Better customers pay more

[gypsyman]

Something that's bugged me for awhile, and can't figure out why they do it. Other than their a bunch of greedy bast****. Ever notice how phone and cable and satellite tv company's, after you've been a customer for so long, end up raising your rate's, but offer new customers a ''special deal''. This last weekend, spent some time with friends, and we got to talking about his tv service. He has Direct tv. And, in the last 6-7 years, his monthly rate has tripled. Even though he hasn't changed a thing in his service. No premium channels, just basic. Went from $30 or so a month, to close to $100. He got an offer from Dish, to start out at $35 a month, and after so long, it would jump to around $50. So he called and argued his fee to Direct, back down to around $60. I know in the last couple years, my cable bill has went from around $60 a month, to over $100. I do have internet service thru them, but I think I'm going to see if the telephone company has a ''better'' deal. What a racket!! gypsyman

[guzzijohn]

Same problem with credit cards. I have used a Citibank card for over 22 years. I never leave an unpaid balance so interest rates are not really important but it still ticks me off when they raise it. I had a 9% rate for years then they raised it to 11.9% I called and asked why. They said that is what Citibank needs, don't I know that the company has been having difficulties. I replied that the company problems were not mine and asked that rate be lowered under 10%. Response was "cannot do" so I canceled my card. Less than a month later I get a call from Citibank offering me a 0% rate for new customers, so I opened up a new card. Still at 0%. Strange little games.
GuzziJohn

[Conan The Librarian]

It's unfortunate but amusing that this happens so much. When you consider that customer retention is all the rage today, you'd think they would be more careful with these things.

[DDZ]

Some thing with auto and home insurance. I'd bet if you have been with the same company for more than five years you could find insurance cheaper than what you pay now. The idea with companies is to get you on board than slowly raise your rates over the years. Of coarse you are free to change phone, tv, internet, or insurance companies at any time you wish.
One time my DVR quit working. After doing all the stupid things they have you do over the phone, they told me that there would be a $150 fee for them to send me another one, because I didn't purchase their DVR insurance. I told them if they charge me $150 for the DVR they could keep it, and cancel my service, I was switching to Direct TV. Of coarse I got the DVR for no charge. If you feel your bill is to high. Call and complain about it. Tell them you can get a better deal with another provider, and you are going to switch service. I have been paying the same price for bundled  internet, tv, and phone service for the last 5 years.

[Shu]

I have been a good customer at my insurance customer for over 20 years, I asked the agent for a discount. They said they don't do that. As I got up to leave I saw the owner and asked you don't give a discount for good customers over 20 years. He said yes we do, why are you asking? I got the discount.
 
I asked the bank for a better interest rate becuase I have been a long time customer and have always kept a nice cushion in my savings. They said we don't do that. When I told them I was withdrawing my buisness the assistant manager came and asked why. I explained my side and I got my interest boosted a little.  Not much but it is better than nothing.
 
If companies don't reward your longevity and being a good customer there are plenty of others who will. It's your check book you get alot of say so with your money.

[Curtis]

If companies don't reward your longevity and being a good customer there are plenty of others who will. It's your check book you get alot of say so with your money.

A few years ago I got a used motorcycle loan for 5.89% at my credit union because the seller was smart enough to have already arranged financing through his (pending credit approval).  I told my credit union that "If a credit union that doesn't know me is willing to go 5.89 and you who I have been doing business with for more than a decade will not, then that tells me where I need to be doing business."  and they matched the rate.
 
Curtis