Signs it's time to switch cable providers and save money
Not sure if you should be looking for a new cable or satellite provider? Here are some signs that it might be time.
Once the promotional period ends with your cable or satellite provider and you're no longer receiving a good deal, you should start evaluating your other options. That's obvious.
But did you know there are other signs and opportunities to look out for to help you lower your TV costs?
Before you decide to suck it up and continue to pay a high price with your TV provider, check out these additional signs that suggest it's time for you to switch providers and save.
#1 - You Recently Moved
Did you recently move to a new city or neighborhood? If so, it might be good to start fresh with a new TV provider as well.
That's because providers vary by neighborhood, so you may be able to score lower prices with a new provider, says Jon Lal, founder of the consumer-savings website, BeFrugal.com. So, even if your current provider offers service in your new location, you don't have to stick with what you know.
In fact, considering your new options could be a cost-effective move.
To start, you may be able to reap the benefits of promotions that are catered to new customers. For example, typical discounts when signing up with a new provider often include one or more months of free service, a gift card, and a discount on monthly service, according to David Bakke, editor at the personal finance site, moneycrashers.com.
What's more, switching to a provider in your new location could be smart if your current provider charges a fee to transfer service to your new residence. And unfortunately, Lal says this charge is common.
"With some cable companies, you may need to pay a fee to your current provider to transfer your service," explains Lal.
So once you've settled into your new home, do some research and see what providers are available in your new area.
[Do you want to save money on your TV bill? Click to compare rates from providers in your area.]
#2 - A New Provider is Offering Service in Your Neighborhood
If a new provider is headed to your area, it's a blessing. That's because when cable and satellite companies have competition, they're more inclined to lower prices and offer perks to win you over.
"Due to increased competition and options, consumers have more choices than ever before," says Teri Gault, founder and CEO of The Grocery Game, a money-saving website.
Bakke agrees, adding that when a provider comes to a new area, they almost always have a fantastic teaser offer to attract new customers.
"AT&T U-verse came to my neighborhood several years ago, and when a friend of mine signed up, he received a free month of service, a $50 gift card, an excellent introductory rate for cable TV, and six free months of HBO," says Bakke.
How can you find out when a new provider is offering service in your area? Oftentimes, the provider will start promoting service in your area via snail mail and flyers. You can also check to see if a provider is offering service in your area by simply checking their website.
Before you rush to switch providers, however, make a list of the programs you absolutely cannot live without, recommends Gault.
"You may be able to knock an extra $10 or more off your bill by switching providers, but you want to be sure you don't downgrade your experience in the process," says Gault.
[Are there new providers in your area? Click to shop around and compare TV packages in your area.]
#3 - You Got a New Job
If you just started working for a new company, find out if they offer special deals or discounts on cable or satellite service. If they do, it could add up to big savings, according to Bakke.
"The employee discounts of many cable providers are usually rather significant," says Bakke.
How do you get the discount?
"You'll usually need an email address provided by your employer to get the discount, although if you don't have one, there are ways to get the discount by providing proof of employment to the provider," according to Bakke.
One word of caution: "Be sure to factor in what other charges may apply, such as set-up fees or renting equipment from the provider," Lal says.
Lal says you should also ask whether the employee discount can be applied towards promotional deals such as a triple-play bundle, for example.
