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Imagine enjoying the same services you currently enjoy, such as cable, cell phone, Internet, etc., while paying a lower amount. It would be an ideal situation. And luckily, you can make it happen by negotiating with those companies.

Many people don’t know that bill negotiation is a thing, but it certainly is. And if you need proof, here are a few examples:

Cable Bills

Cable companies know that customers are looking to cut the cord since so many other entertainment options are now available. To retain those customers, such companies are now willing to negotiate bills in the following ways:

• Eliminating channels – Chances are, you don’t watch most of the channels in your lineup. Call customer service and let them know you’re looking to cut costs. Ask them how to eliminate channels to lower your bill, and they’ll let you know your options.
• Analyze your service – Has the quality of service declined recently? If you’ve been a loyal customer for some time, you can comment on how the picture has suffered, cable has gone out, and other ways in which your expectations weren’t met. You can then leverage this into a discount, especially if you threaten to change providers.
• Try to bundle – By combining your cable service with Internet and a phone line, you can save on each. Companies usually give great discounts to new bundle customers too. Just make sure that you’re aware of any eventual price increases, especially after the first year.

Cell Phone Bills

Prepaid carriers have led to fierce competition, as they can offer lower monthly payments with similar levels of service as the “big boys.” While moving towards prepaid is an easy way to lower your cell phone bill, you can negotiate with your current company by doing the following:

• Trimming the fat – Give your cell phone bill a closer look. Are there any services you could cut back on, such as talk, text, data, etc.? If so, let the provider know so they can put you in a better plan.
• Increase your lines – Putting other family members on your plan can lead to a lower cost per line. Having them separate is incredibly costly and also inconvenient if you live under the same roof.
• Switch to autopay – This is a simple way to trim a few monthly bucks off each line.
• Check your insurance – If you have a premium protection plan on an older phone, it may not be worth the hassle.

Internet Bills

You’ll be hard-pressed to live a comfortable life without Internet, so use these negotiating tips to pay less for your service:

• Check the competition – Are there competing Internet service providers in your area? If so, use this to your advantage with the next tip.
• Threaten to cancel – If you’re not happy with paying top dollar when competitors offer similar service for less, ask the company what they’ll do to keep you as a customer.
• Don’t listen to the first agent – If the first customer service agent you speak to says they can’t help lower your bill, keep calling to speak with others. And if none can give you what you want, ask to speak to a supervisor.