Why cell phone companies are awesome

[the Talking Can]

I've been a tmobile customer for almost 4 years. Never a problem. Never a complaint.

My contract is up in 1 month and 1 day.
My phone crapped out this week, won't hold calls, signal fluctuates constantly.
Sales rep in store tells me to call and ask for an early upgrade. Fine.
I do. The customer service person agrees to give me the full discount early. I tell her i want to go the store to get a phone immediately, so he says he'll put a note in my account.

Several hours later i go to store to upgrade. No record in my account. I talk to a service rep who says there is no record of my agreement anywhere and that they can not allow me to upgrade early.

I explain my situation (malfunctionign phone). I say, I want to sign a new 2 year contract right now, and I want to buy a phone right now, and you won't take my money??? (and remember, my contract is up in a month)

Rep says sorry can't help you. I say I'm leaving at the end of the month for a new company. The rep says nothing.

So, a long term customer who would have remained a long term customer is leaving for another company, just on principle. And all they said was "bye."

Smart business folks.

[doomy3]

Yeah, cell phone companies are generally pretty useless in the customer service department.

[DeezNutz]

Sucks.

Too bad you didn't have the dumbshit's name whom you originally talked to and a reference number.

What's even worse is that these types of precautions are necessary.

[the Talking Can]

Sucks.

Too bad you didn't have the dumbshit's name whom you originally talked to and a reference number.

What's even worse is that these types of precautions are necessary.

yeah i should have asked, but i forgot to assume the worst...

[DeezNutz]

yeah i should have asked, but i forgot to assume the worst...

Yep. Expecting competency is increasingly more dangerous, apparently.

[Bugeater]

Why should they care? They know they'll get another customer who is just as fed up with their current provider to replace you.

[the Talking Can]

Why should they care? They know they'll get another customer who is just as fed up with their current provider to replace you.

well, they could have had us both....that would be better, no?

i was trying to give them my money, begging to give them my money and they said, "nah...don't want it"....

[jAZ]

I've been a tmobile customer for almost 4 years. Never a problem. Never a complaint.

My contract is up in 1 month and 1 day.
My phone crapped out this week, won't hold calls, signal fluctuates constantly.
Sales rep in store tells me to call and ask for an early upgrade. Fine.
I do. The customer service person agrees to give me the full discount early. I tell her i want to go the store to get a phone immediately, so he says he'll put a note in my account.

Several hours later i go to store to upgrade. No record in my account. I talk to a service rep who says there is no record of my agreement anywhere and that they can not allow me to upgrade early.

I explain my situation (malfunctionign phone). I say, I want to sign a new 2 year contract right now, and I want to buy a phone right now, and you won't take my money??? (and remember, my contract is up in a month)

Rep says sorry can't help you. I say I'm leaving at the end of the month for a new company. The rep says nothing.

So, a long term customer who would have remained a long term customer is leaving for another company, just on principle. And all they said was "bye."

Smart business folks.

If you care to, go back to the story, call T-Mobile get a manager, go to the store, get his manager, tell them both what happened and make them agree to tell you to f*ck off.

I bet you get what you want +.

[big nasty kcnut]

You should call tmobile at the store. Then get your full discount. Don't get screwed. Screw them.
Posted via Mobile Device

[the Talking Can]

If you care to, go back to the story, call T-Mobile get a manager, go to the store, get his manager, tell them both what happened and make them agree to tell you to f*ck off.

I bet you get what you want +.

probably...but I all i wanted was a new phone (and a contract extension), not a big drama....

i'm not much for making waves....

[Spott]

What's even better is that it hardly costs them anything to provide you service compared to what they bill you.

[the Talking Can]

What's even better is that it hardly costs them anything to provide you service compared to what they bill you.

this

they're punting on a 2 yr contract at 45 a month....because i want to buy a phone a month early...because my phone is fucking malfunctioning...

it just sounds insane to me

[Phobia]

i'm not much for making waves....

Heh heh. Heh heh. Heh.

Verizon has done me very well since Sprint forced me to find a new cell carrier when I moved to KC. They went well beyond my expectations last time I was in there. Rep pointed out a military discount program and saved me a bunch of money I was prepared to part with.

I would rather support Sprint and other local companies but Sprint has proven time and time again that they don't deserve my patronage.

[Spott]

this

they're punting on a 2 yr contract at 45 a month....because i want to buy a phone a month early...because my phone is fucking malfunctioning...

it just sounds insane to me


You will never be able to get any kinds of deals at the store. They will always make you pay top dollar if you are going to get in person "customer service" from them. You may be able to go on the Tmobile website and get the upgrade that they offered you. If that doesn't work, you could try and find a refurbished phone on Ebay that would be worth using for a month and then switch carriers after that.

[dj56dt58]

wow..i do customer service for att and we would have upgraded you..no problem. Call customer support again, somtimes the systems in the store dont match what the systems a customer service rep is looking at, upgrade over the phone..


I have Verizon myself and they've been great except I was told i'd be able to get an early upgrade, next rep said i couldn't. come christmas time I got something in the mail saying I could so I was able to do it anyway.

[Spott]

wow..i do customer service for att and we would have upgraded you..no problem. Call customer support again, somtimes the systems in the store dont match what the systems a customer service rep is looking at, upgrade over the phone..


I have Verizon myself and they've been great except I was told i'd be able to get an early upgrade, next rep said i couldn't. come christmas time I got something in the mail saying I could so I was able to do it anyway.

You don't get a discount on AT&T phones for working there?

[tomahawk kid]

Depending on what you're looking for, you might take a look at either the Boost Unlimited $50 plan or something from Sprint.

I work there, and can tell you the customer service / care have improved dramatically.....

[the Talking Can]

wow..i do customer service for att and we would have upgraded you..no problem. Call customer support again, somtimes the systems in the store dont match what the systems a customer service rep is looking at, upgrade over the phone..


