One of the things that I hate about establishing a new business relationship, in this case switching my telephone service, is that I usually have to retrain them about my dislike of telemarketing and junk mail. As a routine I tell any new business that I don't want my name/telephone shared or used for marketing and to not put me on any marketing lists. Sometimes that works.
I recently switched my telephone service from a cable provider to a company associated with telephones and a ballpark in San Francisco. I repeated my standard request about not calling me or sending me anything. Keep my phone service going and I pay my bill on time. Deal?
In fact, I explicitly state "I don't want any contact from you except for my monthly bill."
Should be easy enough but you'd think I was the first person to make that request to this company.
Since switching I have received several automated calls asking if I am happy with my service. I wish they had an option that says "push one if you want us to stop bothering you."
Yesterday I got an automated phone call explaining why my recent bill may seem high. In the mail I got a notice about my "rewards plan", which I was not aware that I had done anything to earn. I called and it was explained that this is how I get the $100 check they promised for switching to this company. I told them I was fine with them sending me a check (I do have my price, it turns out) but once they've done that, "please stop sending me things".
I was told that I had to call another number for that request, which I did. You knew I would.
The customer service rep was polite but it does bother me that I have to confirm my account by providing my Social Security number and mother's maiden name "to ensure security", simply to stop getting junk mail. I could see the security procedures if I was requesting a service change but to stop telemarketing? Help, police! Someone stopped sending me junk mail!
I answered the questions and was told the process would take a few weeks to take effect. I grumbled in reluctant agreement.
Then I was told they would send me confirmation.
That's right: a letter confirming my request to not get any more letters.
Friday, August 7, 2009
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