We Have Contact

The visit to T-com yesterday was both very entertaining and somewhat successful.  Instead of arranging new service through the competitor and then going to T-com, I decided to go to T-com and talk about my service needs while simultaneously calling the competition and discussing with them whether or not they could beat T-com to the punch.

It was two conversations at once.  I would be on the cell phone (T-mobile by the way) for a few seconds and then talk to the T-com guy for a minute.  Back and forth it went and it was really funny, to me anyway, and to most of the workers at T-com and the other customers.

The best part was that the T-com customer service representative had to call for help and he spent as much time on hold as you or I would.  So, he got to listen to me arranging for Iskon to come out to the house and install a phone line and ADSL service.  The problem was they could not guarantee service until Friday.  I tried to give them my business and eventually ordered the service with the agreement that I could cancel if T-com could restore service before they got there.  I left with the T-com promise that they would be right out.  Right, and the check is in the mail.

I walked to my car, drove five minutes home, and the T-com repair van was waiting for me.  I had been assured that my phone line or ISDN box was broken.  An hour later the repairmen confirmed that it was T-com's central station.  So, we went another 18 hours without service but they got it  restored this morning!

I called Iskon and cancelled.

Now, before you say, "That doesn't sound very Christian," please understand that I was very respectful and polite every step of the way.  Normally, people here would either simply accept the inevitable or they would blow a gasket.  I was  very open with what I was doing and why but also did not feel guilty about asking for service.

I have gotten to know three of the workers at our local T-com over the past two years.  They have helped me solve several unusual administrative problems and I have to pay my phone bill there every month.  They were all off work with the conclusion of my business yesterday.  They were in great spirits and thanked me for ending their day on such a fun case.  They asked me for coffee.  I couldn't go yesterday, T-com was waiting for me, so tomorrow I will meet them at the end of the workday for a cup of coffee.  Please pray for that conversation and those relationships.