It pays to complain (although complain - not whine!)

[LynneSin]

So my Verizon DSL modem is starting to act up on me. I think it got hit by a power storm because the wireless router was dead but the modem would work but suddenly lose connection for a few seconds and then back on. All the troubleshooting pointed to the fact the modem was dying and needed to be replaced.

So I call for a replacement and I was told there would be a $39.95 charge for a replacement modem because the other one was out of warranty. This would be my 3rd DSL modem and I can assure you I have not paid for the other ones. So I told the guy on the phone either they replace the modem or I would replace my internet service.

He transfers me to another department and she looks at my records, hears my case and says she will replace the modem for free since I'm a long time customer.

Moral to this story - you have to at least try

[Kajsa]

1. Good for you, LynneSin.

I do the same thing when I get hit with unexpected charges for
my phone service, internet service, etc.

Remember, dear people, there are other companies out there
that want your business. Let your present provider know that.
It's amazing how things quickly turn around, especially if you're
a customer in good standing.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. That's unusual for Verizon.

Usually they just give you the Scalia treatment (Vaffanculo!!)

[BlueIris]

3. Yeah, don't let yourself be exploited.

While in some cases, complaining can be more trouble than it's worth, (time is often money, after all) for the most part, it's a really bad idea to let businesses take more money from your than they deserve. Women especially get housed by these tactics all the time, and consumers not making any effort to fight back is why the bullshit continues.

[LynneSin]

4. This whole thing made me think

I was never charged for a modem and if I hadn't complained I would have been charged $40 for a replacement one.

I had one replaced before and they never even asked for the old one back so I'm thinking that in about 350 days I might as well bugger the new one because eventually this modem will die and I really don't want to be charged again for a new one.

[Midlodemocrat]

5. Yes, it does. I got a EOB the other day for some of my

husband's hospital expenses, and although we have 100% coverage for both the hospital and the surgery, they covered the anesthesia at 80%, leaving me with an amount owed of about $2500.

I called the insurance company, and sure enough, it was a mistake on their part. They are adjusting the claim and issuing another check to the anesthesiologist.

It pays to call and act on this kind of thing.