Friday, February 22, 2008

All you have to do is ask

I am not afraid to admit that I have Cricket cell phone services. I have NOT had any trouble with them and I think their services are pretty darn good. I have 3 cell phones with them and pay less than $150 a month with FREE anytime minutes (yes, I don't have to count ANY minutes), FREE long distance (again, no counting), FREE voice mail, caller ID, 3-way calling and FREE text messaging (yet again, no counting). In the words of a friend, Julie, I think this is RAD! I use my cells WAY too much to be counting any minutes and I love my texting. My students never have to worry about not reaching me and they know they can text me anytime. Puts me in the know and a "way cool teach". :)
When I added Kylee, my oldest, on the plan for Christmas, I didn't think I'd have any hassle. Just like in the past, I'd pay my bill online and voila! Well, the "idiots" they hire at their store conveniently forgot to add her and gave her a completely separate acct. Normally, wouldn't be a big deal. BUT I know have to pay 2 bills and they are due on 2 different days! Talk about inconvenient! I have to enter my payment info twice and if I pay over the phone or in a store - 2 processing fees! (I won't even attempt to include in this blog my express distaste for all the dang processing fees you get on everything these days! STUPID!) Well, today I went online to make sure I had paid my bill(s) and I had (must've forgotten). I paid them on the same day, immediately right after one another and only 1 had posted! I went to my records and got my receipt number and began the grueling process of calling the 800 number and so the process began. Why is it you call anyone these days and can't get a live person? It's all automated and if you hit the wrong number of where you want to go - start over. I hate it, but yet again - another blog, another day. After 2 attempts, being hung up on and finally hearing a human voice, I was actually excited when he answered. And to top off my morning, I could understand him. Not some foreigner with an accent so thick I needed an interpreter (another blog). He had a normal name, Jeff, and was so polite. He explained to me how their computer system is not great but my payment had posted on their system and not to worry, no fees for late, etc. I was still in good standing with them. I've been with Cricket for a LONG time, probably since they started in Arizona. I've had my share of run-ins with them but all-in-all I like their service, their coverage areas are getting better (I never drop a call) and I took it with me out of state and it worked great! I didn't even have to pay roaming charges.
Anyway, I asked said Jeff "Is there is a way to combine my billing and have them all on the same acct and all due on the same day, instead of 2 accts?" He checked and again - Voila! Done. Now why couldn't this gal at the store do it for me? Who knows? Do I care? Well, kinda. But it's done now and all I had to do is . . ask.

7 comments:

Laurie said...

What a pain! Glad you got it all straightened out. I love the convienence of paying bills online but there is always a "processing" fee. What is that all about?!

Lara Neves said...

I get frustrated so easily with these situations. I think I need to calm down, but you're right...all we have to do is ask, usually. :)

Crazymamaof6 said...

i love cricket! their billing? is mediocre at best, i do automatic bill pay and it always seems to surprise me. maybe i should make a list of my bills and budget. but yeah glad they fixed that for ya!

Danny said...

With having to read any of the blog (which I did read :)), Cricket is one of THE worst companies you'll ever deal with as far as customer service goes. You're even lucky that you've had such good reception and service as you've had. Be weary of the company that chirps.

Danny said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Danny said...

The first part of that should say "without having to read your blog," otherwise it doesn't make sense.

Audrey said...

Oh my, I hate dealing with "customer service" on the phone. We had issues when we moved from campus. Our Southwest Gas bill came twice for both our new house and the place on campus. When I tried to call them and resolve it, they told me they never issue refunds and I would have to pay it. Uh excuse me? I spoke to a manager and she echoed the same thoughts, so I demanded to speak to her manager to which she responded she could probably erase the bill that they had sent me. I ALWAYS write down the date & time I call and the name of the person I speak to, so if something happens that I don't like, when I call back they realize that I mean business, I'm not disorganized.