As the title says, I am going to rant about religious stuff. If you are a strong believer and don't like it when people say negative things about "God" then I strongly suggest you stop reading now.
So, I am not christian, I do not believe in a single god, so that rules out a bunch of other religions too. I do believe there is "POWER" out there, but I don't see it as much of an interfering kind. I don't believe there is one single entity that grants favours if you pray to it.
When my daughter was born, there was a strong push for me to have her baptised. It HAD to be done according to almost everyone I knew. For years I had to fight those that wanted me to bring my children into the fold of their "religion" by people who did not even know their religion properly and kept breaking it's rules, in some pretty major ways, on a daily basis.
Some said, just do it for the pretty rites, for the pictures, gifts and memories, like that's a reason to saddle your child with a religion you do not believe in?
Something I do STRONGLY believe in is the power of the MIND. I think faith has a lot more to do with the power of the mind than the power and influence of some heavenly body. I you believe in something strong enough, you can effect change.
I also believe in concepts such as luck, karma and destiny. The more positive energy you put out in the world, the more will likely come back to you. Sometimes that positive energy is sent out in the form of prayers. That's fair. I do think actions of goodness outweigh "prayers". Some people naturally have luck, some people don't. Some people "need" to travel a certain path for the lessons they need to learn.
Considering the above, it seriously bugs me when I hear or read stuff like: "put your life in the hand of God, he will provide" or "many of us rely on God to meet our needs and he never fails"
Hum.... no.
This GOD is supposed to be all loving, all forgiving. I see instances everyday where GOD is not providing. Oh choice and the devils influence explain those. Nice try!
I do also think need to seriously STOP trying to impose their religion and beliefs on other people. You want to believe and live according to those ways for yourself, go ahead, you totally have that right and I think you need to do what makes you happy and fulfilled. You however need to respect that your formula just may not work for the person next to you.
Live and let live. Respect others.Teach goodness, not for religious sakes but for the fact that the need for goodness is universal.
Protect and help the weak because it's the right thing to do.
Religion does not belong in public institutions. Can we stop that already? Swearing on the bible in court? I'd rather be swearing on my honour. Prayers at council meetings? Nope, not the place. Forcing children to take religious courses at school because not enough parents thought to ask for a morality course instead? Not right.
Schools should be a place for teaching stuff like science, language and history (in an unbiased way). I see nothing wrong with teaching the biology of sexuality to children. I also see nothing wrong with informing them about the diversity of gender and sexual orientation. These things are out there in their society. If you want to push the concept of "choice" in these matters, that belongs at home, but it's not wrong for them to be exposed to a more neutral way of understanding these concepts. Religion should be taught in the home and/or churches, not the school system. (As an aside, I know colleges and universities teach a variety of religions, I am OK with that as they are not trying to push a belief, it's more of an information thing, providing knowledge about them rather than indoctrination.)
As for civic and statutory holidays being based on one religion. Please. I know my country was built on one particular religion, but it really no longer reflects its current mosaic. Provide 11 civic and /or statutory holidays to be taken according to the need of the individual. Doing so would provide better coverage of services across the board to everyone. November 11th should be mandatory for everyone. While it's war related, and many are against war, it's also a celebration of peace and the sacrifices of many towards that goal.
OK, I think I am done ranting for now. There is a possibility I will come back to this post and rant some more.
Thanks for reading and I hope I dd not offend too many. I am open to comments about your point of view as always.
Oh I just wanted to add one small little thing, for those of you who might be temped to tell me to "go home" or "go back to my own country" A have a large dose of First Nation Abenaki blood running through my veins (along with a variety or European blood) I AM home!
Showing posts with label Other people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Other people. Show all posts
April 18, 2015
January 5, 2014
Happy New Year!
Hello All,
It's 2014, a brand new year.
Sorry for not coming to visit you more often, in fact it has been about 5 months or so.
You know how life is, it gets in the way of doing some things you want or should do. I have been slowly getting back to full time work and the adjustment to that has been taking most of my time and energy. I have been full time since December and it has made me so tired, what with it being winter and all. It has also been so cold around here that it has caused my CFS to flare something awful.
Another reason I have not been here is not that I have had nothing to say, it's more that I have had nothing "acceptable" to say. I have all these things inside of me, burning to come out but it is not acceptable to talk about them. Not here, not anywhere.
If I let it out, it might hurt people. Doesn't matter that keeping these things in is hurting me. As long as it doesn't hurt other people then that's OK My blog is no longer a safe place to let out my feelings or my thoughts.
It used to feel good to write here and let out in the universe my negative thoughts or feelings. To know that I could be "heard" by a stranger somewhere helped to unload the bad and focus on the better. But it's not only strangers reading my blog, and for that reason I needed to learn to shut up, to stop sharing, to keep things inside and not let go anymore.
Once I stopped sharing about the stuff that mattered, it seems like sharing the everyday stuff didn't seem very important or interesting for that matter so I stopped writing. Sorry for those who were interested in reading my blog, but it just could not be helped.
For the reasons stated above I think I will put my blog on hiatus until I can come back and share with you all something interesting. I don't know how long that will be.
Thanks to those who have taken the time to read.
It's 2014, a brand new year.
Sorry for not coming to visit you more often, in fact it has been about 5 months or so.
You know how life is, it gets in the way of doing some things you want or should do. I have been slowly getting back to full time work and the adjustment to that has been taking most of my time and energy. I have been full time since December and it has made me so tired, what with it being winter and all. It has also been so cold around here that it has caused my CFS to flare something awful.
Another reason I have not been here is not that I have had nothing to say, it's more that I have had nothing "acceptable" to say. I have all these things inside of me, burning to come out but it is not acceptable to talk about them. Not here, not anywhere.
If I let it out, it might hurt people. Doesn't matter that keeping these things in is hurting me. As long as it doesn't hurt other people then that's OK My blog is no longer a safe place to let out my feelings or my thoughts.
It used to feel good to write here and let out in the universe my negative thoughts or feelings. To know that I could be "heard" by a stranger somewhere helped to unload the bad and focus on the better. But it's not only strangers reading my blog, and for that reason I needed to learn to shut up, to stop sharing, to keep things inside and not let go anymore.
Once I stopped sharing about the stuff that mattered, it seems like sharing the everyday stuff didn't seem very important or interesting for that matter so I stopped writing. Sorry for those who were interested in reading my blog, but it just could not be helped.
For the reasons stated above I think I will put my blog on hiatus until I can come back and share with you all something interesting. I don't know how long that will be.
Thanks to those who have taken the time to read.
March 23, 2013
Driving and Cars
Recently we have had snow just as spring was starting. A lot of snow for just the start of spring and it brought to mind some peeves I have.
The main peeve is people not clearing the snow off their cars!
How hard is it to clear the snow off your car people?
Do you not realize that not clearing the snow off your car is not only a hazard for yourself, it's also a hazard for the people around you as the blowing snowing coming off your car can cause some visibility problems for the people driving behind you.
It takes just a few minutes to brush off the snow at most. Why take the chance?
Another peeve is tailgating.
If you always have to brake while the person in front of you does not, it's a sign you are either following too close or going too fast. Yes I get it that the person in front of you may be going too slow, but tailgating is not the solution. If the person in front of you has to brake suddely for something you did not see because you were just following too close, are you sure you have the time to brake as well? I admit having someone right in my rear end makes me nervous, but will not make me speed just to satisfy their need for speed. For the record, I am not a "slow" driver.
Also is it just me or have today's drivers gotten more reckless and impatient?