I have Verizon myself and they've been great except I was told i'd be able to get an early upgrade, next rep said i couldn't. come christmas time I got something in the mail saying I could so I was able to do it anyway.

i'll try again on monday and see if it showed up...if anyone in the chain had shown an ounce of interest in actually solving my problem i'd have been happy to wait 24 hrs...

[the Talking Can]

Heh heh. Heh heh. Heh.

Verizon has done me very well since Sprint forced me to find a new cell carrier when I moved to KC. They went well beyond my expectations last time I was in there. Rep pointed out a military discount program and saved me a bunch of money I was prepared to part with.

I would rather support Sprint and other local companies but Sprint has proven time and time again that they don't deserve my patronage.

i didn't think they covered my area until i just checked..i'll take a look

[dj56dt58]

i'll try again on monday and see if it showed up...if anyone in the chain had shown an ounce of interest in actually solving my problem i'd have been happy to wait 24 hrs...

if they dont do it over the phone just escalate and keep escalating..usually by the time you hit a floor supervisor they will do it for you, especially in your case

So..do you have to wait until your contract is up with them to upgrade? ours is 18 months

[dj56dt58]

You don't get a discount on AT&T phones for working there?

I do but I live in a really small town where ATT doesn't have great service..Im moving i a few weeks and should get service there but I'm still under contract with Verizon. I also get a Verizon discount for working at ATT..which is wierd

[jAZ]

probably...but I all i wanted was a new phone (and a contract extension), not a big drama....

i'm not much for making waves....

Is the store a real T-Mobile store or a franchised one? I don't know the ins-and-outs, but I know that T-mobile has both, and it might be fair to assume that a T-Mobile owned store might have access to stuff a franchise might not.

[the Talking Can]

if they dont do it over the phone just escalate and keep escalating..usually by the time you hit a floor supervisor they will do it for you, especially in your case

So..do you have to wait until your contract is up with them to upgrade? ours is 18 months

yes, had a 2 year contract...up in 1 month and 1 day...first guy said yes, second guy said no they only do it 15 days in advance

[the Talking Can]

Is the store a real T-Mobile store or a franchised one? I don't know the ins-and-outs, but I know that T-mobile has both, and it might be fair to assume that a T-Mobile owned store might have access to stuff a franchise might not.

hmm, i don't know...

[BigMeatballDave]

Damn. That sounds like some stupid shit Sprint would do.

[Bearcat]

probably...but I all i wanted was a new phone (and a contract extension), not a big drama....

i'm not much for making waves....

Making waves will more than likely give you what you want, and it might make a small change at T-Mobile, too. For all you know, you could be talking to some guy who's been there for 3 months and has no entitlement to do anything, or is too lazy to do something out of the ordinary, or just doesn't give a crap. That's obviously not something unique to T-Mobile. Talking to a supervisor is at least a few more minutes wasted and is at most a chance to get what you want and it gives the supervisor and sales rep an insight into the incompetence.

[Deberg_1990]

Why should they care? They know they'll get another customer who is just as fed up with their current provider to replace you.

This.

Ive come to the conclusion cell phone companies are all exactly the same.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Damn. That sounds like some stupid shit Sprint would do.

Sprint gives me a full upgrade option every 12 months now. Of course my buddy just got put on TMobile's customer appreciation plan. Basically, he's been with them for so long that he now pays $89.99 a month and has unlimited everything. Like Sprint. For 2 fuckin lines. Total, not each. That's sick. I want that deal.

[RealSNR]

Tmobile wouldn't give Charles Barkley his socks, either

[stevieray]

I have a love/hate relationship with cell phones.

mostly hate. I think they are a scam.

[soundmind]

wow..i do customer service for att and we would have upgraded you..no problem. Call customer support again, somtimes the systems in the store dont match what the systems a customer service rep is looking at, upgrade over the phone..


I have Verizon myself and they've been great except I was told i'd be able to get an early upgrade, next rep said i couldn't. come christmas time I got something in the mail saying I could so I was able to do it anyway.

Having worked with multiple providers over the last 10 years or so, I'll say this. None of them are worth a single sh*t, let alone 2 sh*ts. However, the situation that is being described in the original post sounds an awful lot like the store rep was just a lazy pile of crap. One phone call and you'd have remained a happy and continuing customer.

Unfortunately, todays motto is less and less "the customer is always right" and has turned completely to "the customer is always there."

They have no loyalties, and won't soon honor yours.

[dj56dt58]

Having worked with multiple providers over the last 10 years or so, I'll say this. None of them are worth a single sh*t, let alone 2 sh*ts. However, the situation that is being described in the original post sounds an awful lot like the store rep was just a lazy pile of crap. One phone call and you'd have remained a happy and continuing customer.

Unfortunately, todays motto is less and less "the customer is always right" and has turned completely to "the customer is always there."

They have no loyalties, and won't soon honor yours.

that motto went away a few years ago

[Deberg_1990]

Unfortunately, todays motto is less and less "the customer is always right" and has turned completely to "the customer is always there."



Thats exactly right.

They know nobody or mostly nobody is going to go without a cell phone for long, so they figure they will get their money eventually. So why waste time on pesky things like customer service??

[soundmind]

that motto went away a few years ago

I really wish it had.

Even the best companies fall far short somewhere.....and intentionally so, for reasons of simple greed. Apple is the perfect example. I've had nothing but the best service in-store. But if you get one of the kids that just tells you to call AppleCare, or find yourself on that path anyway - good luck.

[FAX]

Sorry to hear this, Mr. the Talking Can.

I happen to know a muckety muck at T-Mobile. If you wish, please feel free to PM your cell number to me and I'll convey the problem to him. I'm sure the resolution would take a couple of days, though. If that timeline's okay with you, fire away.

FAX

[SithCeNtZ]

Unfortunately, todays motto is less and less "the customer is always right" and has turned completely to "the customer is always there."



Because if cell phone companies ran by the motto "the customer is always right", cell phone companies would never be profitable.

