Bundle packages are not new to most of us. It’s usually common to internet plans, TV packages, and mobile plans. In fact, many of us might be subscribed to one already. It’s becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are cutting the cord and ditching their traditional cable TV packages.
But as with any other trend, bundling has its own pros and cons. It’s just a matter of how you view these factors and whether they fit your lifestyle or not. We’ll share some things to consider if you’re thinking of subscribing to a bundle package. But first, let’s understand what bundling is.
What Is Bundling?
A bundle package is when two or more services are combined and offered at a discounted price. For example, you could have a bundle package that includes high-speed internet service and streaming service for a lower price. Bundled packages are commonly offered by telecommunications companies that have multiple services, such as mobile plans, cable TV, and internet packages.
Pros of Bundling Your Services
Many people opt to bundle their services because of the perks they can enjoy. Here are some of the pros when bundling your internet and streaming services.
- Convenience
We all know the hassle of paying bills to different service providers. Many of us always have busy schedules, dreading the time-consuming task of settling monthly bills. With bundled services, you only need to pay one single bill for two or more services, allowing you to skip the unnecessary steps of paying services to two or more providers every month.
- Perks and Other Exclusive Offers
Getting a bundle means that you can have access to several perks and exclusive offers that aren’t offered to single-service users. It could be limited-time access to premium service or a free additional device. Moreover, some providers have a loyalty program that gives you rewards just by using the services being offered in the bundle.
- Discounted Price
Of course, one of the primary reasons people opt for bundled services is to save money. When you’re subscribed to a bundle, you can get discounted rates on individual services. Let’s say you’ve availed of the HughesNet Internet and DISH Satellite TV.
If you were to subscribe to these services individually, it would cost you $44.99/mo and $69.99/mo (for the lowest tier,) respectively. But when you avail of their HughesNet + DISH bundle package, you only have to pay $69.99/mo—a total savings of $40 each month, with access to premium channels like Starz and Showtime.
- Better Options for Customization
When you avail of a bundle, you have better options for customization. You can mix and match the services being offered to create a package that would fit both your needs and budget. Rather than subscribing to an all-in-one package with several services that you don’t need or use, it would be more practical to only pay for what you need. Most major providers like Sling TV allow you to customize your plans based on your preferences.
Cons of Bundling Your Services
Bundling isn’t all rainbows. While there are a lot of pros you can enjoy, there are also several cons that you need to take note of.
- You still pay for more services.
Even if you’re getting a discounted rate, you’re still paying for two or more services—services that you might not even need or use. If you only need internet service, why would you subscribe to a bundle that also includes TV channels that you don’t watch? This is a crucial factor that you need to think about carefully.
- You cannot control price hikes.
Although you’re getting a discounted price for the services being offered in the bundle, there’s still a chance that the rates will go up. This happens when providers make changes to their prices, and this often results in an increase in monthly bills. When this happens, you can either agree to the new terms or cancel your subscription with hefty early termination fees.
- You will likely be locked in a long-term contract.
When you sign up for a bundle, you will most likely be locked in a long-term contract. This means that you will be stuck with the same provider for a specific period, and if you want to cancel your subscription, as mentioned earlier, you might have to pay early termination fees.
Conclusion
Bundling your services has both its pros and cons, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to your needs and budget. Weigh the options carefully and consider all factors before making a decision so that you can be sure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
