My Letter to AT&T
Well AT&T, it’s been a long relationship. You were southwestern bell, then AT&T, then Cingular and back. We know it takes determination and a strong will to withstand the test of time, and you are no exception to the rule. After all, I had a front row seat to your success. I remember that bag phone sitting in my grandma’s car so many years ago. I actually still have it, can you believe it? Yeah, that’s right, the NovAtel. One of the best phones to not come from overseas. Yeah, I was surprised when I saw it was made in Canada but, you already knew that.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 17 years. I’ve been nothing less than dedicated. I know I know, I did slip up there for a year but hey, all my friends were pushing-to-talk with their Nextel phones and I was young and just had to follow the fad. We still kept you around though, for emergencies and so grandma could keep her phone number and her Nokia 232. Yeah, that was long ago enough to not be able to transfer numbers. I told you, we had history..
Unfortunately, for the both of us, I think it is time to say goodbye. I know that this means nothing to you. After all, you’re a giant now. Quantity over quality has overcome your achievements and the valued customer has been thrown to the way-side. I know it’s your key to success but, it’s not my opinion of good business.
Me and my family have been customers for 15 years. Let’s do some math shall we? What’s the average bill you think? I know we pay more, and have paid less in the past, so let’s be fair and say, $100 a month. Now this is a very general figure but, it allows for easier math. Ok, 15 years is 180 months. That’s a total of $18,000. Can you believe it? I’ve given you at least $18,000!? Isn’t that insane to think about? You know whats even more sad? I have nothing to show for it. I get treated with the same respect and customer service that Joe Blow gets waltzing into a store right off the competitor bandwagon with an itch for an iPhone.
Speaking of iPhone, you know one of your employees actually TALKED ME OUT of getting and iPhone? Salesman? More like anti-salesman. I couldn’t believe my ears when he told me why I shouldn’t switch phones. It’s like commision to him was cancer. I don’t really understand what business ethics you instill into your employees but, I definitely don’t agree with it. Let’s use another example.
How about my last upgrade? All I wanted was a new phone. My Blackjack broke, what was I supposed to do? Sure, I could have went on craigslist and scoured for a proper phone but, the Epix was brand new, and was so cool! I just had to have it. You know it took me almost 3 hours only to finally convince someone that they should sell it to me, only to add a $75 upgrade charge? Isn’t that CRAZY!? And, here I am on my second one. Not due to abuse, just due to the fact that they are not reliable, they are unstable and are very problematic. Here I am wanting to give you MORE MONEY, and it’s never enough. Not even after 15 years and over $18,000 are you satisfied. Well, neither am I.
I’m honestly upset, and truly in disbelief when I try to ask you for help but, the answer is always, “there is nothing else I can do”. You understand when I respond with, you’ve left me with nothing else to do but.. I’m tired of this business relationship being so one sided, and I can’t keep this together by myself. With that being said, I look forward to cancelling my service and going to a service provider that will be delighted to have me as a customer. Best of luck to you..