8 Phone Calls That Will Save You Money
There are many ways to save money, people have begun to shop online, but sometimes you can save money by calling the company. You can save time and patience by asking for a stateside operator with most companies so you can understand what they are telling you.
Shopping online is undoubtedly convenient, but there are times when picking up the phone can save you some cash or, at the very least, score you a nice upgrade.
"Having that human element really helps," says Laura Oliver, a deal expert who runs AFrugalChick.com and who has scored plenty of deals just by making a phone call. "If you call and it's not working, hang up and call right back," she advises. "The phone lines are on a queue. You've got 15 to 20 other people you can try."
She also points out it doesn't have to be you who does the haggling for a better price.
"You probably have someone in your house that's your best negotiator," Oliver says, advising consumers to let that person make the call.
Negotiate a Lower Credit Card APR
For people with average-to-good credit, the annual percentage rates associated with a credit card aren't necessarily set in stone.
"Call your credit card company and say "Card X just sent me an offer for a card with 0% APR for a year and then a fixed rate of only 12%, which is much lower than the rate I'm currently paying you," says Derrick Kinney, a financial adviser who specializes in helping families.
He says you should ask your current issuer if they can match the competing rate and, if not, it makes financial switch to transfer your current balance to take advantage of their competitor's better offer.
"The fear of losing your business will usually make them match the offer," Kinney says.
Call Your Cable Provide
Similarly, Oliver suggests calling up your cable company to ask if they'll match a lower rate being offered by a local competitor.
"These providers are having a hard time in the recession," she says, and they are not alone.
She says this tactic can be used on any provider, such as a home phone company or newspaper subscription service, which are known to offer 90-day trial services that don't immediately lock you into a contract.
Those who live areas with more than one cable provider should check out this step-by-step guide to bargain for better cable.