From getting better rates on existing services to dickering over those great promotional deals, making the right call can save you a nice chunk of change. Here are five phone calls you can't afford not to make.
1. Request a better deal on a service. How would you like to knock almost $900 a year off your cable TV bill? In one instance, it took just one phone call, says Linda Sherry, director of national priorities for Consumer Action. The question she asked was simple: Do you have any deals or promotions at a better rate? After digging around, the rep came up with a deal that would lower her bill from $130 to $58 -- all while still giving Sherry the channels she wanted.
2. Talk to the disconnection department. For deals on existing services like television, phone and Internet providers, sometimes the customer service department isn't the best option. Call the cancellation department, and say you've been a customer for a number of years and need a better rate.
3. Demand better services from your bank. Do you have no- or low-interest checking, or a savings account with a minuscule return? You could get it bumped up with a simple phone call.
4. Review your insurance. Got a birthday, wedding or graduation coming up? You might be entitled to a better rate on insurance.One expert says she counseled a new bride who mentioned that she and her husband had separate auto insurance policies. Putting two cars on one policy netted a multipolicy discount worth $93 a month. You can get insurance discounts for other things, such as taking a safe-driving course, sending a child to college, or adding safety equipment to your home, such as motion sensors for a pool.
5. Dismiss a fee -- or erase a demerit. Everyone screws up once in a while. You might get a do-over if the bank hits you with a one-time penalty. Call the bank or card issuer and admit your mistake, point out that you're not a regular offender, and say that you "would appreciate it if they would waive the fee," says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education for SmartCredit.com.
(Source: Yahoo! Finance)