[Saulbadguy]

Slightly OT, but check out Talking Cans visitor profile. That message left by KCJohnny is hilarious - probably because he was being serious.

[MTG#10]

I work there, and can tell you the customer service / care have improved dramatically.....

I sure hope so. I had Sprint from '02-'05 and they were HORRIBLE. I finally had enough when I got over-charged on my bill (about the fifth time), and they refused to take it off until I paid it. Yeah. They admitted it was an error, wanted me to pay it, and said they would give me a $20 credit on my next bill. They told me if I didnt pay the bill in full even though they admitted I was over-charged they would have to charge me a late fee. I told them to go **** themselves.

[keg in kc]

Slightly OT, but check out Talking Cans visitor profile. That message left by KCJohnny is hilarious - probably because he was being serious.LMAOROFL

I've had tmobile for 7 or 8 years, never a problem, although I do everything online.

[the Talking Can]

Slightly OT, but check out Talking Cans visitor profile. That message left by KCJohnny is hilarious - probably because he was being serious.

LMAO

i never noticed that...

[keg in kc]

LMAO

i never noticed that...Don't forget: love thy neighbor. Unless he has long hair or opinions you don't agree with.

[the Talking Can]

Sorry to hear this, Mr. the Talking Can.

I happen to know a muckety muck at T-Mobile. If you wish, please feel free to PM your cell number to me and I'll convey the problem to him. I'm sure the resolution would take a couple of days, though. If that timeline's okay with you, fire away.

FAX

thanks fax, i'll try again tomorrow and see what happens...

it isn't the end of the world, it's just that the resolution seems so damn obvious...i'm not asking for a discount on anything, just want the window moved a month...

[FAX]

Dang. I had no idea Mr. the Talking Can was Satan.

FAX

[DeezNutz]

Slightly OT, but check out Talking Cans visitor profile. That message left by KCJohnny is hilarious - probably because he was being serious.

"The Talking Can has not made any friends yet."

This phrase, combined with the visitor message, made me laugh.

[DaFace]

Sprint gives me a full upgrade option every 12 months now. Of course my buddy just got put on TMobile's customer appreciation plan. Basically, he's been with them for so long that he now pays $89.99 a month and has unlimited everything. Like Sprint. For 2 fuckin lines. Total, not each. That's sick. I want that deal.

I pay $60 for pretty much unlimited everything for two lines on Sprint. :D

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I pay $60 for pretty much unlimited everything for two lines on Sprint. :D

??? How do I get that deal?

[SAUTO]

Slightly OT, but check out Talking Cans visitor profile. That message left by KCJohnny is hilarious - probably because he was being serious.

:) :ROFL:

[KcKing]

yes, had a 2 year contract...up in 1 month and 1 day...first guy said yes, second guy said no they only do it 15 days in advance

2nd guy doesn't know what he's talking about... I was able to get a full discount upgrade about 4 1/2 months in advance of my contract expiring this last christmas...

It all depends on who you talk to... And what happens after you talk to that person's manager...

[EyePod]

Sorry to hear this, Mr. the Talking Can.

I happen to know a muckety muck at T-Mobile. If you wish, please feel free to PM your cell number to me and I'll convey the problem to him. I'm sure the resolution would take a couple of days, though. If that timeline's okay with you, fire away.

FAX

Don't trust Mr. Fax!!! He's going to sign you up for tons of 1-900 porn calls or something!! He's wily like that!

;)

Oh, Mr. Fax, did you ever get finished with explodifying the moderator over at WPI?

[DeezNutz]

??? How do I get that deal?

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0LsCtvo8ucM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0LsCtvo8ucM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[DaFace]

I pay $60 for pretty much unlimited everything for two lines on Sprint. :D

I got on their "sero" plan back a few years ago when they opened it up to the public. Basically, it's $30 per month per phone for unlimited text, data, mobile-to-mobile, etc. Technically, the minutes are only 500 per month (from 7-7), but I never come close to that since my wife is on the same plan.

I'm not sure how you can get on it these days. Probably bribe a sprint employee?

www.sprint.com/sero

EDIT: Actually, looks like they dumped the plan I'm on entirely, so the best you can do is $59.99 for it these days. Sorry dude.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/expired-deals/680568

[FAX]

thanks fax, i'll try again tomorrow and see what happens...

it isn't the end of the world, it's just that the resolution seems so damn obvious...i'm not asking for a discount on anything, just want the window moved a month...

Well, if you change your mind, don't hesitate to advise. T-Mobile wants to compete on the basis of customer service (it's really the only way they can compete). Treatment like you recieved is grounds for dismissal.

Meanwhile, I stand ready to assist you should the need arise.

FAX

[FAX]

... Oh, Mr. Fax, did you ever get finished with explodifying the moderator over at WPI?

Actually, that issue was resolved, Mr. EyePod. I haven't been back there, though. Except for checking to see if my login worked, that is.

FAX

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I got on their "sero" plan back a few years ago when they opened it up to the public. Basically, it's $30 per month per phone for unlimited text, data, mobile-to-mobile, etc. Technically, the minutes are only 500 per month (from 7-7), but I never come close to that since my wife is on the same plan.

I'm not sure how you can get on it these days. Probably bribe a sprint employee?

www.sprint.com/sero

EDIT: Actually, looks like they dumped the plan I'm on entirely, so the best you can do is $59.99 for it these days. Sorry dude.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/expired-deals/680568

I have a pretty good deal with Sprint. Plan is standard, but I get a 27% discount every month through a previous employer. Although oddly enough, I started getting their discount before I ever worked for them. Nice salesman. But, I'm greedy. I want more.

[Al Czervik]

I got on their "sero" plan back a few years ago when they opened it up to the public. Basically, it's $30 per month per phone for unlimited text, data, mobile-to-mobile, etc. Technically, the minutes are only 500 per month (from 7-7), but I never come close to that since my wife is on the same plan.

