I hate conflict because I am an introvert.
If a waiter brings me the wrong food, I will eat it. If someone cuts in line, I stare at my shoes. So, the idea of calling my internet company to ask for a discount? It made me want to throw up.
I imagined the person on the other end would laugh at me. “You want a discount? Ha! Who do you think you are?”
So for years, I just paid the bill. The price went up by $10? I paid it. The price went up by $20? I paid it. I was paying the “Introvert Tax.”
But one day, I saw a bill that was double what my neighbour was paying. That made me mad enough to pick up the phone. And guess what? I didn’t die. In fact, I saved $400 in ten minutes.
Here is the secret that changed my life. Companies are desperate.
It costs a company a lot of money (advertising, sales calls) to find a new customer. It costs them almost nothing to keep an old customer (You).
They have a special department called “Retention.” These people have one job. Don’t let you leave. They have a secret bucket of money and discounts that they can give you, but only if you ask.
If you don’t ask, they keep the money. If you ask, you get the money.
You don’t need to be a lawyer. You just need a script.
Step 1: Be Nice. Start the call with kindness. The person on the phone is used to being screamed at. If you are nice, they will want to help you.
- Say: “Hi! How is your day going? I hope it’s not too busy.”
Step 2: The “I’m Sad” Statement. Don’t say “I demand a discount!” Say you are sad about the price.
- Say: “I’ve been a loyal customer for 3 years and I really love your service. But I looked at my bill this month and $80 is just too much for my budget right now. I saw that [Competitor Name] is offering the same thing for $50.”
Step 3: The Magic Question. This is the most powerful sentence in negotiation.
- Say: “Is there anything you can do to help me lower this rate?”
Then… SHUT UP. Do not speak. Wait. Let the silence hang there. They will usually type for a minute and say, “Well, I can offer you a discount…”
You can’t negotiate everything (Netflix probably won’t listen to you). But you can negotiate almost anything that has a contract or a monthly bill.
- Internet / Cable: ALWAYS negotiable. Call them every year when your “promo” expires.
- Cell Phone: Ask for extra data or a loyalty discount.
- Car Insurance: Call them and say, “I’m thinking of switching to Geico.” Watch how fast they lower your rate.
- Gym Memberships: If you pay for a year upfront, they will often give you a month for free.
- Medical Bills: If you have a big hospital bill, call the billing department. Ask if they have a “Cash Pay Discount” if you pay it all today. They often knock off 20-30%.
Sometimes, they say “No.” They say: “I’m sorry, that is the full price.”
Now you have to use your superpower: The Cancellation Date.
- Say: “I understand. In that case, I think I need to cancel my service. What is the process for that?”
This triggers a red alert on their screen. They might transfer you to a “Senior Specialist.” This person has the real discounts. Suddenly, they might find a “Special Manager’s Coupon” just for you.
Note: Only do this if you are actually willing to switch companies! But 90% of the time, they won’t let you go.
It’s Just a Game
After I hung up the phone that first time, I felt like I had just won a boxing match. I saved $40 a month. That is $480 a year.
That is a vacation. That is a new TV. That is my money.
Negotiating isn’t about being mean. It’s about business. They are trying to get the most money from you and you are trying to keep the most money for yourself.
It is just a game. And now that you know the rules, you can win.
So, look at that pile of bills on your desk. Pick the biggest one. Take a deep breath. Be nice. Ask the Magic Question.
