Wow, cable, internet and voice for just $80 a month? It seems too good to be true!
Well, it is. That's only the introductory promotional rate, and after a given amount of time -- usually 12 months -- your price goes up. Way up. Other industries will give you a free trial month before signing you up at a fixed monthly rate, but we're hard-pressed to think of any other major industry that uses introductory pricing like the cable business does.
The problem is that bills like cable are fixed costs in a budget, and fixed costs are supposed to stay fixed. You're hooked in by a monthly rate that seems feasible for your income, but then the second year of the contract rolls around, your rate skyrockets, and you have to reconsider your whole budget.
Sure, it's possible to get your bill lowered by calling up the cable company and yelling at them. But should a lower bill really be reserved for those with the time and temperament to fight with customer service representatives every six months?
Here's an idea for cable companies: Advertise your service at one price point, and then keep it there.
Well, it is. That's only the introductory promotional rate, and after a given amount of time -- usually 12 months -- your price goes up. Way up. Other industries will give you a free trial month before signing you up at a fixed monthly rate, but we're hard-pressed to think of any other major industry that uses introductory pricing like the cable business does.
The problem is that bills like cable are fixed costs in a budget, and fixed costs are supposed to stay fixed. You're hooked in by a monthly rate that seems feasible for your income, but then the second year of the contract rolls around, your rate skyrockets, and you have to reconsider your whole budget.
Sure, it's possible to get your bill lowered by calling up the cable company and yelling at them. But should a lower bill really be reserved for those with the time and temperament to fight with customer service representatives every six months?
Here's an idea for cable companies: Advertise your service at one price point, and then keep it there.
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