Purchase the Internet Connection
Now that the type of connection and the grade have been selected you can purchase it, but not just yet. First look around at what other vendors can provide, and let them know your doing it. Pit the DSL provider and Cable provider against each other. If you are purchasing a T1 or a T3 it is very common for other companies to sell you other carriers connectivity. Ask around and see who has the cheapest rates and how much bandwidth they provide if you want DSL or Cable. AT&T, SBC, Sprint, MCI and many middlemen can provide bids. However, don’t just buy service from whoever is the cheapest just yet. This is the best time to get everything you want form them because they know your probably going to buy service but don’t yet have your business. Be sure to collect contact information from them. Get the support number, contact information for your sales man including cell phone, home phone, etc. Get the contact information for their managers and if possible the manager’s manager. If you ever need to escalate something through informal channels this will make it much easier. Keep it in a place you and the rest of the technical and management staff can find it.
Ask for a price discount on your internet connection. Don’t even think about telling them what the cheapest bid is. Also remember that there is more than price and speed to negotiate with: reduced fees, increased throughput restrictions reduced contract length, no or low cost upgrades, or just about anything you can think of. Even if it’s a relatively small purchase the LEC or ISP doesn’t normally negotiate for ask to speak with a manager and ask him/her. If your not sure how to do it try something like “I would like to purchase this but it’s more than I’d like to pay, can you give it to me for $## ? As long as the offer is reasonable you’ll be surprised at how many will at least make a counter offer. If they won’t change the price, try asking for a no cost upgrade or waving a fee. The worst thing they can do is say no.