I don't think I have ever heard so many horns blasting (and no not just at me). I know I drive more carefully, I take more time merging and such, I want to be safe but seriously? Pressing on the gas angrily because I chose to drive safely is doing no one any favours.
I see more slaloming as well. Do you really get to where you are going that much faster? Doesn't being stopped by a cop for a ticket slow you down much more than taking your time? Doesn't being involved in an accident delay you?
I am not a horrible driver nor an overly cautious one. I am a regular run of the mill driver. There are a lot worst than me out there, I just don't drive "stupid". I use to love going out for a drive but now, at times it scares me because of those that drive so aggressively and with so little disregard for other drivers.
I took courses to allow me to drive in the worst of weathers as well as for high speed. But none of those courses can save me from a driver that takes their own safety for granted. A car is a killing machine. It kills more people every day than guns. It seems like people forget that.
Well that is my two cents worst. Be safe out there.
Thanks for reading.
The main peeve is people not clearing the snow off their cars!
How hard is it to clear the snow off your car people?
Do you not realize that not clearing the snow off your car is not only a hazard for yourself, it's also a hazard for the people around you as the blowing snowing coming off your car can cause some visibility problems for the people driving behind you.
It takes just a few minutes to brush off the snow at most. Why take the chance?
Another peeve is tailgating.
If you always have to brake while the person in front of you does not, it's a sign you are either following too close or going too fast. Yes I get it that the person in front of you may be going too slow, but tailgating is not the solution. If the person in front of you has to brake suddely for something you did not see because you were just following too close, are you sure you have the time to brake as well? I admit having someone right in my rear end makes me nervous, but will not make me speed just to satisfy their need for speed. For the record, I am not a "slow" driver.
Also is it just me or have today's drivers gotten more reckless and impatient?
I don't think I have ever heard so many horns blasting (and no not just at me). I know I drive more carefully, I take more time merging and such, I want to be safe but seriously? Pressing on the gas angrily because I chose to drive safely is doing no one any favours.
I see more slaloming as well. Do you really get to where you are going that much faster? Doesn't being stopped by a cop for a ticket slow you down much more than taking your time? Doesn't being involved in an accident delay you?
I am not a horrible driver nor an overly cautious one. I am a regular run of the mill driver. There are a lot worst than me out there, I just don't drive "stupid". I use to love going out for a drive but now, at times it scares me because of those that drive so aggressively and with so little disregard for other drivers.
I took courses to allow me to drive in the worst of weathers as well as for high speed. But none of those courses can save me from a driver that takes their own safety for granted. A car is a killing machine. It kills more people every day than guns. It seems like people forget that.
Well that is my two cents worst. Be safe out there.
Thanks for reading.
October 30, 2012
Keeping Myself Busy
Hello peoples!!!
Well after my last few posts, you can tell that I have not been doing too well.
So....
I have been keeping myself busy to chase away the negative thoughts as much as possible. It's not working too well with my son not going to school and being obsessive and unstable around me.
My son has been forgetting to take his pills which makes him rather violent and extremely obsessive.
His latest obsession since I got a net book to do my surfing and blogging is to get a new laptop capable of of playing his %**^$%#*^ games. My netbook was as little expensive to have a reliable product as I could manage. 1GB ram 320 hard drive... I borrowed money from my Line of Credit to get it...
He wants a strong processor, about 4GB ram. Lots and lots of HD.... This costs more, money I don't have. He won;t go to school so he can stay home and flip out at his current laptop which keeps shutting down.
Stand up for yourself, put your foot down, be authoritative... Well that is someone without fibro, more physical strength than I have, not under CAS radar for being a single mom with a mental illness. Call the cops if he attacks or threatens you. Oh, guess who gets to pay his legal fees...guess who is responsible...
Parents have no right, we have to sit and take it. That's it.I have to put up with it until he turns 18 and sen him to crisis unit when he crosses the line... and by crossing the line, that line is VERY far...
Anyway, enough about that.
On October 19th I had open flap surgery on all 4 quadrants, and closed in the front. They "put me under" for the surgery (but I don't remember being under) Since then I have been having trouble eating. My teeth have become extremely sensitive. The gums were hurting but the teeth, oh gosh... massive pain. Even brushing my teeth with sensitive teeth toothpaste hurts. I think I have a cavity. Seeing them tomorrow...
I have done a bit more cleaning, not much laundry folding but a bit here an there, yet the house is looking as dirty as ever, if not dirtier...
I am also shopping for a new phone company as I don't think Wind has any intent or motivation to fix the issues, just waiting for an unlock.
I know what I am getting my son for his Bday and Xmas but I don't know what I am getting my daughter for her bday which is in November. Maybe I can paint her furniture.... it needs to get done after all.
I wanted to do 14 things last week:
I got 5 somewhat done... Must do better next week....
Thanks for reading...
Well after my last few posts, you can tell that I have not been doing too well.
So....
I have been keeping myself busy to chase away the negative thoughts as much as possible. It's not working too well with my son not going to school and being obsessive and unstable around me.
My son has been forgetting to take his pills which makes him rather violent and extremely obsessive.
His latest obsession since I got a net book to do my surfing and blogging is to get a new laptop capable of of playing his %**^$%#*^ games. My netbook was as little expensive to have a reliable product as I could manage. 1GB ram 320 hard drive... I borrowed money from my Line of Credit to get it...
He wants a strong processor, about 4GB ram. Lots and lots of HD.... This costs more, money I don't have. He won;t go to school so he can stay home and flip out at his current laptop which keeps shutting down.
Stand up for yourself, put your foot down, be authoritative... Well that is someone without fibro, more physical strength than I have, not under CAS radar for being a single mom with a mental illness. Call the cops if he attacks or threatens you. Oh, guess who gets to pay his legal fees...guess who is responsible...
Parents have no right, we have to sit and take it. That's it.I have to put up with it until he turns 18 and sen him to crisis unit when he crosses the line... and by crossing the line, that line is VERY far...
Anyway, enough about that.
On October 19th I had open flap surgery on all 4 quadrants, and closed in the front. They "put me under" for the surgery (but I don't remember being under) Since then I have been having trouble eating. My teeth have become extremely sensitive. The gums were hurting but the teeth, oh gosh... massive pain. Even brushing my teeth with sensitive teeth toothpaste hurts. I think I have a cavity. Seeing them tomorrow...
I have done a bit more cleaning, not much laundry folding but a bit here an there, yet the house is looking as dirty as ever, if not dirtier...
- I have been cooking desserts as well as other stuff. I don't cook everyday but more than before.
- I switched the guest bedroom and the office,
- Unpacked and organized a few things here and there,
- Prepared the Halloween candies and decorations,
- Changed the light in the kitchen,
- Bought a bed that will not fit in the stairs,
- Went out karaokeing with little success. Remind me that I hate doing that. Especially with Alcohol available.
- I also cleaned the back yard a bit
Not much I know but hey I am supposed to be RESTING...
I am also shopping for a new phone company as I don't think Wind has any intent or motivation to fix the issues, just waiting for an unlock.
I know what I am getting my son for his Bday and Xmas but I don't know what I am getting my daughter for her bday which is in November. Maybe I can paint her furniture.... it needs to get done after all.
I wanted to do 14 things last week:
- Fold clean laundry
- Clean laundry that got dirty this week
- Sort the hamper of socks
- Clean all the cat litters, they are all overdue [✓]
- Clean all the hamster cages (severely overdue) [✓]
- Finish cleaning the backyard, empty all the pots etc. etc. etc.... [1/2 ✓]
- Vacuum house from top to bottom (twice)
- Shine floors
- Put vinyls on futons (after cleaning them throughout of course) [✓]
- Sort books and VHS to get rid of.
