It's so over! How to break up with your service provider

Service providers only treat us well for a short while - but become very clingy when we try to break up with them.

Breaking up is hard to do - especially when it's with the ever-growing number of service providers that only give you a good deal for one year.

You then have to switch to another provider that rewards new customers - yet boy, can it be difficult!

We all know the drill when it comes to energy and tv/broadband contracts:

They offer you a great deal but only for six months to a year – but then they clobber you with a much dearer rate.

Price is still the main reason to switch - you can save up to €500 (a year).“Because there are so many top deals on the market, you'll have a lot of leverage when it comes to persuading your current provider to reduce your bills ( if they don't, simply switch away)."

But there are other benefits too.

You could get a better service, increased speed, access to new technology, for example a more modern up to date WiFi modem, says Eoin Clarke of comparison site Switcher.ie.

Here are some tips for breaking up with your TV/broadband provider:

Review your TV channels

Ask what TV channels you really want and ditch the rest. We pay too much for access to rubbishy channels we never watch.

Timing is everything

Make a note of when you're near or beyond the end of your contract. Every extra month past the honeymoon period is going to cost you up to €50. But when out of contract, you are in the driving seat. Just tell them you're going to leave.

Compare the best deals

Know the facts before you pick phone. Use Switcher.ie or Bonkers.ie to see the best deals.

Get to the right person That’s the Customer Retentions Team. 

Don't say yes to the first offer they give you

Chances are, it's not the best deal. Say you are still going to leave – and mean it.

Don't fill the silence

They may push you to agree because it's a 'limited-time offer', but don't feel pressured. As negotiations near a close, a classic sales technique is to stay silent. They want you to feel awkward and fill the silence by agreeing to what they say. Outlast them - make them fill it with a cheaper offer.

Ask if they can throw in any extras

If they won't slash the price, they may include extras.

Some freebies may come at a price

A special offer may have strings attached. By all means go for it, but be extra sure to know what you're getting into and get out fast if it's a short term thing with a payment at the end.

If not happy, vote with your feet

If you don't get what you want, leave.