MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has revealed that Virgin Media customers could be in line for automatic discounts while they’re left on hold.
If they’re calling up after a price cut, before they even get the chance to question their own tariff, some customers are being offered automated discounts off the bat.
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Virgin Media announced a price hike earlier this month that would see broadband, TV and phone bills for millions rise by an extra £56 a year on average.
The hikes are due to come into force from March 1, so there’s not long before many customers will be forced to fork out more.
Lots of people are looking for any way they can slash their bills, especially after they started receiving emails stating exactly how much more they’d have to pay – and for many it’s around £4 or £5 a month extra.
So some customers have taken to the phone lines to haggle down their prices or switch to new tariffs.
But what they’re met with is an automated message revealing that they could get money back.
Customers shared the surprising offers they received on Twitter.
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One said: “Virgin Media now giving automated discounts on the phone before there’s a chance to ask for it!”
Another said: “The automated service offered me £4, which is what the March price increase is.”
But there’s no guarantee it works for everyone and Virgin Media hasn’t confirmed that customers are assured a discount during their wait time.
The team at MoneySavingExpert though, have spotted a host of customers sharing how they managed to save even more if they stuck around to speak to a person instead.
One said: “I’ve just saved £211.50 over next 18 months!
“Virgin initially offered an automated telephone discount of the price rise (£5.75) – I proceeded to wait to speak to someone in retentions… I was going to pay £63.75 in March – but I’m now paying £52.”
The savings experts explained that you shouldn’t just accept the first offer if it is made.
You could be in with the chance of making a bigger saving if you get the opportunity to speak to someone and explain your financial situation, or the research you’ve done on competitors, and more.
MoneySavingExpert even reports that Virgin Media is the easiest firm to haggle, as 83% of customers who tried it had success, according to a poll conducted.
You have to make sure you get in contact with Virgin Media though, if you want to see some pennies drop off your account.
The refunds will only start to come in once you ask, so sitting back and waiting may mean you miss out.
But it wouldn’t be the first time the money mogul himself has helped fans wind down their payments.
One Martin Lewis fan explained how they saved £680 on their Virgin Media bill with a simple negotiation trick.
Even if you’re not a Virgin Media customer it can be worth ringing up and questioning your tariff as your contract comes to an end.
Be mindful that you can only do this as your time is nearly up, otherwise you could find you have to pay a hefty exit fee on top.
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