- Reorganize kitchen cupboards [1/2 ✓]
- Clean the fridge
- Make more hard boiled eggs
- Make more muffins
I got 5 somewhat done... Must do better next week....
Thanks for reading...
October 23, 2012
Depression is a Choice
It was brought to my attention recently that being depressed and suicidal is our choice. Hating our life is not a good enough reason to be depressed and /or suicidal. Being depressed is no more a choice than homosexuality, diabetes or cancer.
 |
| Excerpt of a conversation between two young adults Names are blanked out but not all negative sayings. I have no wish to live in the land of denial, it's too crowded. |
A person with diabetes cannot simply shrug off their condition. Sure some can choose to eat healthier, reducing the chances of the condition from spiraling out of control, but at the base of it, diabetes is a chemical disorder of the body.
Ever notice how sometimes, a person with a seemingly perfect life is depressed, even suicidal (Daron Richardson for example) yet another person with non-stop difficulties and challenges is not depressed? How that person manages to find joy and satisfaction in the smallest things?
Depression is not merely an external situational condition. A person is not depressed just because their life sucks. Sure the fact that their life sucks might make the depression worst, just as stress and exhaustion might make the person more depressed but there is something there, before the events, predisposing a person to depression and suicidal thoughts.
 |
| This person had made comments that we were not tight on money, he was missing a lot of facts (as well as being just too inexperienced in life) to be able to make sound judgement. I have no idea where the "father figure" comment even comes from... |
There is only one cure for depression : Suicide.
IN the conversation in the picture above, the 21 year old discusses that death is nothingness. In his (stupidity? ignorance?), he thinks that a suicidal person is not aware what death is, what death means. He doesn't get that what he describes is EXACTLY what a suicidal person WANTS.the end of it all, the end of the never-ending pain, the agony of life. They seek nothingness.
Suicide is not "childish" or immature. There is no glory in putting up with pain and sadness for endless years. We stay for others, not for ourselves. We derive no pleasure out of life.
Other options for depression are treatments. No treatments are cures. There is no living cure for depression. They say it can get better. I'll have to take their word for it as I have yet to experience it in my 40 years on earth.
Treatments include various drugs. None of these drugs are guaranteed to work. They help to balance the chemicals in the brain. Antidepressant medication, used under the guidance of a mental health professional, may relieve some of your depression symptoms. But antidepressants also come with significant side effects and dangers. What’s more, recent studies have raised questions about their effectiveness. At the very least, it’s clear that medication alone isn't enough—you also need to make changes in your lifestyle. Learning the facts about antidepressants and weighing the benefits against the risks can help you make an informed and personal decision about what’s right for you.
Experts agree that depression involves much more than just “bad” brain chemistry. Serotonin is just one of many factors that may play a role in the disorder.
New research points to other biological contributors to depression, including inflammation, elevated stress hormones, immune system suppression, abnormal activity in certain parts of the brain, nutritional deficiencies, and shrinking brain cells. And these are just the biological causes of depression.
Social and psychological factors—such as loneliness, lack of exercise, poor diet, and low self-esteem—also play an enormous role in depression.
Studies show that therapy works just as well as antidepressants in treating depression, and it’s better at preventing relapse once treatment ends. While depression medication only helps as long as you’re taking it, the emotional insights and coping skills acquired during therapy can have a more lasting effect on depression. However, sometimes depression can be too severe for simple therapy or the issues may be too complex.
Also, drugs are covered by insurance plans, therapy is not always covered, and when it is it covers very little.
Well that's it for now, feel free to disagree with me.
August 10, 2012
What is Good Client Service?
I started working when I was 9 years old.
That is the first time that I babysat.
When I was 14, my parents bought a motel. Our house as attached to the motel and the reception/office was off the kitchen. Strangers came day and night. Our livelihood depended on how happy they were, how well they were treated.
At 39 years old, I can officially say that I have been working in Client Services for 25 years. Sure I would not call myself an expert but I do know something about client services. In fact, I have worked at developing some standards as well evaluated the services offered where I work.
To some degree, just about everyone works in client services, some more directly than others.
Back in my day, the client was right almost all of the time. The company was required to make every reasonable effort to ensure the client was happy and satisfied. Bob Farrell nice encapsulated the concept of client service that I follow and believe in Give em the pickle.
I mention reasonable, as you all have seen or heard of that client that asks for the completely unreasonable. If a client had asked, for the price of his room, to be chauffeured in a helicopter every day, that is not reasonable. If he asked for fresh sheets every day and soap under his pillow, that is maybe excessive but completely reasonable.
Lately, I find that the concept of good customer service is completely disappearing. You do meet the odd representative that offers excellent service, but if that representative works for a company with horrible policies in regards to customer service, the poor representative will disappear in a crowd of mediocrity.
For example see these posts: Wind Mobile - 1 ,Wind Mobile - 2, Teksavvy, Petcetera, American Express, Just Energy, Blue Power, and Bell Canada
I can name several companies where I have had nothing but stellar experiences in client service. I have also see "brokers" for mediocre companies be the only ones to give said companies a good name. (Rogers and Future Shop come to mind)
It seems like companies and their employees are completely forgetting that customers are their bread and butter. Since they have thousands and millions of customers, they don't see how loosing a few customers due to bad customer services is really going to affect their bottom line.
They also figure that since other companies are not doing any better, clients don't have much of a choice but to pay and put up with often abuse but the employees and company policies.
All the money they spend in advertisements and promotions to attract new clients while they treat their existing clients like crap.
Would it not make more sense to treat your clients well? A happy client tells everyone, an angry clients also shares it with the world. In this day of Twitter, Facebook and blogs, one single unhappy customer can reach thousands, millions even. Would it not be to their advantage to avoid such bad publicity by avoiding getting the client so angry?
I have been particularly lucky, or is it unlucky lately in my experiences with various companies. I am shocked by the total disregard they have in regards the bad image they portray.
Why give the pickle? Who cares about only one client in this day and age.
As for good customer service, here is my vision:
Thanks for reading.
That is the first time that I babysat.
When I was 14, my parents bought a motel. Our house as attached to the motel and the reception/office was off the kitchen. Strangers came day and night. Our livelihood depended on how happy they were, how well they were treated.
At 39 years old, I can officially say that I have been working in Client Services for 25 years. Sure I would not call myself an expert but I do know something about client services. In fact, I have worked at developing some standards as well evaluated the services offered where I work.
To some degree, just about everyone works in client services, some more directly than others.
Back in my day, the client was right almost all of the time. The company was required to make every reasonable effort to ensure the client was happy and satisfied. Bob Farrell nice encapsulated the concept of client service that I follow and believe in Give em the pickle.
I mention reasonable, as you all have seen or heard of that client that asks for the completely unreasonable. If a client had asked, for the price of his room, to be chauffeured in a helicopter every day, that is not reasonable. If he asked for fresh sheets every day and soap under his pillow, that is maybe excessive but completely reasonable.
Lately, I find that the concept of good customer service is completely disappearing. You do meet the odd representative that offers excellent service, but if that representative works for a company with horrible policies in regards to customer service, the poor representative will disappear in a crowd of mediocrity.
