Sprint PCS Vision and AOL Instant Messsenger

Put in a more realistic way, that message's REAL meaning was:

"We are glad that we catched you in our trap so now that you are locked in a contract we're going to make you wait for AIM while you keep paying us money. We won't tell you when AIM will be launched because we are not ready for it. In fact, we don't even know if it will work."

 

Isn't that a fair case for cancellation w/o early termination fee?

P

 

i dont know what market you are in i have never seen vision advertised in NJ with aol .........we have been told on the retail side to tell customers nov. 11th or so for the aol portal's availability on vision. if someone misled you or if you saw an add with that then you should not where and when you were told that aim was available on vision when you signed up and get some compensation.

 

You have 2 options. One will solve things quickly, one will more likely be effective:

The Quick Way

Call cs, explain that you wish to disconnect your contract. When they ask why, explain that you changed over because you would be able to use the AIM feature and it hasn't been available. You're sick of waiting for something that was supposed to be there when you signed on and you're extensively dissatisfied.

They'll tell you that the wait won't be long, you're better off waiting.

Explain that you've had it, you're sick of waiting, and you're going to cancel.

Around this time is when they're going to remind you of the early termination fee. They'll say something to the effect of: Well, if you wish to cancel, you'll be billed $150 (I think that's what it is for Sprint).

Explain that you should be exempt from it due to the fact that you signed the contract under false pretenses.

That SHOULD do it.

If they say they cannot exempt you, ask to speak to someone who has the authority to do so. Keep asking them what you should do, and somewhat acting like a lost puppy. Use questions to trap them, because customer service is trained to help you but to stay on the company's side, so eventually, if you can get them to admit that you're right, they've got almost no option but to let you off the hook. Some questions that may help:

Does this really sound fair to you?

Do you see how this was misleading?

In your opinion, am I right in this scenario?

How can Sprint keep me in a contract which I signed based on a false impression that was given by the advertising?

If no other option is available, tell them that you'll gladly pay the early termination fee, but their company can expect to hear from your lawyer on a charge of false advertising. If this doesn't convince them, call a lawyer. File a false advertising suit, smear them every which way; don't let them settle out of court, make a scene. In my opinion, if they don't let you out of contract without the fees, especially given the fact that you were, overall, RIGHT, they deserve every bit of negative publicity they get from a big obnoxious lawsuit. If you want, start class-action with every other dissatisfied sprint customer out there for misleading advertising, because frankly, their advertising gives the impression that their #1 in terms of signal (the largest all digital, all pcs network, built from the ground up.....I think the fact is, with the exception of local companies, it's the only all digital, all pcs.....etc...)

The big thing is to stay absolutely polite throughout the whole conversation. Don't let them think you're a pissed off idiot who's just looking for a loophole, let them know that you're serious about the whole thing and not a bad person.

The Effective Way

Write a polite but irate letter to the CEO. Possibly a registered letter (the one's that HE has to sign in order to receive it).


If you try either or both of these methods, good luck.

Pat

 

legally not true.
you did not sign a contract with sprintpcs. you made an agreement. also there is nothing in the agreement thats says you have aim.

 

You're saying that she didn't sign a contract with Sprint? Can you clarify your statement?

 

that is the store i work at. i do now remember that clip in the video (all stores have the same one) it is kind of misleading and unfortunate. well it is up to you whether to try to get out of your contract armed with that ammunition or wait about 3-4 weeks when AIM becomes available. and you can switch to one of the better plans if you do stay (only 1 year contract on those)

 

sprint does not require customers to "sign" a contract. you agree to keep their service verbally.

 

mrblackpcs: You still have to pay an early termination fee, so it constitutes as a verbal contract that would hold up in a court even though the customer didn't actually sign a paper. By activating and using the service, a customer enters into the terms of a contract with Sprint.

 

I guess some of us call it "contract" others call it "agreement." Bottomline, we're talking about the same thing. About not having AIM, no contract will say anything about features of the plan, but I would feel cheated if I sign up for service with a company hoping to get what their advertisements are promising and instead I realize I cannot get the service I am looking for and end up hooked on a two-year commitment for service I cannot use the way I want. I don't think this is exactly legal.

 

Eh, God damnit! I cannot wait till its availible. grrr.... anyone yet know the date of it or atleast the targeted month? Or anyone got a picture of the color version in use?

 

targeted date is nov. 11th

 

Finally! A concrete date! Thank you so much

 

Dont go getting your boxers all in a bunch; excited for a date........this is a new service with a few bugs and just because there is a tentative date doesnt mean shyt doesnt happen.

If 11/11 comes though and AIM is still a no go, you will be back on here posting about how pissed off you are.............again

 

Bastards... I was on the phone with Sprint and they said late this month... I don't think anyone knows.

 

the email i got as a sales rep said targeted date nov. 11th. they are sticking by that....nevertheless I still posted "targeted" so you know nothing is set in stone. but so far it is still listed at our store on our retail tools as the launch date.

 

Idiot,
Would that be national or just in NJ?

 

Sprint alwasy goes national whenever they launch network-based things. Its houldn't eb restricted to one area if/when AIM is launched.

 

That article refers to 3G service in general, NOT to AOL's 3G offerings. US providers do not technically ahve 3G networks up yet. The higher-speed stuff is an incremental step toward 3G. GPRS and 1xRTT run about 115-144 at the maximum, which is not technically considered 3G.

 

Hey Jen, what was the ultimate result of getting out of the Sprint contract/agreement anyway?

Just curious...

P

 

Tomorrow is the 11th, I hope it is done. *prays*

 

is it working for anyone????

 

Well, it is officially the 11th of November and it still ain't working; so much for dates NOT etched in stone!

 

grrr... It's the 14th now.... Nothin yet. But they have been re-ordering things on the site. Hrmm, Anyone got any new information?

 

i wish. i am going to do some inquiring at work and try to get some details. this is ridiculous.