose. I would try calling them and asking if they would do anything as you plan on switching carriers if prices don't change. Sometimes they offer better discounts on phones and such if you threaten to leave, but a discount on a plan is possible.

Just call ATT and ask. If not, then switch.
 
Feb 19, 2001
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My gf's parents have some weird family plan. It's definitely not standard and they pay a lot less than the standard prices. It's doable.
 

saltyvinegar

Junior Member
Jun 4, 2009
10
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If you contact customer care and try to cancel they will direct you to their "save" department and work with you on better price/plans. AT&T is commited to keeping customers as I did work for them briefly in customer service.
 

ManBearPig

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2000
9,173
6
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i wonder if i can email them, its always such a pain in the ass to call, although im sure i will end up doing that. they didnt seem to budge at the retail store.

 

i910crazy

Junior Member
Jun 6, 2009
2
0
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All carriers have retention departments. You are unlikely to get to them by email, so you're going to get on the phone. The key is to recognize what you are worth to them. Most folks have a somewhat exaggerated view of what kind of profit the company makes off of a particular customer. And it's somewhat relative. For instance, AT&T and Verizon might charge more for comparable plans than US Cellular, but they invest a lot more in their network each year. So if a customer is paying $39.99 a month and asking for a deal to keep them from leaving, there isn't going to be a lot of margin to work with. Same goes for 3 phones sharing a $79.98 plan. Generally, the higher your monthly access each month, the more motivated they are going to be to cut a deal to keep you. Best plan is to get to the retention department, tell them that you've had some cellular companies suggesting they have some nifty promotional offers and you were thinking about them, but you were kinda looking for a reason to maintain your long term relationship with your current carrier. Let them suggest an offer and you might come up with something nice.

Of course, this does not apply if they can look at your account history and see that you've called in for hundreds of dollars in credits or exchanged 14 phones. Then you'll be hearing the sad tones of, "We're sorry to see you go. Good luck with your new service provider."
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
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If the sales rep doesnt get a commission I dont see why he would give a rats ass.
I agree about getting in touch with the retention people, and done be suprised if you find out you arent special.