For example see these posts: Wind Mobile - 1 ,Wind Mobile - 2, Teksavvy, Petcetera, American Express, Just Energy, Blue Power, and Bell Canada
I can name several companies where I have had nothing but stellar experiences in client service. I have also see "brokers" for mediocre companies be the only ones to give said companies a good name. (Rogers and Future Shop come to mind)
It seems like companies and their employees are completely forgetting that customers are their bread and butter. Since they have thousands and millions of customers, they don't see how loosing a few customers due to bad customer services is really going to affect their bottom line.
They also figure that since other companies are not doing any better, clients don't have much of a choice but to pay and put up with often abuse but the employees and company policies.
All the money they spend in advertisements and promotions to attract new clients while they treat their existing clients like crap.
Would it not make more sense to treat your clients well? A happy client tells everyone, an angry clients also shares it with the world. In this day of Twitter, Facebook and blogs, one single unhappy customer can reach thousands, millions even. Would it not be to their advantage to avoid such bad publicity by avoiding getting the client so angry?
I have been particularly lucky, or is it unlucky lately in my experiences with various companies. I am shocked by the total disregard they have in regards the bad image they portray.
Why give the pickle? Who cares about only one client in this day and age.
As for good customer service, here is my vision:
- Always serve with a smile: Even if it's over the phone, people can sense it.
- Do not hesitate to offer just a bit extra. This is especially important if you have to deliver bad news. If you cost the client something, if you made them lose something they view as important, give a little something to make them feel a bit better about your company.
- Don't cut corners. If you are rushing or sloppy, it makes the client feel like you are bugging them or wasting your time on them. That is never a good thing.
- Be polite and professional no matter what. Swearing or saying things like "Whatever" are never acceptable. Yes the client may raise their voice or swear, but that doesn't mean you have to sink to their level. Especially don't tell a client off. One person once told me that they didn't need clients like me.. Trust me, this was not warranted in that situation.
- Take the time needed to listen to them and understand exactly what they need or want. Don't assume or jump to conclusions. Misunderstandings lead to mistakes. Mistakes often lead to a nasty irate customer.
- Take responsibility for your mistakes. I can't stress this enough. Do everything you can to make it right. Especially don't blame the customer for your mistake (By your, this can be the mistake of a coworker, not and not necessarily yours. You are the company in the clients eyes, just like your coworker is the company. So their mistakes are by extension your mistake.)
- Don't make promises you can't keep
- Don't give the client the run-around
- Don't take it personal. Making it personal will make you break the rules of good client service
Thanks for reading.
August 9, 2012
Wind Mobile - The Saga Continues
I guess you should start by reading this post.
Then see the updates I posted:
(July 31, 2012)********** OMG called Wind to find out when my # will be ported to my phone. They had not placed the order yet. Meanwhile people can't reach me. No compensation offered for the inconvenience they are causing with their constant screw-ups. Two days later they have not called back nor responded to my text. This is customer service folks! I call them and after 45 minutes. They inform me my # cannot be ported because they cancelled it. 10 days I 'be been waiting and if I cancel now I lost $250.**** (Case C-10004448)
So far, this has got to be the WORST company I have dealt with yet!
This kind of shit doesn't happen to every customer. Yet this kind of thing tends to happen to me a lot. It happened with Teksavvy when I switched over, it happens with most companies I start doing business with.
Why?
(August 3, 2012) ********Update, they called. Told me my number belonged to another provider and they had to change my number (result of blog maybe? I do say I hate the number they had given me.). I got to pick a new number. Initially they offered to port my old number and asked which provider had it.
Ah the power of social media.
(August 5, 2012) *******The saga continues...
Turns out my blog had nothing to do with it, my number actually belonged to another of their clients (which explains all the text messages I was getting).
When I got my new number, they did not give me my voicemail. Took a few days to realize my voicemail had been cancelled with the new number. Know what else was cancelled? My data plan and my 200 credit (which I was using to pay for my voicemail). So on top of everything, I don't even get the specials that came with my enrolment anymore, I pay for an everything unlimited and don't get the unlimited data plan that comes with their friggen advertisements.
I guess I'll look into getting my phone unlocked and see if another provider will be more interested in having me as a client.
(August 9, 2012)
I get my invoice.
On the invoice,
There is no sign of :
I send a text message to Wind - but then remember they have yet to respond to ANY of the text messages I have sent, so I don't know why they offer that option. They also do not respond to the emails sent through their website even though you get that confirmation thing.
So I call, at 8 AM, as soon as they open.
My intention is to have my issues fixed. Namely:
Actually as I sit here typing I am having chest pains. Not gonna see a doctor. I have fibro and GERD, doctors tend to be a waste of time...
Back to the call, sorry for digressing.
So they answer and I go on a spiel that I want someone to fix my problems once and for all, enumerating all the issues I have had.
So far so good. He is being OK.
He asks for my number, my PIN name and so on.
Then we start getting into the crux of the call.
First we start with the $8.something being billed for the temp number. I explain, he initially says the $8.something will be annulled.
Then $200.00 credit (Promotion). Back and forth we go with information and research.
- First he tells me that my handset does not qualify for the promotion. This is odd as when I first enrolled, with the ported over number it qualified for the promotion.. When they moved my plan and made me start fresh, it qualified for the promotion, but now it does not.
- After going to check some more, he comes back and tells me that I no longer qualify cause I changed my number. Yes my number changed. Three times. I am not happy about the all the changes in my number. As far as I am concerned, I wish I was still on my initial number. The one I wanted ported over. I never asked to change number. It was done to me. This is not in my file. According to their files I requested a new number. He said he would have the credit investigated and they would get back to me in 3 to 5 days. I have heard that before... (Case # C-10004448)
Next we move on to the $25.00 I was overcharged when I enrolled. This is where things start getting nasty.
He tells me that since I used the code I could not have it credited. Note that case C-9944876, C-9947696 and C-10004448 all indicate that since it was due to employee error that it could be credited.
(Side note, they don't give me case numbers anymore, this may not be a good thing)
After I somewhat lose my cool over this. You have to give it to me, this would push almost anyone to lose their cool, the guy tells me "Whatever!"
I ask to speak to a supervisor. He puts me on hold for several minutes to be transferred to a supervisor.
Eventually he comes back and tells me I have to go to point of sales (POS) to have the $25.00 credited to my account. Have to speak to a manager as they can't do it there. The manager is never there during the evening.
He tells me the promotion $200 credit will be reinstated but I have to pay the extra $8.something.
He tells me that I have to "advance pay the $40.00 dollars as a deposit, that it will come off later. (I have heard that before too)
I never got to speak to a supervisor. I figure they say anything to just get you off the phone. Nothing is recorded or documented. Then the customer is stuck with the bill and lousy customer service.
I remember the old days Where they would have said sorry m'mam, here is something for your troubles.
Nowadays, its "Whatever", no apology, we don't give a F*ck about our clients.
I am from the old school of client services. This offends me in so many ways.
He took my email address to get back to me later about what can be done about this $25. I am getting a bad feeling about this. While I was there he called his back office and spent a good deal of time chatting with them.
Also, "escalation" tried calling me twice. Once I was driving (I don't talk and drive) on the10th and the other time I was busy and not able to take the call on the 11th. I tried calling back only to be told that I had to wait for that specific agent to reach me. (You'd think they would have taken my name and number ans relayed the message or something.)
In an effort to get things resolved I have also tweeted Wind_Cares (don't get me started on that one) and was told my case was escalated to the "Social Media Supervisor"
HI! Hope you fix this... Considering the amount of hours I spent trying to get this resolved, and how much I earn per hour. Wind owes me a lot of mulah now....