I'm not sure how you can get on it these days. Probably bribe a sprint employee?

www.sprint.com/sero

EDIT: Actually, looks like they dumped the plan I'm on entirely, so the best you can do is $59.99 for it these days. Sorry dude.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/expired-deals/680568

Yep...Each Sprint employee gets 20 lines.....They can get anyone on the plans....
First plan has 500 minutes, unlimited text, and data...20 bucks a month....
Second plan has 1000 minutes and the same for 40....

Just find a Sprint employee who still has open spots.....

[Silock]

I got on their "sero" plan back a few years ago when they opened it up to the public. Basically, it's $30 per month per phone for unlimited text, data, mobile-to-mobile, etc. Technically, the minutes are only 500 per month (from 7-7), but I never come close to that since my wife is on the same plan.

I'm not sure how you can get on it these days. Probably bribe a sprint employee?

www.sprint.com/sero

EDIT: Actually, looks like they dumped the plan I'm on entirely, so the best you can do is $59.99 for it these days. Sorry dude.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/expired-deals/680568

That's what I have. SERO FTW

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Yep...Each Sprint employee gets 20 lines.....They can get anyone on the plans....
First plan has 500 minutes, unlimited text, and data...20 bucks a month....
Second plan has 1000 minutes and the same for 40....

Just find a Sprint employee who still has open spots.....

Little bit harder since I don't live in KC. But I will keep my ears tuned. Thanks for the heads up.

[reiko57]

yeah i should have asked, but i forgot to assume the worst...

yea right, they probably gave you a name and reference number and you blew it off, not even bothering to remember their name.. i know i do that shit, i always regret it too when something like this happens..

[wild1]

exact same situation with me and AT&T. Only they did make the note in the account. When I went to the local store, they had to get a manager to figure it out and it took forever, but they got it done.

[Kerberos]

Heh heh. Heh heh. Heh.

Verizon has done me very well since Sprint forced me to find a new cell carrier when I moved to KC. They went well beyond my expectations last time I was in there. Rep pointed out a military discount program and saved me a bunch of money I was prepared to part with.

I would rather support Sprint and other local companies but Sprint has proven time and time again that they don't deserve my patronage.

I have a pretty good deal with Sprint. Plan is standard, but I get a 27% discount every month through a previous employer. Although oddly enough, I started getting their discount before I ever worked for them. Nice salesman. But, I'm greedy. I want more.

Sprint has bent over BACKWARDS for me every time I have something go wrong. I upgrade my phone every year or so as does my wife. They give me $150-$200 every time to go towards a new phone. Yes I do have to sign a new contract but that doesn't bother me. I will always have a cell phone because I gave up my home phone 10 years ago.

My wife got a new Motorola Razor about a two years ago. 6 months after she got it my phone went "Tits UP" and I mean it took a big dump and just quit working. I called Sprint and even though I had 6 months to go before I could upgrade again I talked to the supervisor and explained that I was a 10+ year customer and I ALWAYS paid my bill on time and for the last 4 years it was $100 a month.(multiple phones on the plan, 4 to be exact) Then I asked if my $1200 a year meant anything? I got them to give me an early upgrade to get a new phone. I wanted one that was military spec (very durable) and it was $300+ They only wanted to give me $150 but after a little persuasion I was able to get them to up that to $225.

I think it's all in how you talk to people and who you talk to. Most sales reps can ONLY do so much and then you have to go over their head.

[HonestChieffan]

I need a new phone. I need a durable phone. I dont need/want gadgets, buttons, fancy screens, and all the garbage ained at yuppies trying to impress the next yuppie or 14 yr olds who play text all the damn time.

How do you find a cell phone thats a cell phone?

[007]

ONe of the many reasons I don't want get locked into long term contracts with cell companies and just stay with a land line.

[007]

I need a new phone. I need a durable phone. I dont need/want gadgets, buttons, fancy screens, and all the garbage ained at yuppies trying to impress the next yuppie or 14 yr olds who play text all the damn time.

How do you find a cell phone thats a cell phone?I swear they make these phones cheaply so you will have to replace them often.

[jiveturkey]

I don't get it either. They put in a bunch of rules in an effort to force us to stay on and all those rules do is cause us to jump.

[Brock]

I need a new phone. I need a durable phone. I dont need/want gadgets, buttons, fancy screens, and all the garbage ained at yuppies trying to impress the next yuppie or 14 yr olds who play text all the damn time.

How do you find a cell phone thats a cell phone?

Check out tracfone, it's what I use all the time. When it quits working throw it in the trash and get another one.

[007]

Check out tracfone, it's what I use all the time. When it quits working throw it in the trash and get another one.Net10 is more affordable. We use that as our emergency phone.

[Dave Lane]

yeah i should have asked, but i forgot to assume the worst...

On your sig is it OK if I going you for poker night in Hades?

[007]

Yep...Each Sprint employee gets 20 lines.....They can get anyone on the plans....
First plan has 500 minutes, unlimited text, and data...20 bucks a month....
Second plan has 1000 minutes and the same for 40....

Just find a Sprint employee who still has open spots.....Damn. I would do it for $20 per month. I don't know anyone at sprint though so meh.

[Smed1065]

Yep...Each Sprint employee gets 20 lines.....They can get anyone on the plans....
First plan has 500 minutes, unlimited text, and data...20 bucks a month....
Second plan has 1000 minutes and the same for 40....

Just find a Sprint employee who still has open spots.....

Best one ever. No contracts even though they did just raise it from $15 to $20 a month but cant complain with unlimited data included.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Best one ever. No contracts even though they did just raise it from $15 to $20 a month but cant complain with unlimited data included.

That is smokin. I need to find a Sprint employee.

[Skip Towne]

Net10 is more affordable. We use that as our emergency phone.

Net 10 is what I have too. I pay $30 every 60 days. It's a good deal if you don't use it much.

[007]

Net 10 is what I have too. I pay $30 every 60 days. It's a good deal if you don't use it much.We are set up for $15 per month. Usually always have around 300 minutes to spare too. We only use it for emergencies and long distance calls.

