I lose things a lot. There was a period of two months when I lived in my university’s residence where I misplaced my room keys three times, thus resulting in $80 fines on each occasion. I became a legend for it, really.
But somehow I’ve always managed to hold onto cell phones and cameras. I’m a cheapskate and the thought of replacing those items kills me inside.
Naturally, immediately after getting laid off from my job, just when I faced a bleak and financially unstable future, I received a $300 phone bill for roaming expenses and text messages. So I called into Bell Aliant, pleaded my case and asked for a second chance after being a loyal customer for FIVE YEARS and never missing a payment. Ever. I had never received such a high bill before. They flat out refused, no remorse, nothing.
I understand the bill was my own fault, yes. I cut text messaging out of my plan awhile ago with hopes of saving a few dollars, but our society is one dominated by the T9. So I texted, and my bills kept getting higher. I was told with the current plan I had, I couldn’t get unlimited texting without drastically increasing my monthly bill. When I finally called in last week to suck it up and get unlimited texting, they told me it would only cost an extra $5 a month.
Huh?
Never mind the fact I’ve called into customer service TWICE now to disconnect our house line just because we never, ever use it, and it’d save us $20 a month. IT STILL HASN’T BEEN DISCONNECTED, THERE’S MYSTERIOUSLY NO RECORD OF MY CALLS.
So on Sunday, I got up bright and early and headed to the MicMac Mall here in Dartmouth because I was supposed to be meeting some friends for a road trip to Upper Clements Park. I sat down on the sidewalk and waited. About 45 minutes later, well into our drive, I realized my phone was missing. We pulled over, I searched for it, then cried my face off. There was no point in turning back at that point.
My friend called the mall security, Chapters security, and my cell phone repeatedly, but to no avail. SOMEBODY picked it up, because at one point, her cell phone started ringing with a call from my number, but the person clearly did not understand how to work the touch screen. My phone remained turned on the entire day, but no one would answer our calls.
This couldn’t come at a worse time. I’m waiting for job interviews, for fucksakes.
So I went to the Bell store, they told me I had to call Customer Service. So I did. They told me it would cost $240 to get rid of my contract. I asked if there was anything else I could do. They could send me a smartphone because I need one for my online content (like an iPhone3, the oldest version), but I’d have to sign another 3 year contract for a shitty outdated phone. Same with a Palm Pre. If I’m signing another soul-sucking contract, you better damned well believe it’s going to be for a good phone.
Seriously, five years of being a loyal customer, and there was nothing they could do to give me a break? I know they probably don’t NEED my business, but seriously. Despite the huge expense, I cancelled my contract with Bell. They can go fuck themselves, I’ll take my business where it’s wanted. I ended up splurging on an iPhone4 with Telus, another large expenditure, but I’m getting my money’s worth. The package they sold me was absolutely unreal. Where I was paying $70+ a month for 200 daytime minutes, unlimited local calling after 9 pm, no long distance, and limited text messaging…I now have 200 daytime minutes, unlimited local calling after 6 pm, Fav 10 anywhere in Canada, and unlimited text messaging…all for 10 dollars cheaper.
So I’m out huge wads of cash, savings depleted, more stressed out than ever, in a strange city, and now I have to cancel my plans for Montreal. Thanks, Bell. I’m pulling the plug on my Internet and Cable services with your company as soon as I’m back in St. John’s. Suck it.
(Photo by jervetson.)
Ugh this stressed me out just reading about it. I have such horrible luck with phones.. and I feel like I’m constantly arguing with Sprint. I hope your new phone turns out to be worth it! Treat like gold my friend.
You know the one company worse than a cell phone company?
An Insurance company.
I hope someone takes THEM for all they’re worth someday…
That does suck. I have been going round and round for months with my old company. I have sent them a copy of my Korean ID to show them I don’t live in the US anymore but they still won’t get rid of my early termination fee. Somehow they always “lose” it when I send it to them. Same company that my Dad had issues with when my grandfather passed. They wouldn’t cancel the phone so he just got fed up with them and changed the address to the cemetery.
Wow. I cannot even believe that they couldn’t do better than that after you’ve been with them for 5 years. I’m so sorry that you’re out the cash, but it sounds like your new plan is loads better!
Bell are the worst!
I don’t own a cell phone. Yes, you heard me. I really don’t need one. And we don’t own a TV.But we’ve got a sweet ass internet connection.
We didn’t even try Bell as internet providers because we know they’re just crap when it comes to customer service. They have a monopoly going on and they can afford not to care.
Go Candice for pulling the plug on Bell!
I to got stressed just reading that. I can’t believe they couldn’t offer you anything better. Wtf.
Sorry about the unexpected sudden expense this has caused you.. I know the money situation had you stressed already
I’m actually reaching serious financial crunch myself (about the same time I did last year… fuuuuck how do I keep doing this?), so when you return to St John’s I will be completely on board with fun times on the cheaps. ;D
When I was renewing with Telus after about 7 years and asked for a free Blackberry, they pretty much told me to call back again when I’m sober. I ended up having to pay for my new phone, but it’s worth it because I can check blogs and cheap tabloid headlines – from anywhere.
You’re going to be happy with Telus – the fave numbers thing is awesome, especially since you travel a bit!
ok, i HAVE to laugh at this cus, uh, the SAME EXACT thing happened to me.
dude, losing your job and upping your texting plan should be sononymous. i think i set a record that month.
i mean, what else are you gonna do?!
Awful! But when I got laid off and looked for ways to save, I decided to go prepaid with Straight Talk. Awesome savings and fine service too. Here, see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYlbfhsSnPE
Gah, glad everyone is as outraged as I am! Hahaha. Can’t believe how terrible theri customer service is. Also when I first called in and they asked me when I signed my contract, I said September 2008 but they told me it was May 2009. Uhhh, NO. Idiots.
As for plans other than Telus and Bell, it’s not practical because outside of St. John’s and other city centers, there’s no reception. Newfoundland is a barren wasteland like that sometimes.
I hate Bell too! But I love a good chance to rant…
I used to have 4 Bell services (home phone, biz phone, internet, cell)
but their customer service was SO lame, and the 5Mb internet was coming in at 1Mb speed, and they left me offline for a week, that I dumped them for Rogers (here in Toronto). Rogers does NOT give me a warm, fuzzy feeling, but at least when I call them there are signs of life on the other end of the phone.
…end of rant.
All the phone companies offer the same plans. I have the iPhone 4 on a $50 a month plan of 500mb, 6pm evening and weekends, unlimited texting and 200min a month. It’s the generic smart phone plan, not one of the “iPhone” plans.
As for customer loyalty…. no such thing. Provide a service, charge what the market will bare, have customers. That’s it. Since they all do it – and might I mention make a killing doing it – why would one ruin the buffet for the rest?
As for loosing things, one word. Crazyglue