"A single provider will improve the service for customers and save money for all councils, " he added.

BBC: Gloucestershire

It has yet to be shown that the new time-sharing will save money for customers while making money for the suppliers.

FORBES: High Tech's New Deal

One example that Lodish admires: auto dealers that pitch the notion that now is a good time to buy a big vehicle because the discount will save customers more than enough money to compensate for the extra fuel costs over four or five years.

FORBES: Magazine Article

But Shader believes utility companies will quickly sign on, because with consumers able to pay with cash at 7-11 stores, utilities will save money by not having to operate their own costly locations for customers to make cash payments.

FORBES: PayNearMe Expands Its Cash Payment Network Internationally

"At a time when consumers are looking for ways to save their hard-earned money, we're rewarding Boost customers by helping them shrink their monthly payments, " said Bob Stohrer, vice president-Marketing, Boost Mobile.

ENGADGET: Boost Mobile announces 'Shrinkage' plans, cost goes down over time

Sales reps calling on customers are trained to first talk up how Give Something Back can save both time and money, for instance, guaranteeing free next-day delivery on 40, 000 items.

FORBES: The Profit Givers