[Saulbadguy]

I need a new phone. I need a durable phone. I dont need/want gadgets, buttons, fancy screens, and all the garbage ained at yuppies trying to impress the next yuppie or 14 yr olds who play text all the damn time.

How do you find a cell phone thats a cell phone?


I gotta be connected - I love having the ability to communicate with others at a whim, and surfing the net from my phone when bored, or taking a shit.

It has really nothing to do with trying to "impress" anyone.

[dj56dt58]

I need a new phone. I need a durable phone. I dont need/want gadgets, buttons, fancy screens, and all the garbage ained at yuppies trying to impress the next yuppie or 14 yr olds who play text all the damn time.

How do you find a cell phone thats a cell phone?

http://nate1226.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/old-cellphone.jpg

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I gotta be connected - I love having the ability to communicate with others at a whim, and surfing the net from my phone when bored, or taking a shit.

It has really nothing to do with trying to "impress" anyone.

Yeah I'm totally with you on that. Being able to read the news without the newspaper is big. I also like the ability to talk to anyone, anytime. Let alone all the other cool features like GPS, music player, etc.

[htismaqe]

I've had this experience with a cell phone company before.

That being said, I've had the same experience with both a cable company and a satellite TV company, too.

[the Talking Can]

Net 10 is what I have too. I pay $30 every 60 days. It's a good deal if you don't use it much.

never heard of that, but it looks interesting as I am a chronic under-user of my minutes...

[the Talking Can]

Net 10 is what I have too. I pay $30 every 60 days. It's a good deal if you don't use it much.

what about coverage on this?

are there roaming charges?

[WilliamTheIrish]

what about coverage on this?

are there roaming charges?

There is no roaming charge on two soup cans connected by a length of rope.

[007]

what about coverage on this?

are there roaming charges?If you happen to be in a roaming area it is .20 per minute instead of .10. The only time I have been in roaming with my phone was in extreme western Kansas.

[TinyEvel]

Mobile companies are one of the entities who F*ck everyone on a regular basis.

I was a Verizon customer when we moved the Hollywood Hills, there was NO coverage at my house. The only carrier that had coverage on the hill was Sprint (everyone in the neighborhood knew this). I called Verizon and they said "No, this map I'm looking at says we have signal in your area"
I replied, "Well, I'm ACTUALLY IN THIS AREA and I'm telling you there's no coverage anywhere for a mile at least."

Then I had to switch to Sprint, and Verizon hit me with a $175 cancellation fee after I had been a customer for five years and had just renewed my contract with NO PHONE UPGRADE. I said, "look, I understand the contract is so that you get back the value of the equipment discount, but I haven't upgraded, and I am only quitting because I get no service at my house"

They didn't care. I paid the $175 and vowed to tell everyone I know how much I hate Verizon.

Also: Sprint has a "new every two" thing they brag about where you get a new equipment discount every two years. Well, you have to sign a new 2-year agreement to get the discount AND the discount is the same discount they give new customers walking in off the street. What a crock! Lies lies lies.
My PDA just broke and I am hanging out for five weeks until my contract is up and leaving for an iPhone. I'm sure I'll hate AT&T too. Switching mobile companies is like going from having acid poured in your eyes to having hot lead poured in your eyes.

[007]

Tiny going to Apple?

[Brock]

If you happen to be in a roaming area it is .20 per minute instead of .10. The only time I have been in roaming with my phone was in extreme western Kansas.

Net10 and tracfone both claim to have no roaming charges. :shrug:

I love my tracfone, but then I hardly ever go anywhere, and I talk on the phone about a half hour per month.

[007]

Net10 and tracfone both claim to have no roaming charges. :shrug:

I love my tracfone, but then I hardly ever go anywhere, and I talk on the phone about a half hour per month.Well, unless something changed recently.....

It has been over a year since I have been in roam area.

[Inspector]

I was thinking about getting me one of those CB radio's for the car.

Breaker, breaker....10-4 and all that.

And as an added bonus, I could get one of those huge ass antennea's on my trunk lid.

Man, that's be so cool. You can actually talk to other people FROM THE CAR!!!

That's right, from the car!!!

[vailpass]

Whether it is satellite TV, cell phone or any other service to which you subscribe always ask to speak to Customer Retention before you quit.
The front line people usually won't volunteer this information. Sometimes (like with Sprint) you have to say the words "I'm leaving" before they will transfer you.
Customer Retention will get it done for you if you have any case at all.

[Coach]

What sucks about is the 3G phones, you have to pay the internet fee in order for those phones to work.

That sucked. Nice phones, but not worth 30 additional bucks (or more) just to make the fucking thing work.

[googlegoogle]

why did you not give out the company or phone name?

[googlegoogle]

If good service was part of FCC spectrum auctions then we would get it.

This is where the bidding process fails. Highest bidder = quick money.

[Saulbadguy]

why did you not give out the company or phone name?

LMAOLMAOLMAO

[Bugeater]

Net10 and tracfone both claim to have no roaming charges. :shrug:

I love my tracfone, but then I hardly ever go anywhere, and I talk on the phone about a half hour per month.
Tracfone deducts two minutes of your airtime for every minute you use outside of your home area.

[stevieray]

jail cell phones

[bogey]

I don't know if I've told this...
My wife and I have 2 phones with ATT as well as our home phone and have had them for years. I wanted to buy my wife the Iphone for Christmas. ATT and Apple were offering the phone for $200.00. So, I went to the Mac store and purchased the gift certificate they provided, they don't let you actually buy the phone. On Dec 26, we go to the store so my wife can get her phone. It turns out the special is for new ATT subscribers, or someone that is at the end of their contract. Our contract isn't up until March so we couldn't purchase the phone. I threatened to end all of our services with ATT if they didn't let me purchase the phone for $200 on 12/26 and they did not give a shit. I was so pissed!