August 17, 2012
I called Wind today. I had been waiting for a callback from them since the 11th, when I missed their call. I had also been waiting for an email from the POS manager since the 13th, or even a response of some kind since my Tweet.
Since I had neither, I called, only to "loose connection" twice. I've worked in call centres for long enough to know I was "flushed" twice.
So I called back a third time to ask for a status. After putting me on hold for an extensive amount of time the agent comes back and tells me that my issues, all my issues (except the phone number that they lost of course) will be resolved in the next 3-5 business days. Someone is supposed to call me to let me know once the issues have been fixed. They have been working on this since the 12th they said. THE 12TH!
Not July 31st, not August 3rd, nor August 9th, which is when all this was supposed to be looked into according to the last time I called but the 12th. This coincides with my sending them a link to my blog. I wonder what they were planning on telling me on the 10th and 11th if they only started working on my credits on the 12th? It might explain why they had not called me back. Maybe the original call back was a too bad so sad sucks to be you response.. but they decided to change that response for some reason or other. I do write for Broowaha too.
Note that the 12th was a SUNDAY. Not sure they are giving me the right date. They have been known to say anything to get me off the phone on the past.
Forgive me for not jumping for joy just yet.
I was waiting to pay my bill until the issues were rectified, which changed the amount I was to pay. My deadline was the 19th, but since that's this Sunday, and not a bank business day, today was in fact my deadline.
I sent them a payment for approximately what I think I owe and not the amount of my bill. I took the amount of my bill $67, minus $16 ($8 voicemail to be paid through the promotional credit and $8 for them billing my temporary #) and minus $25 (the amount I was overcharged when they put me on the wrong plan) and sent them $26. I figure this amount will take care of the taxes involved.
They will get the amount late. It will take my bank 2-3 business days to process. I've been thinking of sending them $26 for about a week now. My bad for waiting till the last minute.
Mind you I could argue I was waiting for them. If resolving MY issues had been a higher priority for them, maybe paying them would have been a higher priority for me.
Thanks for Reading.
To be continued... wind-mobile-still-waiting-for-resolution
Then see the updates I posted:
I don't WANT the number I have, I HATE the number I have. I purposely did not pick a number (I would have kept the same last four digits if I knew) because I thought I was keeping the number I had for years.
So far, this has got to be the WORST company I have dealt with yet!
This kind of shit doesn't happen to every customer. Yet this kind of thing tends to happen to me a lot. It happened with Teksavvy when I switched over, it happens with most companies I start doing business with.
Why?
(August 3, 2012) ********Update, they called. Told me my number belonged to another provider and they had to change my number (result of blog maybe? I do say I hate the number they had given me.). I got to pick a new number. Initially they offered to port my old number and asked which provider had it.
Ah the power of social media.
(August 5, 2012) *******The saga continues...
Turns out my blog had nothing to do with it, my number actually belonged to another of their clients (which explains all the text messages I was getting).
When I got my new number, they did not give me my voicemail. Took a few days to realize my voicemail had been cancelled with the new number. Know what else was cancelled? My data plan and my 200 credit (which I was using to pay for my voicemail). So on top of everything, I don't even get the specials that came with my enrolment anymore, I pay for an everything unlimited and don't get the unlimited data plan that comes with their friggen advertisements.
I guess I'll look into getting my phone unlocked and see if another provider will be more interested in having me as a client.
(August 9, 2012)
I get my invoice.
On the invoice,
- They are charging me $8.something for my interim number
- They are charging me $42.00 for my plan (which is supposed to be 40)
- They are charging me voicemail $8.00
There is no sign of :
- The $25.00 credit for the amount I was "overcharged" due to the mistake when I enrolled
- The $200.00 credit for new clients (Promotion), which is supposed to take care of my voicemail.
I send a text message to Wind - but then remember they have yet to respond to ANY of the text messages I have sent, so I don't know why they offer that option. They also do not respond to the emails sent through their website even though you get that confirmation thing.
So I call, at 8 AM, as soon as they open.
My intention is to have my issues fixed. Namely:
- the 200 credit reinstated (Promotion)
- the 25 credited to my account
- Resolve the double billing
- get some kind compensation for all the aggravation I have been though.
Actually as I sit here typing I am having chest pains. Not gonna see a doctor. I have fibro and GERD, doctors tend to be a waste of time...
Back to the call, sorry for digressing.
So they answer and I go on a spiel that I want someone to fix my problems once and for all, enumerating all the issues I have had.
So far so good. He is being OK.
He asks for my number, my PIN name and so on.
Then we start getting into the crux of the call.
First we start with the $8.something being billed for the temp number. I explain, he initially says the $8.something will be annulled.
Then $200.00 credit (Promotion). Back and forth we go with information and research.
- First he tells me that my handset does not qualify for the promotion. This is odd as when I first enrolled, with the ported over number it qualified for the promotion.. When they moved my plan and made me start fresh, it qualified for the promotion, but now it does not.
- After going to check some more, he comes back and tells me that I no longer qualify cause I changed my number. Yes my number changed. Three times. I am not happy about the all the changes in my number. As far as I am concerned, I wish I was still on my initial number. The one I wanted ported over. I never asked to change number. It was done to me. This is not in my file. According to their files I requested a new number. He said he would have the credit investigated and they would get back to me in 3 to 5 days. I have heard that before... (Case # C-10004448)
Next we move on to the $25.00 I was overcharged when I enrolled. This is where things start getting nasty.
He tells me that since I used the code I could not have it credited. Note that case C-9944876, C-9947696 and C-10004448 all indicate that since it was due to employee error that it could be credited.
(Side note, they don't give me case numbers anymore, this may not be a good thing)
After I somewhat lose my cool over this. You have to give it to me, this would push almost anyone to lose their cool, the guy tells me "Whatever!"
I ask to speak to a supervisor. He puts me on hold for several minutes to be transferred to a supervisor.
Eventually he comes back and tells me I have to go to point of sales (POS) to have the $25.00 credited to my account. Have to speak to a manager as they can't do it there. The manager is never there during the evening.
He tells me the promotion $200 credit will be reinstated but I have to pay the extra $8.something.
He tells me that I have to "advance pay the $40.00 dollars as a deposit, that it will come off later. (I have heard that before too)
I never got to speak to a supervisor. I figure they say anything to just get you off the phone. Nothing is recorded or documented. Then the customer is stuck with the bill and lousy customer service.
I remember the old days Where they would have said sorry m'mam, here is something for your troubles.
Nowadays, its "Whatever", no apology, we don't give a F*ck about our clients.
I am from the old school of client services. This offends me in so many ways.
August 13, 2012
My daughter pays $29 for the same services I pay $40 with Wind. Went to Point of sales (POS) today, met the manager only to be told, he can't do the credit ($25). He emailed his back office and his area manager. You'd think that since I pay $11 dollars more a month than many of their customers that they would make a better effort.
Also, "escalation" tried calling me twice. Once I was driving (I don't talk and drive) on the10th and the other time I was busy and not able to take the call on the 11th. I tried calling back only to be told that I had to wait for that specific agent to reach me. (You'd think they would have taken my name and number ans relayed the message or something.)
In an effort to get things resolved I have also tweeted Wind_Cares (don't get me started on that one) and was told my case was escalated to the "Social Media Supervisor"
HI! Hope you fix this... Considering the amount of hours I spent trying to get this resolved, and how much I earn per hour. Wind owes me a lot of mulah now....
August 17, 2012
I called Wind today. I had been waiting for a callback from them since the 11th, when I missed their call. I had also been waiting for an email from the POS manager since the 13th, or even a response of some kind since my Tweet.
