Financial guru Martin Lewis has shared a little-known phrase that could help consumers secure significant discounts on household bills, from mobile phones to insurance. In a video on his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, Lewis explained that the key is to ask to be transferred to the 'customer disconnections' department.
According to Lewis, when you call to cancel a service, the agent often transfers you to what they call 'customer disconnections', but this is actually the 'customer retentions' team. These staff have the authority to offer the best deals and discounts to keep you as a customer.
Lewis advises starting the call by politely stating you are unhappy with the service or considering leaving. If the first agent cannot offer a satisfactory deal, ask to be put through to disconnections. 'Then you may get a much better deal,' he said.
The MSE website adds that timing is crucial: haggling works best when you are near or beyond the end of your contract. It also recommends not accepting the first offer, as it is rarely the best deal available. Use phrases like 'Is that the best you can do?' to push for further discounts.
Lewis emphasises the importance of charm: 'We must use charm to get the best deals.' By combining politeness with the right phrase, consumers could unlock savings on breakdown cover, mobile phones, digital TV, and insurance.
