Stuck in a bad cell phone contract ? Negotiate !

Just because your have another year left doesn't mean you can't lower your cell phone bill. Call your cell provider, but have the right information. Have your last 2-3 bills handy, so you know how many minutes you are using, as well as use of data or text messaging. You'll need that to research what other carriers are offering that matches your needs. And, do your homework on what they are offering new customers. Most of the time, they will let you change plans and save money. To push them for a better deal:

1. Research using the web, and fill out a spreadsheet with all the offers from all providers. You might try billshrink.com to get a comparison matrix.
2. Decide what you want, what you are willing to pay and what you might give up.
3. When you talk to your existing provider, take careful notes of who said what when. Take names, writes down dates and times.
4. When you hear "I can't offer that as part of this plan", escalate. Politely ask to speak to the manager.
5. Work details of offerings from competitors into the conversation, but be subtle. Don't threaten to switch providers.
6. Do be polite, and have patience.