The average American currently spends on average $100 each month on internet and cable. They also pay about $60 per month, on average, for internet access.
Are you tired of spending more than $100 per month on cable and internet service? If so, bundling these two together can help you save a lot of money. The key, though, is to find the right bundling package.
Read on for some tips that will help you find the best TV and internet bundle in 2020.
What Should You Consider When Choosing TV Internet Bundles?
When you’re shopping around for the best TV/internet bundle for you, there’s a lot you need to keep in mind. Be sure to consider the following factors before you decide to work with a specific internet or TV provider.
Customer Service
Some cable and internet service companies are known for having abysmal customer service. Consider this when you think about choosing a particular company.
Sure, they might be able to offer you a good deal, but are you willing to work with their poor customer service practices in the event that you need help?
Some people don’t mind if it gets them a lower monthly bill. However, it is up to you to decide when choosing your internet provider.
TV Bundles Package Availability
Look carefully at each package that’s available before making a decision. This will help you ensure you’re choosing one that provides everything your family needs and wants. You’ll be less likely to spend a lot of money on unnecessary extras, too.
Cost Savings
Consumers can save a lot of money when they bundle their internet and cable plans. Take note of how much you’ll be saving with each package option compared to your existing internet connection and cable bills.
Look for the package that provides you with the most significant savings while still providing you with the internet and TV package you need and want.
Features
What kind of add-on features does each plan come with?
Does a certain bundle provide you with access to the channel lineup that you’ve been wanting but couldn’t previously afford? Does it come with other bonuses like faster internet speeds, double play, DVR, or the ability to watch certain movies and TV shows on-demand?
Will you be set up with certain streaming services or premium channels like ESPN, ShowTime, STARZ, HBO, and Cinemax? Can you add your home phone service in there as well if needed?
Usage
If a bundle provides a lot of features that are valuable to you, it might be the right option to invest in. At the same time, though, it’s important, to be honest, and realistic about your usage.
Will you actually watch those extra channels? Will you make use of the On-Demand and DirecTV features? Do internet speeds matter to you?
If you don’t think you need high-speed internet, DVR, or other features, don’t spend money on the package that offers them. There might be a cheaper one that meets your needs just fine.
Additional Fees
In some cases, there are extra fees associated with an internet and TV service bundle that aren’t disclosed right away. For example, you might need to pay installation fees, or the listed price might be a promotional price that only lasts for a few months. Pay careful attention to the fine print before agreeing to one package over another to ensure you don’t end up paying more than you should.
Contracts
Speaking of fine print, go over the contract with care before you sign anything. Does this service provider have a money-back guarantee?
Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into and take note of whether or not there’s an early termination fee that you might have to pay if you cancel early. This will also save you from running into unpleasant surprises later.
Consider looking into no-contract plans, as well, so you shouldn’t have to worry about cancellation fees.
How Can You Negotiate a Better Cable and Internet Deal?
Everyone wants to find cheap cable and internet bundles. What they don’t always realize, though, is that some negotiation is often required to get the lowest prices.
If you don’t find a cable or internet service bundle that works for you right away, don’t give up hope. Instead, try negotiating with the provider by using these strategies:
Assess Your Status as a Customer
Start by getting clear on what makes you valuable as a customer. Do you always pay your bills on time? Have you been working with a particular company for a long time?
If you can answer “yes” to both of these questions, you’re in a great position to negotiate.
Know Your Options
Make sure you know about the different options available to you from different internet and TV providers. If you have a clear understanding of the different packages they’re offering as a returning or new customer, it’ll be easier for you to use this information to your advantage when you start negotiating.
Talk to a Customer Retention Representative
If you’re hoping to negotiate a better bundle price from the provider you’re already working with, ask to speak to a customer retention rep. Their job is to get you to stay with the company instead of moving over to someone else, so they’re in the best position to meet your demands and help you get the price you want.
Be Polite but Persistent
When speaking to a customer retention rep or customer service rep, be polite but persistent as there is no reason to make threats over bundle deals.
Be clear about what you want, though, whether it’s faster download speeds or better Wi-Fi capabilities, and don’t back down if you hear “no” at first. Keep your eyes on the prize and think about that vacation you’re saving for.
Be Willing to Commit
Whether you’re talking to Comcast Xfinity, CenturyLink, Verizon Fios or Spectrum TV, customer retention and customer service reps will be much more inclined to work with you if you’re willing to commit to their company.
If this interests you, make it clear that you’ll sign a contract and agree to a particular price if they can work with you when it comes to negotiating down your monthly bill to a more reasonable rate. This can make all the difference and help you get the price you want.
Find the Best TV and Internet Bundle Today
As you can see, there are lots of strategies you can use to find the top cable providers and internet bundles this year.
If you’re ready to start saving money without sacrificing your entertainment and internet access, put these tips to the test today. Now that you know what to look for when finding the best TV and internet bundles, you’ll have a much easier time narrowing down your search and choosing an option that works for you and your family.
Once you switch up your TV and internet plans, you’ll be able to save a lot of money each month. Are you looking to keep even more cash in your bank account, though? If so, be sure to check out this article for more ways that you can reduce personal debts and lower your bills in 2020.
