I Don't HAVE To Do Anything
June 25, 2010
By Guest Blogger, Mary Schmidt, Marketing Troubleshooter
How's that for a surly start to the day? But, seriously - think about it - I (and you) don't have to do anything. We have choices (albeit, sometimes dumb and bad ones) in everything we do.
Want to leave a bill collector speechless? When he or she starts with "You HAVE to pay...or we'll..." politely reply "I don't HAVE to do anything."
I have the rather nervy habit of not paying if I get lousy service or bad products. (And, yes, I document the disputes.)
Verizon, for example.
When I canceled my contract over two years ago,
they tried to tell me I had another year to go (I sent them the
contract. "Oh.") Then, they tried to ding me for another month.
Didn't pay it. Told them I wouldn't. They sold the debt (a whopping $52
bucks) to an agency...that sold it to another...and so it goes. I'm
still getting calls and letters telling me I have to pay, and I can now
"settle" for half the amount. Yawn.
I'm not simply doing a cranky rant about bad service and products. Here's my point: That implied contract goes both ways.
You don't have to pay a bill...but then...
Neither does your customer.
(P.S. I also tell EVERYONE about bad service and products...like most women.)
Ha-ha, interesting article, and wow, your experience with Verizon is certainly less than good. :( I would say that you did the right thing; probably I would do the same in a similar situation.
"I'm still getting calls and letters telling me I have to pay, and I can now "settle" for half the amount. Yawn. "
Ha, from debt collectors to beggars! Interesting transition. I guess it is natural considering the rather "bad economy" in the States, LOL :D
Posted by: Purushyottam Ghosh | July 09, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Mary,
Great post with a great point. Man, perspective changes when something works against us.
Posted by: Pablo Edwards | June 25, 2010 at 08:55 PM