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I don't know if I've told this...
My wife and I have 2 phones with ATT as well as our home phone and have had them for years. I wanted to buy my wife the Iphone for Christmas. ATT and Apple were offering the phone for $200.00. So, I went to the Mac store and purchased the gift certificate they provided, they don't let you actually buy the phone. On Dec 26, we go to the store so my wife can get her phone. It turns out the special is for new ATT subscribers, or someone that is at the end of their contract. Our contract isn't up until March so we couldn't purchase the phone. I threatened to end all of our services with ATT if they didn't let me purchase the phone for $200 on 12/26 and they did not give a shit. I was so pissed!

Well, it's March. They didn't give a shit. Do you?

[bogey]

Well, it's March. They didn't give a shit. Do you?

See that even pisses me off more. I'm going to get my wife the fucking phone!! But it still pisses me off. :)

[Mr. Flopnuts]

See that even pisses me off more. I'm going to get my wife the fucking phone!! But it still pisses me off. :)

And that folks is why they do it. The customer isn't always right. The customer is just always there.

Don't get me wrong Bogey, I'm not trying to make you out to be a bad guy here. It's actually quite normal.

If we all stopped giving our money to people who piss us off, we'd all be rich. And hungry.

[bogey]

And that folks is why they do it. The customer isn't always right. The customer is just always there.

Don't get me wrong Bogey, I'm not trying to make you out to be a bad guy here. It's actually quite normal.

If we all stopped giving our money to people who piss us off, we'd all be rich. And hungry.

Oh no, I'll be the first to admit, I'm a pussy. I went round and round with them and Apple. I made threats, I tried everything I could. And the bottom line, they'll sell me an Iphone and keep my business. Whatever.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Oh no, I'll be the first to admit, I'm a pussy. I went round and round with them and Apple. I made threats, I tried everything I could. And the bottom line, they'll sell me an Iphone and keep my business. Whatever.

Sprint used to piss me off all the time. But the discount I get with them couldn't be beat anywhere else and it comes down to money. They've gotten much, much better though and I'm glad to give them my money now.

[bogey]

Sprint used to piss me off all the time. But the discount I get with them couldn't be beat anywhere else and it comes down to money. They've gotten much, much better though and I'm glad to give them my money now.

My wife REALLY wants the Iphone. So, my hands are tied. If she didn't want that phone, I would have changed providers.

[SithCeNtZ]

And that folks is why they do it. The customer isn't always right. The customer is just always there.



But he wasn't right. ATT gets the bad rap but the fact is ATT did nothing wrong.

Like I said earlier in the thread, cell phone companies would never stay in business if the customer was always right. His story is a perfect example. He wasn't eligble to get the discounted price yet, but he wanted ATT to make an exception for him.

[Al Bundy]

yeah i should have asked, but i forgot to assume the worst...

I always get names and where they are located as well as a reference/work order number.

[seaofred]

It's crazy. My wife and I have been Alltel customers for years. My wife decided she wanted a smart phone. So I go into the Alltel store before Christams to get her one. Well her contract isn't up yet. I was like I'm not wanting to cancel the plan, or anything. I just want to upgrade her current plan and get a smart phone. Well they wouldn't let me. They said I could buy the phone a FULL price and start a new account, but I couldn't upgrade her plan until her contract was up. We have 5 people on our contract. We pay for my phone, my wifes, her mothers and fathers, and her uncles. So as each contract expires we are changing companies. We are going to ATT where I get a 12% discount, because of the company I work for.

[bogey]

But he wasn't right. ATT gets the bad rap but the fact is ATT did nothing wrong.

Like I said earlier in the thread, cell phone companies would never stay in business if the customer was always right. His story is a perfect example. He wasn't eligble to get the discounted price yet, but he wanted ATT to make an exception for him.

Yes, I wanted them to make an exception for me. I've been a loyal customer for years and years. I've spent thousands of dollars with them. I wanted the phone for $200 instead of $400. They were offering new customers that hadn't spent a dime a $200 discount and would not bend with an old customer that has spent thousands. In my business, if a long standing customer comes to me and asks for a little help $$, I will give it to them so I can keep their business. I also asked if there was some other way we could work out a discount to make up the $200 difference. They would not bend at all. The folks at ATT said they would normally try to help me out, but Apple made it very clear that there are no exceptions. The folks at Apple said they would happily sell the phone at $200 but ATT made it very clear there were no exceptions. Either way, it worked for them. They will sell their phone and I am a pussy with a bad taste in my mouth for ATT and Apple.

[kepp]

I got the same schtick from Sprint and then switched to Tmobile LMAO

[vailpass]

But he wasn't right. ATT gets the bad rap but the fact is ATT did nothing wrong.

Like I said earlier in the thread, cell phone companies would never stay in business if the customer was always right. His story is a perfect example. He wasn't eligble to get the discounted price yet, but he wanted ATT to make an exception for him.

You fail to take into account the concept of customer retention for loyal customers. Accomodating customers with proven track records of paying their bills is a form of maintaining their business. These accomodations happen every day; it's just good business.
Keep thinking different though, you'll miss out on an awful lot that you could have had.

[DenverChief]

I've been a tmobile customer for almost 4 years. Never a problem. Never a complaint.

My contract is up in 1 month and 1 day.
My phone crapped out this week, won't hold calls, signal fluctuates constantly.
Sales rep in store tells me to call and ask for an early upgrade. Fine.
I do. The customer service person agrees to give me the full discount early. I tell her i want to go the store to get a phone immediately, so he says he'll put a note in my account.

Several hours later i go to store to upgrade. No record in my account. I talk to a service rep who says there is no record of my agreement anywhere and that they can not allow me to upgrade early.

I explain my situation (malfunctionign phone). I say, I want to sign a new 2 year contract right now, and I want to buy a phone right now, and you won't take my money??? (and remember, my contract is up in a month)

Rep says sorry can't help you. I say I'm leaving at the end of the month for a new company. The rep says nothing.

