XM/Sirius is getting tougher on the discounts

I know this is a regular subject on the OT so here is an update as of today.

I read elsewhere that they have tightened up this year so I was prepared to actually cancel (just a to and from work car) when I called.

I have done this dance with XM for several years now so I am familiar with the "I am going to cancel" trick. It was different this time. As usual, the guy initially answering the phone tried for full price renewal. I did the "that's too much, I am going to cancel" and this is where they usually say "Let me send you over to Customer Care to see if they can help." Instead he flat said, "there aren't any discounts available so do you still want to cancel?" I said Yes and he connected me to Cancellation. The lady answering actually began processing my cancellation and then finally pulled out the "Oh, I see you have been a customer since 2004, let me take a look again. This is when they finally gave me the half off the one year rate.

There is no question that they were trying to wait me out. If I had not actually been prepared to cancel, I might have waivered. So consider this free intel.