New Member
"Valued/loyalty customer"
I have been a very satisfied AT&T customer for 15 years. I was roped into "bundling" when Direct TV entered the picture years ago. "As a valued AT&T customer", I could save so much by bundling Direct TV (which I didn't have before) and Digital Life Home Security (which I was also new to). So I took the 2 year agreement which was very reasonable. Over the years I have had to call throughout the year to ask for loyalty promotions for my Direct TV account. We have a pretty basic package and really only watch maybe 15 channels included. Most channels are completely worthless. My bill has been what's promised for maybe 2-3 months within the last 5 years or so. I have now been told to call at the end of each month to check for promotions. Why aren't they calling me? I spend over $500/ a month for home security and cell phones alone with AT&T. Finally get a $141 bill this month for TV and called and said "I need a promotion or I have to disconnect". Simply cannot afford this. The response: "Please hold while we start the disconnection process." So now I am disconnecting. Thanks for the help BIG TECH, vampires. Wow, just wow.
Constructive
Employee
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34K Messages
5 years ago
Promotional pricing artificially increases a product's value for a sales boost, often reduced by a percentage amount for a limited duration and therefore deemed to be on sale. In addition to a lower price, a promotion increases value by creating a perception of time-based scarcity. Products perceived to be scarce are of much greater value than abundant products. Thus, most promotions are temporary.
The act of offering a lower price temporarily is to enhance the effectiveness of sales efforts to cost sensitive users. Promotional pricing can also act as a sales initiative amid launching products or services.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.4K Messages
5 years ago
@thriftyconsumer
What is happening is because of a high number of people who were at risk of operating at a loss (or actually were), they had to pull discounts back. They were a temporary perk, not intended long term to make it affordable. Once they return it is expected to be in moderation.
Agents tilling you to call at the end of each month at bad employees. That sets the wrong expectation and wastes everyone's time. They cannot predict what might be available in the future. And of course they will not call you to lower your bill. If you want to discuss options, then you call them.
So with any company enjoy discounts when they are there, but do not expect them permanently. If you cannot afford service without a promotion, then you cannot afford it and it is your responsibility to adjust service to within your budget.
Telling them you "need a promotion" or that you "have to have a discount" is not (to use your metaphor) being a "vampire" but you being a "leech". They have no obligation or requirement to lower the bill just because you are unable to afford it. It is your personal financial responsibility, not theirs. That is the reality.
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