You have heard the saying "persistence does payoff?" Well, gang, it did with me against Sprint PCS. I have a program purchased many years ago that is not offered by Sprint PCS anymore. They would love to see me change my program to be honest with you and them. But what happened to me once again (following my previous column on this very subject) is unbelievable.
First off after the last column I began to make a slight headway on the $150.00 rebate promised to me. When it came time this month to renew my contract I called Sprint PCS customer care. Discussed the rebate and options: two year agreement, same program would insure the rebate. Well, my phone is loaded with names, etc., and should I quit I would have to spend hours replacing the names in the new phone. And to be honest, who knows what the other company would turn out to be like? So, gang, I agreed and was told to check back in a couple days to see how the rebate was progressing. Instead of calling, I went on the web to check it out. Lo and behold all of a sudden my plan had jumped to an unbelievable 1100 minutes, international calling and all kinds of other stuff - as well as a nearly $150.00 per month charge. I immediately called Sprint. I rarely use the minutes I have now and never call International so why would I increase my program?
Well, let me tell you that was once again an experience from HELL! After a series of phone calls over a two-day span I was still nowhere. I even asked once for the mailing address where a person could send a complaint letter and was told "We do not have a mailing address!" Would you believe that? What kind of a business does not have a mailing address for its customers? I then asked for a toll-free phone number where a person could make a complaint and was given a number. I called it for two days and still have not had any person or machine answer the number, except to be disconnected. So, needless to say I was not a happy camper by this time and headed for a Sprint PCS store over on Sunset near Station Casino. After a short wait I met with a retail sales consultant named Margaret Bunyarattaphantu and, after explaining very carefully what I had been going through for two days and telling her I was not a "happy camper" she took control. I am not going to bore you with the entire event, but after nearly 1 1/2 hours of her on the phone and, (get this) being disconnected once when the guy she was talking to went to transfer her to a supervisor, a gentleman by the name of Johnathan (sp?) and her were able to make the change back to my original plan. I also was given an immediate $150.00 credit on my PCS billing. Margaret was very professional, courteous and patient with me and the situation.
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Why, however, does it take going into a Sprint store to settle a problem instead of being able to do it over the phone - one reason I think is that those on the phone talking to you could care less. You are just a number and they have to listen (but not retain) your problem and can accidentally disconnect you if they feel like it (which happened to me three times by the way). And, God help you should you ask for a supervisor on the phone. I was transferred to a super and after 16 minutes of waiting (on hold) a lady came on saying she was a supervisor named Latrice with a #VO1. I was accidentally disconnected from her and never could get her back. Hummm, that was #4 accidental disconnect. Do you think they have a problem?
The bottom line is fight for your rights! Do not let the corporate world of today get away with anything. If you know you are right fight, fight, fight. But, and this is important, stay calm while you argue and do let them know you are not very happy. Threatening to quit and go to another phone company means nothing to them. You will probably be replaced by someone that's angry with the phone company you are changing to. It's truly a vicious circle and one we have little control over. But seriously "No address to send a complaint letter to?" That my friends is absolutely unfriendly, unbelievable and totally Corporate ego at its worst! Enough said.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Two new additions to the big "Jazz at the Highlands" festival August 27-28 at DragonRidge Country Club were announced this week. Susan Anton (who I think is one terrific entertainer and person) and Sister Sledge are joining up with a slew of other stars to help raise funds for the Sharon Osbourne Cancer Center and our local Philharmonic Orchestra. Another top attraction named "Nils" (pronounced Neels) will also be performing. I have been informed that this guy is one of the most sought after jazz performers today. Tickets are beginning to move out of the box-office on a rapid pace as more and more entertainers are announced. For tickets or more info go to www.newportpacificjazzfestival.com. More on this next week...
There's a new nightclub venue on the Strip. Stryker of Los Angeles fame has arrived at Club Seven and from what I have heard it is being well received. It gets going at 10:30 pm. (a little too late for me, sorry) and goes until at least 4 am...
Mark the date August 29 on your calendar as that's the evening when Splash at the Riviera commemorates its birthday with a special benefit performance with all proceeds helping fund the first-ever Las Vegas history book to be taught in Clark County Schools. Seating (which includes a cocktail reception) are priced at $100 for general and $150 for VIP seating and $1,000 for a private booth for five. Call 794-9433 for info...
Binion's is back in the poker business with an announced tournament in the Fall of 2006 to be called "Binion's Poker Classic"...
Stopped by and caught my good friend Genevieve at the Bootlegger last Sunday and was she just beautiful and the music was fantastic. More on this next week as my Sprint experience took more space than I thought. Sorry about that...
Mentalist Gerry McCambridge has been extended at the Rampart Casino through August...
Well, gang, that's about it for this week. I'm outa here!
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