Since I had neither, I called, only to "loose connection" twice. I've worked in call centres for long enough to know I was "flushed" twice.
So I called back a third time to ask for a status. After putting me on hold for an extensive amount of time the agent comes back and tells me that my issues, all my issues (except the phone number that they lost of course) will be resolved in the next 3-5 business days. Someone is supposed to call me to let me know once the issues have been fixed. They have been working on this since the 12th they said. THE 12TH!
Not July 31st, not August 3rd, nor August 9th, which is when all this was supposed to be looked into according to the last time I called but the 12th. This coincides with my sending them a link to my blog. I wonder what they were planning on telling me on the 10th and 11th if they only started working on my credits on the 12th? It might explain why they had not called me back. Maybe the original call back was a too bad so sad sucks to be you response.. but they decided to change that response for some reason or other. I do write for Broowaha too.
Note that the 12th was a SUNDAY. Not sure they are giving me the right date. They have been known to say anything to get me off the phone on the past.
Forgive me for not jumping for joy just yet.
I was waiting to pay my bill until the issues were rectified, which changed the amount I was to pay. My deadline was the 19th, but since that's this Sunday, and not a bank business day, today was in fact my deadline.
I sent them a payment for approximately what I think I owe and not the amount of my bill. I took the amount of my bill $67, minus $16 ($8 voicemail to be paid through the promotional credit and $8 for them billing my temporary #) and minus $25 (the amount I was overcharged when they put me on the wrong plan) and sent them $26. I figure this amount will take care of the taxes involved.
They will get the amount late. It will take my bank 2-3 business days to process. I've been thinking of sending them $26 for about a week now. My bad for waiting till the last minute.
Mind you I could argue I was waiting for them. If resolving MY issues had been a higher priority for them, maybe paying them would have been a higher priority for me.
Thanks for Reading.
To be continued... wind-mobile-still-waiting-for-resolution
August 6, 2012
When Is It OK To Bring Your Pet With You?
Recently, as I walked into a second hand store, I noticed a sign on the door. The sign said that pets were no longer allowed in the store unless they were work pets (such as a Seeing Eye dog).
I recall going to that store and seeing, on a few occasions, an older lady who had her dog in the seat of her cart. I saw her on a few occasions with her dog. I believe I recall seeing her in other stores as well.
I am fairly certain that this sign was aimed at her. I am also fairly certain that the sign was a result of some people complaining to staff about her dog.
Who is right in this scenario?
Should people be bringing their pets into stores with them?
Does the kind of pet make a difference in this equation?
What if the pet is in a carrier?
People on each side of this issue are quite adamant they are right. If an employee of a store who let a client come in with their dog gets bitten, one camp will say it is the employee’s fault, the other will blame the dog and its owner.
Ethically, the statement: “Ones rights end where another’s rights begin” should prevail.
I mention this lady that I recall seeing. I feel that the sign I saw on the door of the store was aimed at her.
Why is that?
I recall her, specifically because she had her dog with her. If it was common practice for people to bring in their pets to stores, I would not recall her specifically. I would not assume that the sign was targeting her specifically.
Some pet stores allow people to bring their companions of the furry/scaly kind with them. I can assure you that in those stores it does not faze me at all to see a pet there and I do not recall the people.
A home renovation store used to not object to people bringing their pets. They had a policy against it but did not enforce it. Still very few brought in their pets. One day a little dog bit an employee. Reading the comment section of the news articles, it was astounding how many people blamed the employee and the store and how few blamed the owner or the dog.
Comments such as “My pet is part of my family. It should be allowed to go everywhere I go.” were predominant. I kept thinking my child is part of my family, yet I do not bring them into bars or strip clubs with me, why would I bring my cat?
Other commenters stated that it was not safe to leave an animal alone in the car. It is also not a good idea to leave a child alone in the car.
True, I am not prone to bring my pets with me. I leave at home, just like I leave my children at home when I am going somewhere where they should not be going. I think a very large section of the population behave this way. Why is it that some individuals see and cat differently? Why do some need to be told? Are they the ones who are right?
Whose rights should prevail?
July 30, 2012
Collection Agencies
I have a lot of collection agencies calling my house
None of them calling for me (other than the one collecting on behalf of Blue Power)
They call for Lee Beauchamp, Clive Faubert but mostly for Tanja Young.
I have called all of the collection agencies back to "deal with them". The one that was calling for me, after months of dealing with the issue, it has finally been resolved. I didn't owe anything, it was the company's mistake.
It's settled.
The one calling for Lee Beauchamps, after my calling them, they ceased calling.
The one for Clive Faubert (The guy who lived at my previous address up till 2003. We moved in 2005 and lived there till 2012. The place had been empty for at least two years before we moved in.) I don't get why they are even calling. If the guy is still alive and they are using his address from 2003, surely this is beyond the statute of limitation, unless it's a student loan. Anyway I called the company back, they said oops sorry, we won't call anymore, and yet they continue calling.
The ones for Tanja Young. Very rude people and they keep calling no matter what. There are several calling for her. Even writing to these companies and stating that she does not reside with me, has not been living with me in the last 2.5 years, I don't know where she is or what she is doing and please stop calling, they do not and will not stop calling.
Having these bottom feeders calling me everyday, several times a day, leaving messages, being rude to my family is highly annoying.
I pay my bills. I have an outstanding credit rating because I pay my bills. I have even paid in full credit that I co-signed for other people who have defaulted because not paying affected my reputation and my score. I figured I was stupid enough to co-sign and trust these poor excuses for humanity, I deserved the punishment. I refuse to pay for debts that I did not cosign or vouch for, nor gotten any benefit for. I think being stuck paying about $30 000 of other people's debts on top of my own is more than enough. I should not have to keep paying other people's debts, nor should I have to be harassed by their collections agencies for their unpaid debts.
At this point, it looks like I will have to change my number, but this in no way guarantees that they will stop calling. There is this thing called "skip-tracing". It's how they call me. They call me cause I live or lived at the addresses of the people defaulting. Whether or not I know there people makes no difference to these bottom feeders, they harass and harass. They don't follow the legislation governing them. (if told they have the wrong number and don't know who they are calling for, they are supposed to stop calling. They are not supposed to have contact more than three times a week and leaving a message counts) You can't call the cops, all they say is pay the debt. Why would I pay a stanger's debt is beyond me. Even if I knew the person, I think the fact that they are not longer in my life says something.
I wish there was enforceable legislation to control these bottom feeders.
The culprits are
NCO Financial
A1 Credit Recovery
International Debt Collection
Well thanks for reading.
None of them calling for me (other than the one collecting on behalf of Blue Power)
They call for Lee Beauchamp, Clive Faubert but mostly for Tanja Young.
I have called all of the collection agencies back to "deal with them". The one that was calling for me, after months of dealing with the issue, it has finally been resolved. I didn't owe anything, it was the company's mistake.
It's settled.
The one calling for Lee Beauchamps, after my calling them, they ceased calling.
The one for Clive Faubert (The guy who lived at my previous address up till 2003. We moved in 2005 and lived there till 2012. The place had been empty for at least two years before we moved in.) I don't get why they are even calling. If the guy is still alive and they are using his address from 2003, surely this is beyond the statute of limitation, unless it's a student loan. Anyway I called the company back, they said oops sorry, we won't call anymore, and yet they continue calling.
The ones for Tanja Young. Very rude people and they keep calling no matter what. There are several calling for her. Even writing to these companies and stating that she does not reside with me, has not been living with me in the last 2.5 years, I don't know where she is or what she is doing and please stop calling, they do not and will not stop calling.
