Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues • Hacker News Board

Re: Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues

#351

Post by derefr » Thu, Jul 17, 2014, 6:13 AM UTC

steanne wrote: post #326

hausen wrote: post #259

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or tell them you got free internet and cable for life from one of their competitors (and if they ask how you got it, tell them you changed jobs and you now work for them). It would be impossible for them to match that offer, so they'll just leave you alone. If they do match that offer, it's still a win! It has already worked for me more than once (unfortunately, nobody ever tried to offer me free service).

that only works if there IS a comparable competitor in your local market.

Tell them you work for Boeing as an Iridium technician. It's like having free access to the world's most complicated ham radio!

Re: Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues

#352

Post by edoceo » Thu, Jul 17, 2014, 6:28 AM UTC

spodek wrote: post #174

We're an entrepreneurial community and here is a case of demand. Why not meet the demand to cut off internet services? One idea: create a phone service where I call a third-party (you, the entrepreneur) that connects me to the best number to cancel my service. The third party determines if recording the call is legal and records if so, posting the recording online, along with metadata: date, duration, agent name, loc…

I built a tool around FreeSWITCH to do this in some down time between gigs. Trust was the biggest issue; the 3rd party recording the call hears account information, mothers maiden, secret codes and silly things like this. Trust was hard.

Re: Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues

#353

Post by scrabble » Thu, Jul 17, 2014, 7:03 PM UTC

Kliment wrote: post #267

scrabble wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I did a stop payment on a gym years ago and they never contacted me, so that seemed to take care of it. They had refused to cancel me just through talking to them so I felt vindicated. My wife just recently canceled a gym membership, and actually got no hassle. No written letter needed, nothing. Just a comment about how they were sorry she was leaving and hope to see you again one day. It was perfect customer service…

Would you be okay with naming and shaming the evil gym and/or at least naming the nonevil gym?

Non-evil gym was Goodlife Fitness, which is everywhere in Canada. They used to be a hassle to leave, but doesn't seem to be the case any more.

Re: Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues

#354

Post by AppSec » Thu, Jul 17, 2014, 7:29 PM UTC

bradleyland wrote: post #297

HarryHirsch wrote: post #246

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In all other cases, the process consisted of answering two or three questions, then I was on to cancellation. It's not my job to play along with their script and help them raise revenue. It's their job to cancel service, no questions asked.

I certainly agree. I'm only offering practical advice for those who wish to call, however. If you'd rather write a letter, then absolutely do so.

There should be only one question from the rep: Is there anything we can do to change your mind? If the customer responds with anything indicating a willingness to discuss rates or packages, then by all means continue. If the customer says: No, I just want to cancel. Then turn it off.

Re: Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues

#355

Post by namin » Fri, Jul 18, 2014, 12:32 PM UTC

How I cancelled my phone plan in <1 minute. Me: I would like to cancel my plan. Rep: Why? Me: I am leaving the country. Rep: Congratulations! Your plan is cancelled. Best wishes. Me: Thank you!

Re: Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity Ensues

#356

Post by thatthatis » Sat, Jul 19, 2014, 3:37 PM UTC

ShabbyDoo wrote: post #336

thatthatis wrote: post #319

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"Cancel my service" "Can you cancel my service?" "I won't be answering any of your questions, just cancel my service". "Cancel my service or transfer me to someone who can" The use of worlds like "Please" and "I'd like to" just tells them that you'll indulge their scripts and tactics. It's not rude to steamroll a system intentionally designed to make it hard to cancel.

I learned that panhandlers, at least in Chicago, interpret polite negative responses as opportunity and will continue to bother me. So, I have taken to saying flatly, "Not happening." It's not so rude or demeaning that I inadvertently pick a fight, but it's blunt enough to let them know that they're just wasting their time with me.

It's an interesting line to try to find: the least rude way to shut down a solicitation with one sentence or gesture.

I've found a hard stare and a subtle "no" gesture with my head generally does the trick with street solicitors.