Telecom Contract Negotiation

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7 Tips to Negotiate Telecom Contracts

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7 Tips to Negotiate Telecom Contracts

Negotiating a telecom contract takes a certain delicacy if you want to get the best deal without compromising your service. Although companies can take advantage of a competitive telecom market, it's important to read the fine print on contract clauses and other factors that influence price and quality. On the other hand, a well-negotiated contract clearly states your services and expectations with unambiguous pricing models.

So, how do you come up with an agreement with your provider that works for you? With the right research and a little guidance, you can negotiate beneficial terms.

Here are seven tips to help your company get the service you need at a price you can afford:

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How Common Are Contract Violations and How Much Do They Cost?

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How Common Are Contract Violations and How Much Do They Cost?

No matter your industry, your business works with third parties. It’s completely impossible not to, and there’s a good chance you have contracts with each of those parties. They’re standard procedure, and they exist to help everyone involved. What might surprise you is that even with contracts in place, companies violate terms on a somewhat regular basis. It’s not necessarily malicious, but contract violations are a normal thing, and they can cost you a lot of money. Learning about the violations and how to deal with them can lead to big changes in your financial statements.

Telecom Tactic 7: Telecom Contract Negotiation

Telecom Tactic 7: Telecom Contract Negotiation

Ok, now that we have your attention, let’s talk tactics.  Remember that the telecom vendors are in business to make money.  YOUR money.  So they are good at this, and maybe you aren’t.  Either get someone to the negotiating table with you that has experience, or at least be aware of these basic tactics….

Don't wait until your next Telecom RFP to get prepared

Don't wait until your next Telecom RFP to get prepared

As we discussed in our recent webinar “Plugging the Leak: Software Tools and Strong Tactics to Contain Telecom & Wireless Costs”, telecom contract RFPs and negotiation are the #1 way to save money on telecom.

Insights from our latest webinar: Telecom Contract Negotiation - Talk softly but carry a big stick

Insights from our latest webinar: Telecom Contract Negotiation - Talk softly but carry a big stick

As I discussed yesterday, we ran some polls during our latest webinar – “Plugging the Leak: How Software Tools & Strong Tactics Contain Telecom Costs” – with some interesting results.   Well, not interesting to us – we know what causes our client’s pain – but maybe interesting to you.  

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Telecom Cost Control Tip: AT&T to match Verizon's unlimited data plans

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Telecom Cost Control Tip: AT&T to match Verizon's unlimited data plans

As might be expected in the wireless cost wars, AT&T is moving to lower costs for their existing out-of-contract subscribers, to better protect them from poaching by Verizon.   Not that they are buying billboards in Times Square to announce this, according to ZDNet.

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To Cut Telecom Costs in 2011, Plan in 4th Quarter 2010

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To Cut Telecom Costs in 2011, Plan in 4th Quarter 2010

I know this sounds like something your mother would tell you, but looking ahead and making good decisions in the present can lead to good things in the future.  As 2010 starts to wind down in its fourth quarter, firms are making decisions about what to spend, and what NOT to spend, in 2011.   Essentially, it’s budgeting time for many departments, and with IT costs set to rise with Windows 7 deployment, increasing security issues, and higher demands for wireless devices and data plans, finding ways to save money before you spend it is not a bad idea.