Sky TV - Haggling

[jb7]

Anyone ever have a good haggle with Sky TV regarding the cost of your package? Just finished another round of negotiations with the Sky Loyalty team and got my bill reduced by 40%. Of course, they still won because they're still getting an extra €2 off me since my last round of negotiations 9 months ago, but they gave me a 12 month deal which means I don't have to go back and forth with them again until this time next year.

Be warned - some of the loyalty reps are real Delboys... they'll keep you on the line for up to an hour if they can and if they feel they can get on top of you in the mind-wars you'll end up signing up for additional services (telephone, broadband, HD etc) and in the long run paying more.

My approach nowadays is (in the nicest possible way) -

• I'm really busy, need to get back to work, lets keep this short
  • Partially true, but being honest I really just don't have the interest for long winded negotiations
• I don't really use the TV package that much and don't find it good value at full price
  • Very True
• I have a ballpark figure that I'm willing to pay, anymore and it doesn't bother me if I cancel
  • Partially true, I do have a figure, but I like having the TV stations around and would miss them if they were gone
• I have a couple of years backlog of shows on DVD and Internet subscriptions like Netflix
  • Partially true, I have a load of shows but no Internet subscriptions

You can of course come up with other things like financial woes etc. Long story short, be in control and don't let them think you're desperate. They're putting up their costs all the time and it can get really expensive. Don't be afraid to sacrifice the second Sky Box or a few channels if you really want to bring down your cost, but don't do this without them giving you a good discount also.

Last time around, I actually had the service turned off for a week before they came back and made a counter-offer that I deemed acceptable. The internet is killing them, so they have to work hard to keep your sheckles flowing into their bank account.

Long story short - don't pay full price, don't be afraid to haggle.

 

[flobberdob]

Can you come round to our house and negotiate our rent review with the future mother in law?
Would love to see you engage in some mind wars!

 

[jb7]

Ha... a roof over your head and tv channels... one is pretty much essential, the other a mere luxury.

Add to that money matters combined with relatives/in-laws/friends... never a good mix.

 

[flobberdob]

I've binned Sky off, got kodi for films and TV and the pub for sport.

 

[Rowlers]

I've been meaning to phone Sky for ages... They phoned me earlier this week because I had showed interest in Sky Q and had not signed up. Long story short, Sky Q Silver, for 18 month no setup fee, no extra monthly cost. Happy!

 

[jb7]

The old man got a good deal on Sky HD with them the last time he called for a haggle. To be honest, the HD looks fantastic, especially for footie, rugby and GAA games... I was hoping they might throw an offer my way today but I'm probably classed as a Bronze customer on their system by now.

 

[Rowlers]

Seriously DO NOT bother with Sky Q - it is the most unreliable, flaky POS I have ever used. 2 reboots so far and I've only had it 5 hours. Will be getting removed tomorrow and I'll go back to Sky+HD. Complete and utter TURD...