Simply switching your electricity or gas provider can save you an average of several hundred euros per year. (Photo: © Bartolomiej Pietrzyk/123RF.com)
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Digital Craftsmanship - Themed Specials
July 2021
Trades 4.0: The operating costs of tradespeople have risen significantly in recent months. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has caused revenue losses in many industries. A quick solution for reducing operating costs: online price comparison portals. But what's the best savings strategy?
The year 2021 brought noticeable cost increases for craft businesses in many areas : In addition to the newly introduced CO2 tax on gasoline, diesel, heating oil, and gas, the current inflation rate of 2,5 percent is also driving up expenses. Many other costs are added to this, for example, for hygiene measures to protect employees and customers . The internet can help in the search for potential savings: Price comparison websites are available , allowing tradespeople to reduce their operating costs in many areas. The range of savings extends from insurance to electricity, heating oil, gas, and gasoline, as well as DSL and mobile phone contracts. But technology products, cars, and newspaper and magazine subscriptions also offer attractive discounts.
Quote: "Anyone looking for a specific product, such as tools, IT equipment, or technology, should first check a general price comparison website for the best deals. Popular sites include Idealo and billiger.de ."
The potential savings are often considerable : simply switching electricity or gas providers can save an average of several hundred euros per year . Furthermore, many providers entice companies willing to switch with an immediate or new customer bonus , sometimes amounting to several hundred euros. This allows businesses to save a significant amount of money in the first twelve months. However, prices rise considerably from the second year onwards, once the bonus expires. Therefore, it can be worthwhile to switch providers every year : this is the only way to secure the maximum discount . If, in addition, there is a price guarantee for the duration of the contract, you are best protected against unexpected price increases.
Regular price comparisons are also worthwhile for DSL and mobile phone contracts : If businesses use the same contracts for years, the tariffs become slow and expensive over time – simply because market prices regularly fall or better services are included . Since DSL and mobile phone providers don't automatically pass these benefits on to existing customers, long-term contracts are usually unattractive. Furthermore, home office arrangements have changed usage patterns for DSL and mobile phone services in many businesses. Switching providers can sometimes save several hundred euros per year in this area as well.
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Insurance also offers significant savings potential : price comparison websites for legal expenses, car, liability, homeowners, business, or health insurance reveal substantial cost differences . However, it's crucial to pay close attention to the scope of coverage and any limitations, especially with very cheap offers. Furthermore, it's worthwhile to select or deselect various options within the insurance coverage, depending on your individual needs. Since insurance isn't always immediately intuitive, price comparison websites should offer a hotline or at least an email address for inquiries.
Anyone looking for a specific product, such as tools, IT equipment, or technology , should first check a general price comparison website for the best deals. Popular sites include Idealo and billiger.de: Here you can search in various categories or directly by manufacturer and product name. The results page shows the providers with the lowest prices, including shipping costs and payment options . Some portals also allow you to set up a price alert: You'll then receive an email notification when the price of the product you're looking for drops to or below your desired level.
The best savings strategy for all areas: It's always worthwhile to compare prices and services on multiple comparison portals . Not all providers are listed on every comparison site, and some portals offer special deals. Keep in mind, however, that comparison sites aren't independent : They usually finance their services through commissions and referral fees . Therefore, in some cases, the cheapest providers aren't at the top, but rather those with the most attractive commission payments – often marked with labels like "Recommended," "Expert Tip," "Popular Plan," or "Advertisement."
Important: The cheapest provider isn't always the best. You should avoid contracts with upfront payments, multi-year commitment periods, or insecure payment methods. Payments by invoice, direct debit, or PayPal are comparatively secure.
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