sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Telecom Service & Providers negotiating with new provider

We have phone and internet through one of of the handful of local CLEC's in our area. 1.5M internet, TI-PRI for voice and LD, block of 100 DID's. When our contract is nearly up, we typically shop around. Those bidding on the business always ask the same questions - copy of our old contract and a recent invoice. I'm more of a technical person, not particularly smooth at negotiating. Should I be handing out contract and invoice details to bidders? And if so, should I hide the prices? Any other tips to get the best deal?

Thanks,

Tom

You might 'mention in passing' that you are sending the same info to all the LEC's. And that the headaches and costs of changinging make it mandantory that there is a "significant" savings.

This seems to be the newest fad in selling certain products! When you provide an old contract and/or invoice you lose control of any privacy issues. If you must provide this documentation make sure it's redacted!!

Around here, that's normal operating procedure (as far as the bill or invoice) However, the contract itself, should not really be asked for by a CLEC. That is information that they don't really need to see. They DO need to see your last month's bill to see how your circuit is set up, what features you have, and what your monthly LD, Local and other charges are. You want them to show you how they are going to lower your bill.

Also, find out what their installation charges are. Some CLECs charge $900 or so for installation, while others charge $100/150. Some CLECs waiver all installation charges. Everyone is different and they all seem to want to "hide" their week points.

If you see something that doesn't make sense, call them on it or ask a question. "The other guy doesn't have this on his---why do you??" "The other guy has this on his at no charge---why don't you?" Good luck.

And remember that YOU are probably paying the bill for the interface to the phone system! When LEC's say that they're paying it, that means YOU pay it and they credit a few bucks each month until it's paid off. They stretch it out for 5 years on a 3 year contract, and hope you'll stick around for the final payback.

Good point, John. Even when they "take off" or "waive" things---somebody ends up paying even if it's just a few bucks a month.

I am in the telecom business. We ask for the bills because we can typically get a better explanation of what a customer has by just reviewing the bill. You wouldn't believe how many customers don't truly understand what they're paying for, so we just ask for the bills instead of making you explain everything. I would black out the prices. Keep em honest. No need to give a new bidder a copy of the old contract. Send me a message if you'd like me to make some recommendations.