Last month I used AI to generate a negotiation script, called my internet provider, and got $200 off my annual bill in a 12-minute phone call. Here's exactly how I did it — and the prompt you can steal.
Why This Works
Most people don't negotiate their bills because they don't know what to say. They call, get flustered, accept whatever the rep offers, and hang up feeling defeated.
AI eliminates the "I don't know what to say" problem entirely. It generates scripts that are polite, firm, and based on actual negotiation psychology. Retention departments expect you to call and negotiate — they have pre-approved discounts ready to go. You just have to ask the right way.
The Prompt
Here's what I fed Claude (works with any AI):
I need a phone negotiation script to lower my [internet/phone/insurance] bill.
Context:
- I've been a customer for [X years]
- My current bill is [$amount/month]
- Competitor [name] offers similar service for [$amount]
- I'm willing to switch if needed but prefer to stay
Generate a conversational script that:
1. Opens friendly (don't be aggressive)
2. Mentions my loyalty as a long-term customer
3. References the competitor's lower price
4. Asks for a retention department transfer if needed
5. Has responses for common pushback ("that's our best price", "I can offer $5 off")
6. Includes a polite but firm walk-away line
Make it sound natural, not robotic.What the AI Generated (Shortened)
The script was gold. Here's the key flow:
Opening: "Hi, I've been a customer for 3 years and I'm really happy with the service. I'm calling because I noticed my bill has gone up and I wanted to see what options are available to bring it back down."
The anchor: "I've been looking around and [competitor] is offering [similar plan] for $[lower price]. I'd rather stay with you guys, but that's a significant difference."
If they lowball: "I appreciate that, but honestly, the difference between what you're offering and what [competitor] has is still pretty big. Is there anything else available? Maybe a loyalty rate or a promotion I qualify for?"
The closer: "I really don't want to go through the hassle of switching. Can you check if there's a retention offer or any promotional rates for existing customers?"
The magic word is "retention." Once they transfer you to the retention department, you're talking to someone whose entire job is to keep you from leaving. They have bigger discounts.
My Results
I called Spectrum (internet) and went from $85/month to $65/month — locked in for 12 months. That's $240 saved per year for a 12-minute phone call.
My girlfriend used the same approach on her phone bill and saved $15/month ($180/year). A friend got his car insurance reduced by $400/year after AI helped him compile competing quotes and a negotiation script.
Bills Worth Negotiating
- Internet/Cable: Almost always negotiable. Call every 12 months.
- Cell Phone: Especially if you're not on a contract.
- Insurance (car, home, renters): Get competing quotes first, then call.
- Subscriptions: Ask for annual pricing or "about to cancel" discounts.
- Medical bills: Hospitals and clinics almost always have payment plans or reductions if you ask.
The Bottom Line
You're probably overpaying for at least 2-3 services right now. AI can generate the exact script you need in 30 seconds. The phone call takes 10-15 minutes. The savings last a year or more.
Average savings per call: $15-40/month. That's an afternoon of phone calls that pays you $1,000+ per year.
The AI is free. The savings are real. Go make the call.