I hate people…..not really, it’s just sometimes I have an experience that makes me think that I do. After much agonizing over the decision to get cable, dish or satellite television, I decided on cable. The deal is this, I don’t watch a lot of television and if I do, it’s some court case (I will be watching the Zimmerman trial), documentary or something. So, for me to spend an arm and a leg on television is pointless. I decided to go for cable simply because my dad has cable and if something good comes on, I want to tell him what channel it’s on.
So, I decide to order cable online…..oye. I choose the tv-internet bundle for 79.98 per month (I needed a faster speed to work on my new online jewelry shop MissStang’s Boutique – yup, that’s a plug). I hit the button to chat with an online representative… it’s not long after Mr. Duc takes the chat and I figure out right away that we’re not in Kansas anymore, okay, this customer service exchange is not even happening in the United States, I’m chatting about cable service with China.
I tell the guy the plan that I want and he thumbs through some things, only to tell me that the package is not available in my area. I was totally confused since I had entered in all of my address information and I was over this conversation and ended the chat. I went back into the order area of the site and placed the order for what I wanted (that 79.98 bundle for 24 months), I got a reference number and then went back into the chat to set up installation.
Me: Hi I needed to set up installation for order #_________________
Me: Also, would you please verify that is a 24 month price please?
Sara: I would love to assist you, but first I would like to ask you a few questions to ensure that I give you the most accurate information as it pertains to your specific request. To get started, may I have your full address including zip code ?
So I give it to her….
Sara: Thank you. Yes the bundle you have selected in a 24 month price guarantee.
Me: Okay now, when I spoke to the last person, he tried to tell me that I could not get a 24 month price guarantee
Me: that I could only get a 12
Me: so as long as I know I am locked in for 24 months that’s fine
Me: Next, if I purchase a wifi router from you all outright, how much is it?
Sara : We don’t sell routers, only modems, and it looks like there aren’t any for sale in your area.
Me: If I buy one, will the tech hook it up when they’re here?
Sara : Yes, but you have to have it in time for install.
Me: Okay, I can do that
Me: Let’s go ahead and set up install
Sara : In order to confirm your eligibility and level of service, we have the option to perform a routine credit assessment per Charter policy as a way to verify your identity. With your permission, we can perform a credit check using your Social Security Number. We can complete the credit check in this secure window using your full legal name and SSN.
At this time, may I have your SSN?
Me: You have to do a credit check for television?? FFS….
By now I’m irritated…as all hell, actually… but we finally get the business end taken care of and now it’s time to set up installation.
Sara : Our next install date is Tuesday, does that work for you?
Me: No, Next Friday is better.
Me: <—- Has to go out side of her area to buy cable modem…
Sara : You can buy a modem at Best Buy or Walmart. It doesn’t have to be an exclusive Charter modem or router.
Me: What is the time window on Tuesday ??
Me: I can get one over the weekend.
Sara : We have morning which is 8-10, and two afternoon slots which are 10-12 and 1-3pm
Me: 10-12 please
Sara : We are nearly done! Please give me just a moment to finalize the order .
Okay, now here we go, ready? Pay attention …….
Sara : We have covered a lot today, so let’s just re-cap. We will be setting you up with plus internet and digital cable with an HD receiver with a 24 month price guarantee and your monthly rate will be $93.91 which is locked in for 24 months. Your installation will occur on Tuesday the 17th and the install fee of $50 is added to the first statement. The billing cycle will run from the 17th to the 16th of each month. If you have any questions later, you can utilize this chat function or call 888-438-2427 to reach customer care. All of this sounds right to you?
Me: Stop….NO…..
Me: 93.91??
Sara : This includes taxes.
I am unsure who she was getting ready to pay taxes to but I could not see paying damned near $100 per month for television that I was seldom going to watch……never mind the fact that I had just about made 79.98 palatable, but she was off her brick. This conversation went on for about another half hour before I ended up with, 79.98 for tv and internet for 24 months…..is this not where we started?? Did I mention, I hate people?? LOL….Not really, only when they try and mess with my money…ha!
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Cable Television and Chinese Credit Checks...WTF, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating
I hate people…..not really, it’s just sometimes I have an experience that makes me think that I do. After much agonizing over the decision to get cable, dish or satellite television, I decided on cable. The deal is this, I don’t watch a lot of television and if I do, it’s some court case (I will be watching the Zimmerman trial), documentary or something. So, for me to spend an arm and a leg on television is pointless. I decided to go for cable simply because my dad has cable and if something good comes on, I want to tell him what channel it’s on.