Weekend Links: Sometimes, Asking Does the Trick
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The power of asking often an unappreciated ability. Oftentimes, the answer is a “no”. But, that one time that you do get a “yes”, it infuses an invigorating emotion like you achieved something that was unlikely.
Recently, my two-year web hosting plan with Lunarpages (supporting Realm of Prosperity) was coming to end. They often have early renewals specials but, of course, I pay them very little attention. Until just a few day before the plan’s expiration, I started looking around for deals.
On Twitter, I tweeted my situation and voiced my consideration for other hosting companies should they offer more affordable price packages. Later in the day, I got a call from Lunarpages – boy, do I love the Internet. So, they know have an open mind and it’s their job to keep me. After all, business 101 teaches that it is cheaper to retain an existing customer than to acquire a new one.
Their renewal notice included a bill for 24 months of web hosting at $6.95 per month (total $166.80). I asked the customer service representative if they could offer better pricing in the event that I purchased a longer plan. I’ve had very little problems with Lunarpages so I do not have the bad experience that would deter me from staying with them. In fact, I’ve referred several people to them.
Anyway, I was offered a 36-month plan at the rate of $4.95 per month (total $178.20). That sealed the deal for me. Roughly ten dollars more for an extra year seems worth it to me!
So moral of the story – ASK!
On to some other great talk around the personal finance blogosphere:
- Money CAN Buy Happiness! at Get Rich Slowly. I’m am one to disagree people recite the typical “money cannot buy happiness”. I agree entirely that money opens doors to new experiences. With those experiences, we see more and learn more. Experience and knowledge makes me a happy person. How about you?
- Education and Wealth: You Don’t Need a College Degree, But You Need an Education at Cash Money Life. Coming from a graduating class at a time of rough economic turmoil, we can say that college has done less for us than expected. The piece of paper we call a college diploma only says that we passed our courses and fulfilled certain requirements – it doesn’t say squat about what we learned.
- Please Stop Saying: “I Don’t Make Enough Money To Do That!” at Enemy of Debt. I do believe the sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential. There is always another or a better way to make money. For many living paycheck to paycheck, it is this residual income that offers the new experiences and activities that wouldn’t be available without a little more money.
Yakezie Shoutouts:
- How to Get your Money’s Worth at an All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet at Young and Thrifty. There is probably a dedicated guide to efficient food consumption at an all-you-can-eat buffet but these tips will help a whole bunch. I was at one of these places recently and I can’t help going for a little fried rice when I should be fighting other patrons on the shellfish line.
Recent carnivals in which Realm of Prosperity participated:
- Carnival of Personal Finance #270, the Elvis is Dead Edition at Live Real, Now
(Photo credit: Lachlan Hardy)
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youngandthrifty said:
Thanks for including me in your wrap up this week, Simon!
Good to hear you got such a good deal on your webhosting.
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
[...] @Lunarpages (Twitter) – Last month, my Lunarpages webhosting plan was about to expire and I tweeted that I was open to switching companies unless they could offer better pricing. Later that day, I received a call from them and got a nice deal (my story here). [...]