Having these bottom feeders calling me everyday, several times a day, leaving messages, being rude to my family is highly annoying.
I pay my bills. I have an outstanding credit rating because I pay my bills. I have even paid in full credit that I co-signed for other people who have defaulted because not paying affected my reputation and my score. I figured I was stupid enough to co-sign and trust these poor excuses for humanity, I deserved the punishment. I refuse to pay for debts that I did not cosign or vouch for, nor gotten any benefit for. I think being stuck paying about $30 000 of other people's debts on top of my own is more than enough. I should not have to keep paying other people's debts, nor should I have to be harassed by their collections agencies for their unpaid debts.
At this point, it looks like I will have to change my number, but this in no way guarantees that they will stop calling. There is this thing called "skip-tracing". It's how they call me. They call me cause I live or lived at the addresses of the people defaulting. Whether or not I know there people makes no difference to these bottom feeders, they harass and harass. They don't follow the legislation governing them. (if told they have the wrong number and don't know who they are calling for, they are supposed to stop calling. They are not supposed to have contact more than three times a week and leaving a message counts) You can't call the cops, all they say is pay the debt. Why would I pay a stanger's debt is beyond me. Even if I knew the person, I think the fact that they are not longer in my life says something.
I wish there was enforceable legislation to control these bottom feeders.
The culprits are
NCO Financial
A1 Credit Recovery
International Debt Collection
Well thanks for reading.
June 21, 2012
Blue Power - Recommend to Avoid
Hello.
As some of you know by now, I use this blog to rant - a lot
In particular, if a company has done something that irritates me, I'll more than likely discuss it here.
Well my recent experience with Blue Power is no different.
Why am I signed up with a power distribution company, after all the headaches that Just Energy gave me?
Well I had a moment of weakness and signed up and besides it was already too late by the time of the Just Energy debacle.
What was THAT debacle you say? Well since you asked, I'll tell you quickly. Even better, I'll reproduce of the emails I sent them....
Oh I also had a nice event with a Bell Representative, you want to see that....
So back to Blue Power
Yes I have linked their website so there is no doubt at all who you should avoid...
So as you know, I moved in January. In December, with the up-coming move upon me, I called Blue Power to advise them of my move. They asked for my new account number. Since I didn't have it yet, I contacted our Hydro Company to ask to hook up the new residence and give me an account number. I found out that the lawyer for the sellers had already advised them that I was taking over since January 2011 (not 2012 like it was supposed to be) To correct I had to get my lawyer to send them a letter confirming I was only taking over in 2012.
Well with all this, it took a while to get my account number and with the move, it completely went out of my mind.
Come February, I get my new bill for the new account and remember I must call Blue Power to give them my new account number.
I asked the lady I spoke to if she only needed the bolded numbers or of she needed the whole number. She tells me only the bolded numbers. While taking down the number she makes a mistake in the number. My account had three 3's and she wrote only two. (not that she would admit she made a mistake) This was in February.
Early March I get a letter from a collection agency. They are collecting an amount on behalf of Blue Power.
This was as you can guess a total SHOCK to me.
I get in touch with Blue Power, they tell me that because I am in arrears they could not transfer the contract so they deemed that I had cancelled and I now owe an early termination fee.
My accounts are NEVER in arrears. That was impossible. So several communications with a Blue Power representative, she tells me that they will put my collections account on hold and cancel it when the transfer is complete.
June 19th I get a call from the collection agency. I start emailing Blue Power. I am definitely NOT happy. I spam them a bit. I want Answers. I send them a copy of my March bill showing them I am NOT in arrears.
I get a very polite response from Blue Power saying thanking me for the copy of the bill and that I had given them the wrong account number in February (not) and they would cancel the collections and it would not affect my credit score and it would be done at the latest today.
Oh wow!
Oh very f***ing wow. All this over an account number.
Now why they never got in touch with me regarding the issue transferring my account is beyond me. They had my phone number, my address and as of March 2012 they even had my email address.
Most other companies would have contacted the client to inform them there was a problem. Some if not all would have checked to make sure they had the right account, especially after I told them it was not possible that I got rejected in arrears.
No their policy is first sign of problems, straight to a collection agency. Absolutely NO attempt to try and find a solution.
I did consider either getting a lawyer to sue them for libel and aggravation or just letting the statute of limitation take care of the "debt". You'll all agree I did not owe this amount....
I am still keeping that possibility in my back pocket. I just might do it anyway.
Over the weekend I will create 28 emails, telling them that I do not wish to renew my contract under ANY circumstances and to not think about it. I plan on programing them to be sent every month for the next 28 months. I'll read the contract to make sure the non-renewal email has all the required elements...
Oh and I gotta tell you about Bell. They totally made my day....
****** UPDATE As of July 9th, 2012, the collection agency is STILL calling me. So much for them fixing the problem.
******UPDATE 2 As of July 12th, they have not responded to the email I sent last week asking what was "still" wrong with my account.
As some of you know by now, I use this blog to rant - a lot
In particular, if a company has done something that irritates me, I'll more than likely discuss it here.
Well my recent experience with Blue Power is no different.
Why am I signed up with a power distribution company, after all the headaches that Just Energy gave me?
Well I had a moment of weakness and signed up and besides it was already too late by the time of the Just Energy debacle.
What was THAT debacle you say? Well since you asked, I'll tell you quickly. Even better, I'll reproduce of the emails I sent them....
Oh I also had a nice event with a Bell Representative, you want to see that....
So back to Blue Power
Yes I have linked their website so there is no doubt at all who you should avoid...
So as you know, I moved in January. In December, with the up-coming move upon me, I called Blue Power to advise them of my move. They asked for my new account number. Since I didn't have it yet, I contacted our Hydro Company to ask to hook up the new residence and give me an account number. I found out that the lawyer for the sellers had already advised them that I was taking over since January 2011 (not 2012 like it was supposed to be) To correct I had to get my lawyer to send them a letter confirming I was only taking over in 2012.
Well with all this, it took a while to get my account number and with the move, it completely went out of my mind.
Come February, I get my new bill for the new account and remember I must call Blue Power to give them my new account number.
I asked the lady I spoke to if she only needed the bolded numbers or of she needed the whole number. She tells me only the bolded numbers. While taking down the number she makes a mistake in the number. My account had three 3's and she wrote only two. (not that she would admit she made a mistake) This was in February.
Early March I get a letter from a collection agency. They are collecting an amount on behalf of Blue Power.
This was as you can guess a total SHOCK to me.
I get in touch with Blue Power, they tell me that because I am in arrears they could not transfer the contract so they deemed that I had cancelled and I now owe an early termination fee.
My accounts are NEVER in arrears. That was impossible. So several communications with a Blue Power representative, she tells me that they will put my collections account on hold and cancel it when the transfer is complete.
June 19th I get a call from the collection agency. I start emailing Blue Power. I am definitely NOT happy. I spam them a bit. I want Answers. I send them a copy of my March bill showing them I am NOT in arrears.
I get a very polite response from Blue Power saying thanking me for the copy of the bill and that I had given them the wrong account number in February (not) and they would cancel the collections and it would not affect my credit score and it would be done at the latest today.
Oh wow!
Oh very f***ing wow. All this over an account number.
Now why they never got in touch with me regarding the issue transferring my account is beyond me. They had my phone number, my address and as of March 2012 they even had my email address.
