Here in Canada we are ruled by only a few wireless service carriers. Namely these fall into the “big three” otherwise known as: Rogers (also bought out Fido Mobile), Bell (also in May 2009 bought out Virgin Mobile), and Telus (also carrier of Koodo Mobile)… UH… can you say MONOPOLY?? These guys have been fighting head to head with each other, to keep prices of contracts up. I was paying $40-50 a month for my measly serviced cell phone bill back in 2004 (I was constantly over in talk time, thus getting dinged a 25 cents per minute) until I one day I called in to complain. I think I fluked it by calling when my contract was up (unbeknowst to me at the time, it was when I was un-edumacated in personal finance still).
I called back then and said I didn’t like how much I was paying. The CSR (customer service rep) then told me that they can reduce my bill and increase what I was getting (e.g. minutes, texts, free long distance). I was like “what??” why had I NOT done this earlier?? I could have saved so much cashola! I had reduced my monthly bill (and was getting more bang for my buck) to $28 a month- never over.
Ever since then, I’ve been getting good deals on contracts for mr. youngandthrifty, my mom, my sisters, my friends…you could say that I’m addicted to the art of negotiation (on the phone– not so much in person cus I’m kinda shy).
First of all, you need to decide whether you want to be on a contract. Currently WIND Mobile has come into play and they are straight up no contracts, so you’re not tied down. They have very competitive rates (much to the Big Three’s dismay) without having to negotiate to get something you’re happy with.
If you’re down with signing up for a 1, 2, or 3 year contract then please continue reading.
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