We are inclined to let our subscriptions continue for years. Maybe we are too lazy to switch or are we just satisfied. In addition, many people think that as a loyal customer they pay the same rates as new customers. But in reality it is often the other way around. That nice discount and it welcome gift at the switch Who receives a new customer is partly paid by the higher rates of existing subscribers. The transfer benefits, while the loyal customer pays the main prize.
That is why it pays to look at your contracts for energy, internet, TV and mobile as well and critically every year. In this article, explain why switching pays and how you can take the most benefit yourself.
Why transferers are rewarded
Providers of the internet, energy and telephony fight for new customers. To bring it in, they put everything on everything: high discounts, free gift vouchers or even expensive luxury gifts. But these promotions are only available for new customers. Existing customers do not receive these benefits and often pay too much unnoticed. Certainly if they have been customers for years without ever having complained.
Why? Because companies count on that you as a loyal customer are not leaving. Many people think switching is a hassle and it is therefore easy to use. For example, the silent majority pays for the gifts of the switchers.
What can you get if you do switch?
Whoever switches, benefits. Here are some examples of what you can expect:
- Internet and TV: Many luxury welcome gifts such as a Smart TV, PS5, laptop or an iPhone. Even with an internet-only subscription you often get a nice gift.
- Energy contracts: With a switch to a permanent contract with Vattenfall or Essent, for example, you will receive gifts ranging from gift vouchers and game computers to smart household equipment.
- Mobile subscriptions: In addition to usually receiving a discount on your monthly costs, you will receive a gift such as a free accessory or shopping credit.
- Lotteries: In many cases you get free lottery tickets or a cashback deposited on your bank account. Sometimes you receive a gift, such as an airfryer, speakers or luxury gift set.
- Insurance: You can often get a discount on your monthly premium, but sometimes insurers also offer nice welcome gifts, such as a gift voucher or smart toothbrush.
- Newspapers and Magazines: You can also receive gifts if you have not been a customer before. Think of a skincar set, bottle of whiskey or other nice gift. Newspapers often have attractive discount promotions where you, as a new subscriber, just pay half of the normal price.
Tips to get the most out of it
- Compare your current subscriptions annually. Even if you don’t move.
- Note conditions. How long are you stuck and what about after the action period?
- Calculate what you will pay per month. Sometimes you pay a little more per month, but then you will get a gift for which you would have to save for months or even years
- Use a memory. Note the end date of your current contract in your agenda, Google Calendar, on a post-it in the toilet or anywhere. You always know when it is time to take action.
Really no sense to switch?
Do you want, despite all the benefits, prefer to stay with your current supplier? That is of course possible. You usually don’t get a nice welcome gift, but you can receive a discount annually if you contact customer service. How? Just by calling and indicating that you want to cancel. You are then guaranteed to be offered a discount or free extras such as premium channels. Do that annually and your average monthly costs are always lower than when you had not called.
Easier than ever
It’s a shame to pay for years For the discounts and gifts from others. By switching annually, you take that advantage yourself. And switching is easier than ever. You can easily cancel your current subscriptions via the internet and close your new one. Often the new supplier even arranges the cancellation for you. So treat yourself to a nice gift and turn the roles around: this time you are the new customer who benefits.