When searching for home services such as internet, TV, phone and home security, it is likely you have come across bundle plans. You may have also noticed that bundles claim to save you time and money. So, what exactly are bundles and are these plans the right fit for your home service needs?
What are home service bundles?
Many providers offer bundle packages of their home services, allowing you to consolidate various plans into a single service. The exact services included in a bundle plan vary between providers, and most companies offer various tiers of bundles as well. For example, a provider may offer an affordable collection of services for those who don’t require blazing fast internet or an extensive amount of TV channels, while also offering other bundles geared towards those who require a lot of broadband and/or what a more robust entertainment package. Other providers allow you to handpick the services you need, allowing you to create a custom-built bundle plan for your home.
In both cases, bundling home services into a single plan does often save you money. Providers themselves save money when a customer purchases multiple services from them allowing them to offer discounted rates by passing these savings on to you. Bundles can also save you time, as functions such as bill pay, customer service, and troubleshooting are all completed with a single company.
What are the pros and cons of bundle plans?
When it comes to deciding on any new home service, it is important to weigh both the pros and cons of a potential plan. In general, bundle plans offer the following advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of bundles include:
More robust services: In many cases, plans featured in bundles offer faster internet speeds and more cable TV channels than what you will receive at the same price point with stand alone plans.
Consolidated bill pay and customer service: Bundle plans offer the convenience of only needing to pay one bill a month for your home services. Similarly, having a single plan allows for customer service and technical support to be handled by the same provider.
Promotions and deals: Many home service providers have promotional offers ranging from lower monthly costs, waived fees, and free extra entertainment content when you select a bundled plan.
Cons of bundles include:
Contracts: Most providers that offer promotional bundle deals often require you to sign a contract. You may be liable for early termination fees if you end your contract early.
Promotional limitations: The majority of promotional pricing expires after a set timeframe, typically one to two years. While this is the case for all plans, be aware that your great bundle deal may require renegotiation when it expires.
How much can you save with bundles?
The amount of money you can save by bundling your home services will vary from provider to provider, as well as from plan to plan.
Are bundles right for you?
In conclusion, bundle plans are a great way to save both time and money. However, there are some instances in which it may be best to buy services individually.
An obvious reason to not select a bundle plan is if you do not need all the services included. For example, if you only need internet service it does not make sense to select a bundle, even though it may offer more services for a deal. Similarly, as bundles often require signing a contract, buyers should be certain that they will need the services in the bundle for the extent of the contract. Those who are renting or have an upcoming move may find plans without contracts to be better suited for their current situation.
If the above situations do not apply to you, bundles are a great way to get your home connected with multiple services at an affordable price. If you are interested in exploring bundle plans for your household, view great bundle plans from top providers or give our dedicated team of experts a call. We are happy to help!
