subject: How Anyone Can Learn Who Has The Best Cable Deals [print this page] You may not be as astounded by the cost of monthly cable service as your parents are if you are not old enough to remember the days when television was free, but you should still be interested in getting the best cable TV packages and deals that are available. You may think there's little difference from one cable provider to another, but you could be saving hundreds of dollars each year and enjoying a wider variety of channels if you take the time to compare cable deals.
Do Your Research
Admittedly, it's a bit of a hassle, but you will be ready to do some serious comparison shopping if you save jot down all the deals you hear on the TV or radio and save all the cable or satellite-related fliers and coupons you receive in the mail for one month. At the end of the month sit down with a cup of coffee, roll up your shirt sleeves and sift through all of the data you've collected. You will have a clear picture of which is the best cable deal being offered in your area if you take the time to organize your findings. Just think of it as reconnaissance for the frugal warrior.
Compile Your Package
Once you understand what each company has to offer you can decide what type of cable package is best for you. It will be much easier to negotiate a price and stay within a budget if you know what channels and services you want before speaking with a cable company representative. Remember, it's the customer service representative's job to upsell when they can.
Divide and Conquer
Call, email and chat with each company's customer service online after you've narrowed the field. You may get different price quotes depending on which form of communication you use. Stay organized and write everything down. Do not be afraid to insist that the company honors the lowest quote. Remember to ask if there are any other options that may lower your monthly bill, such as discounts for seniors or service bundling.
Let Someone Else Do It
If this all sounds like way too much work to compare cable deals, take heart! There are companies that will do this for you. Online "cable find" companies work as detectives to find the best TV providers and cable deals according to your preferences. They provide the information you are looking for after you simply plug in your wish list into the company's data base. Some charge an upfront fee for their service and others are free to the consumer. You do have to provide personal information sometimes, so exercise caution when choosing a cable referral service. Make certain the one you've chosen is reputable.
