The Phone Call

You'd think I would have seen it coming. I have a relative who called a few months ago and got me to switch phone companies. I was happy where I was, but he promised it would be cheaper and it's family so they have to be right. Right?


Well, it wasn't cheaper, plus they had a bunch of extra fees that when I called and explained that I hadn't requested those items that would incurr these fees, they said "Oh, I'm sorry," but wouldn't waive the fees. Even when they said they saw how I had declined them in the first place! AHH!

So, I switched back. Yesterday. I didn't tell my relative this. I had already tried calling at one point and saying how it wasn't cheaper and I was thinking about switching back and he said that his route would be cheaper in the long run. I don't feel like spending all the extra money in the short run, so I'm going to back out now. (Besides, I don't believe you anymore.)

But last night I got a new phone call. From a different relative. Apparently this phone company is a little like *ahem* Amway. She is now a salesperson in this company and said her mentor is so successful and wouldn't I like to be successful too!? Crap.

I used the "I'm too busy" line, which is totally true, and she didn't push the issue. Which surprised me since she said she was in her mentor's office. Apparently, she hadn't been told yet that you need to get three no's before you accept defeat. I got off easy. Whew.

It's bad enough when you get these kind of calls. But when it's your family or your friends, it just really sucks. I don't want to not like you. I don't want to feel like I have to avoid you because I'm afraid you're always going to try to sell me something. I hadn't heard from this relative in years. I think the last time I saw her was at a family funeral. But I get a call to join the crew in selling phone service. Riiiiight.

Seems like family should be given an out in these situations. But a company convinces you that you should "use" all your contacts. I'm just waiting to see what happens when they find out that I switched back!

**Update 02/03/06--Uncle called again last night...while I was watching a movie no less! (I have to remember to let the machine get the phone) He asked how I liked my phone service. "Actually, I just switched back. They weren't cheaper and charged me for things I specifically asked NOT to have." He said he was sorry for that and then proceeded to tell me how I could not only save money on my phone bill (didn't I just say that it didn't save me money?) but that I could make money on my phone bill. (here it comes) Oh yes, he wanted me to join the team. Sigh. At the end of the conversation he says, "Oh and your aunt said we should come visit you sometime. Maybe this summer we'll come and stay for a bit." Only if you promise not to try to sell me anything.