So, a long term customer who would have remained a long term customer is leaving for another company, just on principle. And all they said was "bye."

Smart business folks.

thats odd...company policy is to allow upgrades after 22 months on a 2 yrs contract and 11 months on a 1 year, I suggest you check with another store ...I just got the G1

[the Talking Can]

thats odd...company policy is to allow upgrades after 22 months on a 2 yrs contract and 11 months on a 1 year, I suggest you check with another store ...I just got the G1

they told me it was now "15 days"

anyways, as a result I'm going to try a no-contract phone...with taxes I was paying almost $50 a month and barely using 300 minutes...it was a waste of money

i figure to save 20-25 bucks a month and not be locked in...very curious how the coverage quality turns out..

and tmobile just let a 2 yr contract slip through their fingers, i would have signed it that day....

[Skip Towne]

they told me it was now "15 days"

anyways, as a result I'm going to try a no-contract phone...with taxes I was paying almost $50 a month and barely using 300 minutes...it was a waste of money

i figure to save 20-25 bucks a month and not be locked in...very curious how the coverage quality turns out..

and tmobile just let a 2 yr contract slip through their fingers, i would have signed it that day....

You sound like a candidate for the Net 10. Wal-Mart sells them.

[DenverChief]

they told me it was now "15 days"



that is just bizarre because I was told something completely different just last week when I upgraded...hell I'd bet if you go to the website there is an option for you to upgrade there.....I have never had a problem with tmobile I left ATT cause those rat bastards wouldn't let me upgrade

[DenverChief]

just curious did you go into a "t-mobile" store or one of those kiosks or third party stores?

[DenverChief]

and I know there is a difference between the t mobile franchise and corporate stores ...you can check online to determine which is which

[007]

And that folks is why they do it. The customer isn't always right. The customer is just always there.

Don't get me wrong Bogey, I'm not trying to make you out to be a bad guy here. It's actually quite normal.

If we all stopped giving our money to people who piss us off, we'd all be rich. And hungry.This is why I haven't jumped into the cell black hole yet. I am not sticking myself in a contract I cannot get out of, especially if I find out the service sucks. You should have at least a 3 month OUT clause on these 2 year contracts. Most give you 30 days or less. That is not enough time to see how the billing and service will be for your personal situation.

Everything is turning to 1 and 2 year contracts now and its annoying as hell.

[SithCeNtZ]

You fail to take into account the concept of customer retention for loyal customers. Accomodating customers with proven track records of paying their bills is a form of maintaining their business. These accomodations happen every day; it's just good business.
Keep thinking different though, you'll miss out on an awful lot that you could have had.

If the world was perfect, you would be right. It would be good for cell phone companies to do that. The problem that comes up is where do you draw the line in the real world? In such a perfect world, customers would only ask for favors when they deserved them, and the cell phone company would accomodate, but the fact of the matter is, it doesn't work that way in the cell phone industry. Everyone has a story, and that is where things get difficult. I'm not sure you realize how many people a day go into a store with a story about how they should be allowed to get a new phone when they aren't elgible. If the cell phone companies said yes to everyone, they would be running in debt in operating costs in about....ohhhh.....3 months I'd guess.
That isn't an exaggeration either. There are tons of people who would just lie every so often to get as much money as possible. It sucks that the bad people in the world have to ruin it for everyone, but that is the real world.

[DenverChief]

If the world was perfect, you would be right. It would be good for cell phone companies to do that. The problem that comes up is where do you draw the line in the real world? In such a perfect world, customers would only ask for favors when they deserved them, and the cell phone company would accomodate, but the fact of the matter is, it doesn't work that way in the cell phone industry. Everyone has a story, and that is where things get difficult. I'm not sure you realize how many people a day go into a store with a story about how they should be allowed to get a new phone when they aren't elgible. If the cell phone companies said yes to everyone, they would be running in debt in operating costs in about....ohhhh.....3 months I'd guess.
That isn't an exaggeration either. There are tons of people who would just lie every so often to get as much money as possible. It sucks that the bad people in the world have to ruin it for everyone, but that is the real world.

I'm confused don't the cell phone companies keep records of who is a "good customer" (i.e. pays bill on time every month)? When I worked for dish network this was one of the basic screens we worked off of, if they paid their bill on time, how many work orders they have generated, how many times fees have been refunded or how many times PPV was refunded etc etc....if they don't they are stupid....I left ATT after 7 years of paying my bill on time and being an "easy customer" because they wouldn't sell me a new phone at any discount because my old phone broke....now I'm with T-mobile

[KCTitus]

...In such a perfect world, customers would only ask for favors when they deserved them, and the cell phone company would accomodate, but the fact of the matter is, it doesn't work that way in the cell phone industry...

One day I decided I wanted a new/spare battery for my Moto Q...I visited 4 sprint stores within a few miles of each other and none had a battery I could purchase. The last store I was at, the person behind the counter told me they were 'pretty expensive'...like 60-70 bucks. I said, yeah, that's what I figured, do you have one? No.

While I was waiting, however, I had to wait behind a lady that was interested in a new phone and she wanted to get the 'discount' -- the one Sprint gives out for someone who has had a contract for two years. The guy behind the counter informed her that she had only had her current phone for 3 months and wouldnt be eligible for a discount until October 2010.

I struggled to stifle my laughter...the stupidity was breathtaking.

[keg in kc]

Now this is bizarre. I log onto t-mobile.com and am greeted with the following (I'm trying to figure out what the catch is):

[the Talking Can]

You sound like a candidate for the Net 10. Wal-Mart sells them.

that's what i'm going to try

[Skip Towne]

that's what i'm going to try

The one I got cost $40 but came wth 300 free minutes ($30) so you get started cheap. They require you to buy 300 minutes every 60 days. I never use all 300 so they acccumulate. I have over 900 minutes now. And, best of all, NO CONTRACT.

