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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Emma Munbodh & Lottie Gibbons

Sky, BT, O2 and Virgin Media customers sent warning from Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis has issued fresh advice as Sky, BT, Virgin Media and other networks raise their prices.

In April, there will be a price hike in energy, broadband, phone and council tax bills.

The likes of Vodafone, EE, Three, BT, Sky, TalkTalk Virgin, EE and O2 have all confirmed a price surge.

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Three Mobile and Vodafone customers will see their bills rise 4.5%, while BT and EE customers will also see their bills jump on March 31.

And an extra £72 a year could be slapped on one million Sky subscribers accounts.

But according to the Mirror, Martin Lewis has revealed how you can stop your monthly outgoings from rocketing in April.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the money expert reminded listeners: "Price hikes are coming at the end of this month.

"Vodafone, EE, Three, BT, Sky, TalkTalk Virgin, EE and O2 are all raising prices. If you've got one of those contracts it's time to start haggling.

"Yes, many customers will not be able to switch because they're locked into a contract - and the price rise is written in the small print - but millions who are rolling deals can take advantage and save some money.

BT and Sky are raising their prices (Getty Images)

"If you've received a letter from your provider on a rise that's not in the small print, you have 30-days from the day you receive the letter to cancel your contract - again, this is your opportunity to score a lower deal.

"I’m talking all about call centre haggling – the powerhouse of haggling in the UK."

Speaking to radio host Nihal Arthanayake, Lewis said most major firms factor haggling into their advertised prices, so "if you're not taking advantage, you're almost ripping yourself off."

He told listeners it's especially beneficial to those who are 'loyal' to their provider.

"Most of these customers will be signing up for the same service each year - and despite being loyal, their prices are slowly creeping up.

"But, ask to speak to their customer retentions team. These departments have budgets to retain customers and win over new ones, so it's your chance to haggle a cheaper deal – like the ones reserved for new customers."

How to haggle

Lewis said before picking up the phone, households should 'audit' their price plans.

"If you're after a cheaper TV deal, for instance, consider what channels you could easily drop.

"Once you know what you want, enter your details into a few comparison websites to get a benchmark of what is available elsewhere.

"Once you've found a deal you can afford, call up your provider and explain that you'd like to stay, but have found a cheaper deal elsewhere.

"If they're unable to help, politely ask to speak to customer retentions.

"Explain that you're going to have to leave and hopefully then they will give you a decent deal to stay."

On mobile phone deals, he has one extra tip.

"There are only four mobile network providers in the UK - all other firms are simply piggybacking off them.

"So if you find a good deal that your network won't match, find out what other firms are using their signal and see if you can negotiate a saving through one of them instead."

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