Absolutely. You have nothing to lose by negotiating with Optimum. You may get what you want and you may not but it’s worth a try. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for new and for existing customers.

New customers can call 866-200-7273 to talk with Optimum sales about starting service. But before you do, do make a list of what really matters to you. Are you looking just for internet? TV? A bundle? Are you willing to have fewer channels to save money? Do you want regional sports coverage? Will you want to DVR shows or movies? What other providers are you considering? How many devices are going to be streaming at one time in your household? What’s more important to you: rock-bottom pricing or higher capacity? Once you know your priorities make the call. If you want a bundle of internet at high speeds and loads of TV channels at the lowest possible price, then ask for it. Can you get the monthly equipment rental fee waived? Can the installation fee be waived? Do let the sales representative know, in a polite way, that you’re shopping around for the best solution at the best price and have no problem choosing either Optimum or a different provider. Do ask what your total monthly bill will be including taxes and fees. Don’t get emotionally involved. A good negotiator asks a simple question and then lets the other person talk. The longer they talk the better it is for you. Don’t be afraid of pauses. You are like Chili Palmer in the move Get Shorty. Cool, calm, never flustered, and slightly entertained by the entire interaction. If you can appreciate the sales representative they will work harder for your business.

Existing customers who want to negotiate can call the Optimum Customer Service Department at 1-866-218-3259. Request to speak to the Retention Department and after you authenticate your identity as the account owner, again politely, ask if there is any way your bill can be reduced because of any of the following: you’re getting attractive offers from other providers to switch and maybe this is the right time; you just purchased new devices or a smart TV and want to lower your utility bill; you’re simply not wowed by the entire experience of being a customer; or you’re having financial hardship. Calling Customer Retention puts a flag on your account that you are starting to cancel. This can lead to a more senior person getting on the phone with you to retain your business. You might need to downgrade service to reduce your bill, or conversely, you may want to negotiate more perks without a price increase; for example, waiver of rental fees; more channels, faster speeds, and so forth. Are you already on auto-pay and paperless billing? Making those switches can save you money. And so can this phrase, if handled nicely: “Thank you for the offer but it’s just not good enough. Can you do anything else?”

Don’t be afraid to try. Do remember that any fees or costs you save are wins.