How I Lowered My Comcast Bill: Just Ask

Lots of lies I could tell were rolling through my head before I contacted Comcast to get my $130+ monthly bill lowered.

-I just lost my job and it's hard to pay my bills.
-I'm thinking of switching to satellite and DSL (yuck, I would never).
-Verizon is offering fiber-optic Internet access for only 45 bucks per month.
-My neighbor showed me his bill and he only pays $70 for the same service.
-My wife says that the bill is too expensive and wants me to cancel.

I researched the topic for a little bit on Google and noticed a lot of people doing the same thing recently. About 65% of the people who called Comcast came back saying that they actually received a discount. Most of them claimed that they had threatened to switch to another provider, but a few said that they just asked.

So, I did just that. I hopped on Comcast's 24/7 live chat support and asked if I could get my bill reduced through a discount or promotion. Sure enough, the technician replied back that there was a promotional offer going on in my area. I was paying $131.63 for cable and Internet, and now I am going to pay $67.46, plus taxes. That's a savings of about $64 per month! The crappy thing is that the promotion lasts for only six months, but that's still a savings of $384. Nothing changes in my plan and there's no additional charges.

Here is the transcript from my chat:

user Cameron_ has entered room

Cameron(Fri May 29 13:56:04 PDT 2009)>Having trouble being able to afford Comcast bill for cable and Internet. Would like to lower the cost through a discount or promotion. Thank you.

analyst J has entered room

J (Fri May 29 13:57:32 PDT 2009)>Hello Cameron_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Jonel . Please give me one moment to review your information.

J (Fri May 29 13:57:33 PDT 2009)>I will be more than happy to assist you today.

J (Fri May 29 13:57:39 PDT 2009)>In order for me to assist you further, can you please provide me the complete account number or the last four digits of the social security number listed on the account.

Cameron_(Fri May 29 10:57:59 PDT 2009)>Sure, my last four: XXXX.

J (Fri May 29 13:58:27 PDT 2009)>One moment, please.

Let me pull up your account.

Cameron_(Fri May 29 10:58:40 PDT 2009)>Thank you.

J (Fri May 29 13:58:50 PDT 2009)>You're welcome!

J (Fri May 29 13:59:55 PDT 2009)>Cameron, I have a good news for you.

J (Fri May 29 14:00:07 PDT 2009)>I have here the new promotional package for you.

Cameron_(Fri May 29 11:00:36 PDT 2009)>Great.

J (Fri May 29 14:01:54 PDT 2009)>Digital preferred $16.99
Basic cable $19.99-6 months
Protection plan $0.99
HD box $6.50
Internet $19.99/month -6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
total $67.46 plus taxes

J (Fri May 29 14:02:14 PDT 2009)>Would you like to take advantage of this promotions?

J (Fri May 29 14:02:27 PDT 2009)>This is for 6 months.

Cameron_(Fri May 29 11:02:34 PDT 2009)>Wow... so that's basically what I have now at a discounted price? Nothing changes?

J (Fri May 29 14:02:45 PDT 2009)>There will be no changes in your services, only the price.

Cameron_(Fri May 29 11:03:12 PDT 2009)>Great, yes, please sign me up for this.

J (Fri May 29 14:03:19 PDT 2009)>alright.

J (Fri May 29 14:03:21 PDT 2009)>adding it now.

J (Fri May 29 14:04:15 PDT 2009)>promotions has been added.

J (Fri May 29 14:04:18 PDT 2009)>Here is the confirmation number:

J (Fri May 29 14:04:19 PDT 2009)>10001XXXXXXXXXXX

J (Fri May 29 14:04:21 PDT 2009)>Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Cameron_(Fri May 29 11:04:39 PDT 2009)>That was it. Thank you very much J. You have been very helpful!

J (Fri May 29 14:04:40 PDT 2009)>Please expect that your bill next month will have partial rate charges.

J (Fri May 29 14:04:46 PDT 2009)>You're welcome!

J (Fri May 29 14:04:49 PDT 2009)>before you go.

J (Fri May 29 14:04:51 PDT 2009)>We strive to exceed your expectations and hope that you will take a moment to complete the 3 question survey that will follow our interaction, your feedback will help us to continue improving how we serve you..”

Cameron_(Fri May 29 11:04:56 PDT 2009)>Great. Thank you.

Cameron_(Fri May 29 11:04:57 PDT 2009)>Bye.

See? It pays to be honest and just ask for a discount. What's the worst they can do? Tell you no? So what? Hang up and try again another day. Also, don't forget to be overly polite like I was. These people probably have to deal with irate customers all the time and I'm sure they're always happy to help those who show them some kindness and manners. I really think Comcast has improved over the years. Their support is fast and friendly, their techs seem to know what they're actually talking about, and the service is good. I hear lots of complaints about them, but I don't really have too many here. Then again, I did just get a discount. ^_^

I must note that while this worked for me, it might not work for you. I've read comments from lots of people who said the technicians would not give them anything at all. A promotion may not be running in your area at the time you call (This worked for me in the Seattle area, but I doubt there is an actual promotion going on and they just wanted to retain me as a customer.). Try mentioning a competitor's rates, discounts, or promotions and threaten to cancel. During these tougher economic times, I think Comcast and other cable/satellite/Internet providers would much rather make $65/month than $0/month from you.