AT&T Rewards program

[thatguywhojuggles]

When I signed up to get a telephone line (so I could get DSL) the guy on the phone convinced me to get all these services (that I didn't really need) like 3 way calling, caller ID, etc. He sold me a package, and told me that AT&T would send me a check for 100 dollars for signing up for that package. He also told me that I would be able to cancel those services anytime.

Three months later and I still haven't gotten this check for 100 dollars. So I called them up. The woman was very cheerful, and told me she didn't see anything about the reward. Then without missing a beat, or not even checking on the computer to verify rewards policy or anything, she just said, "Okay, we'll send you 100 dollars."

I found it strange that she had that power to just without question send me a 100 dollars. I'm still skeptical about getting it.

Anyone else have experiences where they said they were getting a reward, or "money back" and never got it?

[JoeEllison]

I found it strange that she had that power to just without question send me a 100 dollars. I'm still skeptical about getting it.

Totally could happen. A couple of days ago I saw a guy save $90 at Tire Kingdom, because the salesman gave him credit for some sort of program that he could have signed up for when he bought the tires but didn't actually have. I've been in situations where customer service folks have very slightly bent the rules for me, and saved me money or got me a rebate that I really shouldn't have gotten. I think it is actually built into the system, but you have to catch the right person at the right time.

[shadron]

I hope that's what happens for you. A year ago Cingular (nee AT&T)'s program was for $100 store credit, not a check. It came on a plastic card. Joy.

[Snow]

I've been in situations where customer service folks have very slightly bent the rules for me, and saved me money or got me a rebate that I really shouldn't have gotten.

The Snow Random Anecdote Generator says this happens more often to customers who are polite and friendly to the customer service folk.

[quixotecoyote]

Depending on the center, the reps will often have a range of options they can instantly throw at a customer to ensure compliance/retention. In car loans it was extensions. Move a due date to the end of the bill, rack up a months interest, and often avoid repossession. Virtually no limit to how many we could do. We'd usually give a couple to anyone, but then you had to sound like you were playing ball.

[JimBenArm]

When I signed up to get a telephone line (so I could get DSL) the guy on the phone convinced me to get all these services (that I didn't really need) like 3 way calling, caller ID, etc. He sold me a package, and told me that AT&T would send me a check for 100 dollars for signing up for that package. He also told me that I would be able to cancel those services anytime.

Three months later and I still haven't gotten this check for 100 dollars. So I called them up. The woman was very cheerful, and told me she didn't see anything about the reward. Then without missing a beat, or not even checking on the computer to verify rewards policy or anything, she just said, "Okay, we'll send you 100 dollars."

I found it strange that she had that power to just without question send me a 100 dollars. I'm still skeptical about getting it.

Anyone else have experiences where they said they were getting a reward, or "money back" and never got it?
We signed up for a checking account at our local bank. They had an offer that after you signed up for direct deposit and made one electronic payment, you'd get $50. Three months go by, and nothing. So we pay a visit to our local branch, to complain. We barely get anything out about it, the lady just asks "How much was it supposed to be?" and credited it on the spot.
That's the way customer service should be done.

[Starthinker]

I worked at a hotel where the break-even price of a room was $25.00 and the rooms listed at $120.00. So any complaint was greeted with a smile and $10-20 off the room price. It worked wonders. I would pretend to disagree at first, get them to state their case, then dock money off the room so it felt like they "won" something. People are never happier than when they think they screwed a big company.

[BPSCG]

People are never happier than when they think they screwed a big company.Actually, I'm never happier than when I've screwed a beautiful woman, but whatever floats your boat...

[Starthinker]

Actually, I'm never happier than when I've screwed a beautiful woman, but whatever floats your boat...

What about a big company filled with beautiful women?

[fishbob]

. . . So I called them up. The woman was very cheerful, and told me she didn't see anything about the reward. Then without missing a beat, or not even checking on the computer to verify rewards policy or anything, she just said, "Okay, we'll send you 100 dollars."

I found it strange that she had that power to just without question send me a 100 dollars. . . .

Caller ID hooked up to their accounting system. Your phone number is your account number.
She had your file.