Bundler beware

I had this warm and fuzzy post written in my head about the kids at school; how they all walked in straight, quiet lines, raised their hands before speaking, and ate all the offerings in the cafeteria.

But, I like to save the fiction writing for the book.

This, my friends, is a tale of horror...and absolutely true.

I had to call the phone company. The amount due on the bill is 403 bucks. Apparently when I called last month to bundle and add a line, they assumed I wanted to pay for everyone on the block.

Some of you may be familiar with this tiny little start up company. The name rhymes with AT&T.

As I mentioned, I had our services bundled--residential, wireless and internet. I look on the front of the bill for the number and there are four. I should have realized that was going to be a problem. I dial what I thought to be the main number, and of course, I have to go Mr. Roboto that is sensitive to the point, that the last time I called, I reset the menu by clearing my throat. I swear I am not making that up.

I get through the labyrinth of possibilities and finally get put into the queue. The first person that I get tells me that he can only help me with the residential portion, that I would have to talk to TWO other people for the other sections. He then proceeds to read me the bill, which was not answering my question, and then said, "So did you have another question?" I asked him if he really wanted to help me because he isn't listening. THEN, when I tell him I am through with him, he asks me if I need any additional cell phones. I don't think much of it and tell him no. Next he says, "Before I connect you to wireless, I wanted to let you know about getting blah blah blah internet service...faster.....sixteen cents a day...yada yada yada. Still, I think nothing and politely decline the offer. He even pulls the "this is a one time offer--you won't be able to call tomorrow." Pfft. You are speaking to a "professional", buddy.

Once he puts me in the queue for wireless, it hits me like a ton of bricks. Dude wasn't willing to help me with the other portions of the bill, but was more than happy to sell my more services.

Strike two AT&T.

The wireless lady was extremely nice and very willing to help me. She was good at empathisizing my plight. Unfortunately, she was unable to help me get the bill fixed so we can get it paid. That was another person, but she did give me the direct number to them for future use.

Wouldn't you now that after I sat in line for ten minutes with billing, after the real live person asked if I would hold, I WOULD GET DISCONNECTED.

I call back using my fancy new number. Only to be confronted with the same Mr. Roboto.

Strike three.

I don't like things since they have switched. But it's not like I have many options. They must know this.

I could do what my brother would do....just let them cut everything off. That'll show 'em!

Actually, I have no ending to this story, now that I think about it. It just stops here.

Best Seller's list, here I come....

(That may help pay the bill.)