POTENTIAL NEW USER - TRYING TO AVOID PRICE HIKES AT THE END OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT

[Simon92]

I hope I have chosen the correct board for this discussion. Secondly I cannot help think this is an issue that will have been the subject of previous discussions - so my apologies if I am raising something that has already been dealt within the community. I searched but could really come up with anything that hit the target.

My scenario is that I am planning to  sign up to a Sky Broadband/TV Stream package soon. I received a written quote from Currys who offer a service to "do everything" as far as applying to SKY is concerned. The quote for the packages/services(call them what you like) that I am interested in reflected costings/charges for new subscribers that I had found online. What took me back a bit was the quote itemised discounts that were apparently being taken into account in arriving at the overall figure quoted. In my case a quote of £115/month will become £183.49/month at current rates once discounts no longer apply. At which time it appears something called "Standard Rates" will apply. Additionally annual price increases will apply.

Tbh my immediate reaction was that this potential price hike is not something that is mentioned when looking online. Well, truth is that it IS mentioned but certainly not in an obvious high profile manner. The info. is there tucked away  at the foot of the page hidden in a drop down menu titled "The Legal Stuff".

My question is whether there is decent scope to negotiate new terms beyond the initial 2 year term before that term comes to an end OR is being faced with the application of Standard Charges non negotiable?

I think I've read both within and outwith this community examples of people negotiating good terms to continue beyond the two years and equally others where people appear to have been ridden over rough shod. I also recall mention of something called the Retentions Team as a good place to go to organise a further contract.

What is the answer please? What tips do people have to help try and avoid such a significant lift in costs?

My wife has more or les left me to deal with a proposed switch from Virgin to SKY and will understandably not be particularly impressed if a monthly outgoing of £115 becomes £183.49 (circa £70 more expensive!).

I appreciate one option may be to switch users in two years time and so become a new subscriber with another ISP. In answer to this query can we stick please with what to try and do whilst also remaining with SKY.

Cheers all.

[BenJoBanjo]

@Simon92 

Every customer who signs up to a 24 month contract has to negotiate at the end of it. It's just the way it is and always has been with Sky. Sometimes Sky Q customers have had random emails saying their discounts will carry on for a further 12 months but then they revert to full price. 

It's worth being aware that you will also be subject to at least two price increases during your initial 24 month contract. Sky have the right to do this every year. 

The alternative is to pay slightly more on a monthly basis for a 31 day rolling contract which can be cancelled at any time. 

It's common practice for customers to renegotiate a new deal when their initial discount term comes to an end. Sometimes Sky will offer a significant discount, sometimes they won't. It's usually best to give notice to cancel the contract then wait for the retentions team to get in touch, or let it cancel completely and discuss new, potentially better options, with the winback team. 

It's a dance basically. You can't lock in a price for an infinite length of time. 

One other thing - be wary of Currys promising to "do everything" and potentially charging you extra for it. Sky Stream is self-install - even when ordered via Currys it's delivered from Sky for the customer to connect to their TV and their broadband. Sky will also send you a Sky branded router for broadband and will arrange for Openreach to attend to install fibre if necessary. Currys will have very little to actually do, other than present you with some paperwork. 

[MightyQuinn]

Hi @Simon92   I have been with Sky for approaching 40 years and have never paid the full list price. Everybody (or sensible people) call Sky and renegotiate discounts in the final month of their minimum term. With Sky trying to cut down on phone contact, you may even find that they quote you another minimum term with new discounts on-line or by email proactively.

[Simon92]

@BenJoBanjo  Thanks once again for your comprehensive and clear response.

I had twigged that Currys don't really do anything and will be careful to check whether or not there is a fee they want to charge. No mention of one to date in the conversations I have had with its staff.

I had thought somewhere along the way that someboday helps with setting up the router and the puck to ensure it all "works". I'll see if I can find where I might have picked that up online. In the Currys quote that I have it mentions that amongst the offers included is "Free Sky stream Puck set up fee". Next to it is the word Prospects. Any idea what that is about?

[Simon92]

@MightyQuinn Thanks. That gives me some comfort..

[MarkGoldsmith]

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@Simon92 wrote:

 In the Currys quote that I have it mentions that amongst the offers included is "Free Sky stream Puck set up fee". Next to it is the word Prospects. Any idea what that is about?

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That sounds like they are waiving the £39.95 activation fee.

When you order Sky Stream there is usually a one-off £39.95 activation fee that is charged on the day you order, which Sky charge to cover things like delivery and warranty costs for the product

[Simon92]

@MarkGoldsmith thank you. 

Elsewhere the offers include :-

*Free Fibre Broadband Activation Fee with Stream

*Free Broadband Hardware Delivery Charge with Stream

Just wonder if the charge you are thinking of is covered by one of these?