In the Name of Economy

from Ben's mom

After a month of analysis and consultation (with each other), we made the switch. From cable to DSL. We liked our cable fine, but it was a matter of economy. DSL is $26.99/mo for a year and $31.99/mo after that. (With no installation or activation fees and free modem rental for a year.) Cable internet is $49.99/mo.

So last night Ben's dad rearranged the office (i.e. the desk) and moved it to the dining room where the phone hookup is. (A little odd but good timing as Ben has recently lapsed into taking forever to eat any meal.) Now we have more space in the living room and we'll simply collapse a leaf from our table to make the office/dining area less cramped. MJR installed the DSL and this morning I called to disconnect the cable.

"Why are you disconnecting your service?"
"Well, DSL is almost half the price."
"You should have called me. I could have lowered your cost to $29.99/mo. You know you have 3 days to disconnect your DSL."
I explained my husband had moved the furniture and wouldn't get too excited about doing it again. (Not to mention, I'm looking forward to the new arrangement.)
She slipped at the end and mentioned she could have extended the low $29.99 price for up to a year. And then we would have been paying more again.

I've never been much of a haggler. But garage sales have taught me a lot. I recently went to a garage sale and found an item for $30. (It had new tags on it that listed the value at $72.99). I had $12 left. I started to leave and the woman said, "Did you have a question about that?" "Well, I love it, but I only have $12." She gave it to me for that and I was on my way with a great find.

So I'm learning to ask for a better deal. And DSL is the better deal.