stretchingmoneytoday

Bill negotiation scripts

What to have ready and what to say, word for word. Fill in the brackets, stay friendly, and write down the name, date and new price before you hang up.

Internet or cable

Have ready

  • Your current price and how long you've been a customer
  • The new-customer price for your plan
  • One competitor's price at your address

Say

“Hi, I've been a customer for [number] years. My bill recently went up to $[amount] a month and I'm reviewing my options.”

“I see new customers can get the same plan for $[amount], and [competitor] is offering $[amount] at my address.”

“I'd prefer to stay. What can you do to bring my bill closer to that?”

If the answer is no

“Could you check what promotions are available for existing customers?”

“Could you transfer me to the department that handles cancellations? I'm seriously considering switching.”

“Is there a lower speed tier that would bring the price down?”

Cell phone

Have ready

  • Your monthly bill and number of lines
  • How much data you actually use
  • A prepaid or smaller carrier's price for the same lines

Say

“Hi, I'm reviewing my phone bill. I'm paying $[amount] for [number] lines and we use about [number] GB a month.”

“Is there a plan that fits our usage better?”

“I'm also comparing [carrier], which would cost $[amount]. Can you get close to that?”

If the answer is no

“Can you remove the [insurance / add-on] from line [number]?”

“Are there any loyalty or autopay discounts I'm not getting?”

“What would it cost to move to your prepaid plan?”

Car or home insurance

Have ready

  • Your declarations page
  • Your renewal price and last year's price
  • At least one quote for the same coverage

Say

“Hi, my renewal came in at $[amount], up from $[amount]. Before I shop around, I wanted to check with you.”

“Can you review my policy for any discounts I'm not getting, like bundling, safe driver, low mileage or paying in full?”

“What would changing my deductible to $[amount] do to the price?”

If the answer is no

“I have a quote for $[amount] for the same coverage. Is there anything you can do?”

“Can you recheck my mileage and how I use the car?”

Credit card interest

Have ready

  • Your current APR and balance
  • Your payment history with the card
  • Any lower-rate offers you've received

Say

“Hi, I've had this card for [number] years and I always pay on time.”

“My interest rate is [rate]%, which is higher than offers I'm receiving.”

“Could you lower my APR?”

If the answer is no

“Is there a hardship program if I'm having trouble with payments?”

“Could you waive this late fee? It's the first time it's happened.”

Medical bill

Have ready

  • The bill and your insurer's Explanation of Benefits
  • An itemized bill
  • Your household income, if you'll ask about assistance

Say

“Hi, I'm calling about a bill for [date of service]. Could you send me an itemized bill?”

“I'd also like to apply for your financial assistance program. Can you send me the application?”

“If I don't qualify, is there a discount for paying in full, or an interest-free payment plan?”

If the answer is no

“I see a charge for [item] that I don't think I received. Can you check it?”

“Can you put the account on hold while I appeal with my insurer?”

General consumer information. Don't threaten to cancel unless you're ready to; the company may simply process it.