Some companies think their customers, or potential customers, are completely clueless. If you believe otherwise, consider the following story, and, remember, just about anyone you or I know could rattle off at least one similar example.
I switched from dial-up to DSL two years ago and the contract price has been reasonable, based on local and long distance service with the company. My DSL contract will expire in two weeks, so I called the phone company today and asked what deals they have available in this area.
I can renew for one year for $10 more per month. Or I can renew for a mere $5 more per month – if I bundle my local and long distance phone service with an additional $16 worth of features. This option appears to be “more or less” confusing.
Finances are squeaky tight. I was thinking more along the lines of, at most, a $5 a month increase. I don’t need or want additional services or charges.
I know I can’t afford cable, but I called the local cable company’s toll free number anyway.
The man spoke solemnly, telling me Internet without TV cable service would cost $10 more per month and there would be no discounts or specials. Of course, if a customer should order cable TV, there would be an automatic $10 discount.
He asked for my complete address and then announced, “I have no service there.”
“I know you have no service here,” I replied. “Do you mean you don’t have any service at this address or you can’t give me service at this address?”
“I can’t give you service at that address. I see several other homes are listed on your street, but they are all marked ‘not serviceable.’ But we might have service there soon. I see we are building in that area.”
I hung up without telling him I know otherwise. The county, or at least much of it, has Internet cable. This small city has Internet cable. I send messages to several local cable email addresses. One of them is a block and a half away. My next door neighbor used to have cable Internet. Also, the TV reception in this area is poor and I am one of the few diehards who do not have cable TV service.
After talking with a representative of both companies, I realize that two weeks from today, my Internet days might end. On the other hand, they might not. God has opened doors before and hopefully he will again.
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