[htismaqe]

You fail to take into account the concept of customer retention for loyal customers. Accomodating customers with proven track records of paying their bills is a form of maintaining their business. These accomodations happen every day; it's just good business.

Most companies WANT to practice it. Whether or not they can get the people in the trenches to actually DO it is another story.

I work for a Fortune 15 company in the telecom industry. What corporate says, and what the peons do, are two different things.

I was a DirecTV customer for a decade when they told me that they wouldn't replace my dish a 2nd time (due to poor signal) and even though they couldn't tell me what was wrong, they were sure it was my problem. I got a completely different story from the retention manager on duty, but by that time I was already livid and ready to leave.

[DaFace]

My wife and I just upgraded our phones last month as part of Sprint's "free" upgrade program (for certain phones). When we got our bill this weekend, there is an $18 charge per line for the upgrade. The rep at the Sprint store didn't mention the charge, and ensured us that the whole deal would be a "free" upgrade. I just spent an hour chatting with one of their reps trying to get the charge removed, to no avail. That's nice of them to conveniently omit the fact that they're gonna hit you with $36 in charges on top of the "free upgrade."

:cuss:

[Simplex3]

well, they could have had us both....that would be better, no?

i was trying to give them my money, begging to give them my money and they said, "nah...don't want it"....

You were trying to get a phone that cost them $300 for free, a month and a half before they were contractually obligated to.

Should they have done it? Probably. Did you really expect some lackey at a store to have the pull to do it? Please. You should have called back to customer service while you were still in the store. It could have been as simple as the store computers don't update immediately.

[the Talking Can]

You were trying to get a phone that cost them $300 for free, a month and a half before they were contractually obligated to.

Should they have done it? Probably. Did you really expect some lackey at a store to have the pull to do it? Please. You should have called back to customer service while you were still in the store. It could have been as simple as the store computers don't update immediately.

wrong

i was trying to get a 60$ phone for the price that would be available to me in two weeks (they allow full upgrades 15 days prior to contracts ending)....because the last phone they sold me was broken through no fault of my own....

so, they turned away a 4 year customer from signing a new two year contract....over 2 weeks....even though the whole situation was caused by their faulty equipment....

and i did call customer service while i was in the store...they told me no

maybe get your facts straight before commenting, thanks....

[Simplex3]

Sprint gives me a full upgrade option every 12 months now. Of course my buddy just got put on TMobile's customer appreciation plan. Basically, he's been with them for so long that he now pays $89.99 a month and has unlimited everything. Like Sprint. For 2 fuckin lines. Total, not each. That's sick. I want that deal.

TMobile just started offering me that plan. It's $50/mo for the first phone, $40 each for up to three more phones.

[Simplex3]

wrong

i was trying to get a 60$ phone for the price that would be available to me in two weeks (they allow full upgrades 15 days prior to contracts ending)....because the last phone they sold me was broken through no fault of my own....

so, they turned away a 4 year customer from signing a new two year contract....over 2 weeks....even though the whole situation was caused by their faulty equipment....

and i did call customer service while i was in the store...they told me no

maybe get your facts straight before commenting, thanks....

Trust me, that $60 phone cost them $300. The mobile companies take a loss on every phone they sell to get you locked into a plan. I've been inside those companies and I've been inside the mobile divisions of Sanyo, Samsung, LG, and Motorola.

[David.]

I actually AM a t-mobile customer rep have been for the last year and a half. What it sounds like is you spoke with someone who didn't know what they were doing, or we're not getting the whole scenario.

Anyone who calls in, has been with us for 11 months, and "triggers" (threatens to cancel or sounds like they could cancel) gets transferred to our Customer Loyalty department, where early upgrades...major discounts...preferred plans are offered. Something had to be up, I'd probably just call back. This is going to sound pretty retarded, but t-mobile really is trying to get rid of people who don't care about customers. We don't have the signal that verizon does, or the iphone like ATT, but we have won JD powers customer service award 7 of the last 8 years. It's really the only way we can compete.

The main issue I can tell is you want to go pick up the phone in the store, most stores cannot upgrade early, the system just won't allow it. If you call in and our willing to have the phone shipped to you I promise you'll get set up with a new phone.

[David.]

wrong

i was trying to get a 60$ phone for the price that would be available to me in two weeks (they allow full upgrades 15 days prior to contracts ending)....because the last phone they sold me was broken through no fault of my own....

so, they turned away a 4 year customer from signing a new two year contract....over 2 weeks....even though the whole situation was caused by their faulty equipment....

and i did call customer service while i was in the store...they told me no

maybe get your facts straight before commenting, thanks....

you actually get your full discount 2 months before contracts are up, I'm almost certain you're not giving us the whole story, or are just misinformed on your situation.

[David.]

Now this is bizarre. I log onto t-mobile.com and am greeted with the following (I'm trying to figure out what the catch is):

there is no catch. No contract requirement...unlimited calls 49.99


but it's only offered to longtime customers (22 months of tenure)

[Skip Towne]

I've had my Net10 phone about two years. When my house burned down, it got my charger. I couldn't find a charger to buy so I had the Wal-Mart girl call Net10 to order me one. They wouldn't sell me one but........they sent me a whole new phone complete with charger..........for free.

[googlegoogle]

I've had my Net10 phone about two years. When my house burned down, it got my charger. I couldn't find a charger to buy so I had the Wal-Mart girl call Net10 to order me one. They wouldn't sell me one but........they sent me a whole new phone complete with charger..........for free.

Chargers = another gotcha

[keg in kc]

there is no catch. No contract requirement...unlimited calls 49.99Yeah, I discovered that after I did some research into it. I actually signed up for it later in the day that I made that post, because it was 10 bucks cheaper than the plan I was under at the time, a plan that only gave me 1500 minutes plus nights and weekends. Seemed like kind of a no-brainer...

[Mr. Flopnuts]

This is so beautiful. Can I get this awesome plan? No. But the others will have no choice to but to follow suit and soon. If they don't, I'll just switch.