Most other companies would have contacted the client to inform them there was a problem. Some if not all would have checked to make sure they had the right account, especially after I told them it was not possible that I got rejected in arrears.
No their policy is first sign of problems, straight to a collection agency. Absolutely NO attempt to try and find a solution.
I did consider either getting a lawyer to sue them for libel and aggravation or just letting the statute of limitation take care of the "debt". You'll all agree I did not owe this amount....
I am still keeping that possibility in my back pocket. I just might do it anyway.
Over the weekend I will create 28 emails, telling them that I do not wish to renew my contract under ANY circumstances and to not think about it. I plan on programing them to be sent every month for the next 28 months. I'll read the contract to make sure the non-renewal email has all the required elements...
Oh and I gotta tell you about Bell. They totally made my day....
****** UPDATE As of July 9th, 2012, the collection agency is STILL calling me. So much for them fixing the problem.
******UPDATE 2 As of July 12th, they have not responded to the email I sent last week asking what was "still" wrong with my account.
Just Energy Debacle
FYI, this is an email chain reproduced. Just so you can see how honest these distributors can be... let this be an educational thing for you all.... read your contracts!!!!
For the record, I did not renew gas and after getting in touch with the Energy board, everything was dropped.
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If I need to bring this to the Ontario Energy Board to be heard, I definitely will. I will also bring this to any other authority I deem fit.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marie-Louise email [mailto:Marie-Louise email]
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 9:04 AM
To: Customer Service; Marie-Louise@hotmail.com
Subject: Contract 24082627 and contract
to: from:
Just Energy Marie-Louise
company: date:
Just Energy 15/07/2010
fax number: total no. of pages including cover:
1-888-548-7690 4
Phone number: sender's reference number:
1-888-674-7878 Account # 6041108710060085000
Re: Your reference number:
Cancellation Fee Contract 24082627
As discussed with a representative I spoke to on July 9, 2010, I am sending you via fax:
1. The renewal letter for my Gas contract account # 116524232014 (Please note: Tanja Young no longer resides with us and therefore her name should be removed from all correspondence) 2. My cancellation Fee letter dated June 24, 2010, for cancelling a contract of which I have no knowledge, nor any documentation.
3. Letter outlining the facts as I know them.
To who it may concern;
On June 5th, I was contacted by one of your competitors, offering me a better rate on my Hydro bill than your company has been charging me over the last four and a half years. This other company offered me a rate of 5.2 over the next 5 years, where your company (or the company you bought) had been charging me a rate of approximately 11. Even though I knew my contract with you was not over yet, I felt that I would save considerable money by switching to this other company. I was aware that I would be charged a cancellation fee for terminating my contract 6-7 months early, but over those months, even with the cancellation fee, I would still have been saving money.
When this new company advised my hydro that they would be taking over my contract, a representative from your company called me the week of June 21st 2010? to tell me that you had been trying to reach me as my old company had been bought out and you wanted to offer me a better rate. That you had been advised I was now switching to a new company. Your new offer was presented, I mentioned the other company was offering me better, your agent mentioned a cancellation fee for my remaining 7 months (up to January 2011 was clearly mentioned). This fee was no more than $ 150.00 which I feel is somewhat reasonable, considering I have been paying more than double the market prince over the last 4 ½ years.
Later that week I received a cancellation letter/bill (included) indicating that I had signed up for a new contract on May 11 2010 and my cancellation fee for early termination of a 5 year contract was $699.04 (plus GST) for a total of an astounding $733.99! I set the letter aside to research this new contract. I have checked my work schedule for that week and I was at work from 8 to 5 every day, which means I was not at home from 7 AM to 6PM as my travel time is about an hour each way. I do not have any documentation regarding this new contract. I verified my emails and did not find anything there. (Some companies will send an email confirmation)
On July 9, 2010 I received a Contract renewal letter for my gas (included). I contacted the client service number indicated on the letter and spoke to a helpful agent (I forgot to jot her name down). I told her I did not feel comfortable renewing my gas contract when I had such a bill for my Hydro. The agent looked into my hydro account and could not find a 5 year contract, only the contract ending on January 2011. She indicated the cancellation fee was no more than the $150.00 I anticipated. I told her I had a letter (included) indicating I owed $733.99 for cancelling a 5 year contract. I wanted information on when and how I had signed up for this contract and she could not find the contract, and therefore could not give me any information. The only information I have is the Exit Fee letter I received. I agree to paying the Early Exit Fee for terminating the contract which ends in January 2011, but I cannot pay an Early Exit fee for a 5 year contract I have no knowledge of entering and you client representatives can't find on my account when I call.
Let it be noted that I will NOT renew any contract with you (gas) until this situation has been resolved.
Fax to come with documents
Marie-Louise
-----Original Message-----
From: Customer Service
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 2:02 PM
To: 'Marie-Louise email'
Subject: RE: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100716 ON WF
Dear Marie-Louise,
Thank you for your email and we apologize for any inconveniences caused by this issue. We are in the process of looking into this matter and we will be getting back to you shortly. Rest assured that the early termination fee of $733.99 will not apply if you did not accept a new term.
Should you have any further questions regarding Just Energy or our Price Protection Programs, one of our Customer Service Representatives will be pleased to assist you toll free at 1.866.587.8674.
Sincerely,
Customer Relations
Phone: 1.866.587.8674
Fax: 1.888.548.7690
Just Energy
-----Original Message-----
From: Customer Service [mailto:customerservice@justenergy.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 3:35 PM
To: Marie-Louise email
Subject: FW: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100716 ON WF
Dear Marie-Louise,
Thank you for your patience. We tried calling you today around 12.41pm but you were unavailable, we were able to leave our contact number with a lady we spoke with.
We reviewed your account and the reason why you were sent an early termination fee in the amount of approximately $733 was because you had chosen to accept a blend and extend offer on May 24 2010. We also sent you a confirmation email on the same day which we have attached to this email for your reference. The purpose of the blend and extend program is to reduce your rate from your previous program to a lower rate and start you on a new 5 year term before the expiry of your previous term. You previous rate on the Electricity Price Protection Program was at 9.59c/kwh which was reduced to 7.5c/kwh. Please keep in mind that this rate is a potential benefit to you as you are protected from the time-of-use meter rates. For more information on the time-of-use/smart meter rates, you can visit ieso.ca. Furthermore, because the program was extended for another 5 years and you chose to cancel on June 25 2010, the early termination fee was calculated based on the length of this term and not your previous term.
We would like to encourage you to consider the benefits of the fixed rate on the new term as it is guaranteed to provide stability and the ability to budget your bills more effectively.
Should you have any further questions regarding Just Energy or our Price Protection Programs, one of our Customer Service Representatives will be pleased to assist you toll free at 1.866.587.8674.
Sincerely,
Customer Relations
Phone: 1.866.587.8674
Fax: 1.888.548.7690
Just Energy
80 Courtneypark Dr. West, Units 3 & 4
Mississauga, Ontario L5W 0B3
justenergy.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Marie-Louise email [mailto:Marie-Louise email]
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 4:25 PM
To: Customer Service
Subject: FW: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100716 ON WF
Hello,
I have just noticed, the letter says I renewed on May 11th, 2010, this email says on May 24, 2010. How can I have agreed retroactively?
The email in attachment could easily have been created AFTER the fact to "create" proof as there is no date in the "sent", nor is there a sender in the "From".
Attached you will see what a "proof email" is supposed to look like.
Which is it?
Please respond with
-----Original Message-----
From: Marie-Louise email
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 3:47 PM
To: 'Customer Service'
Subject: RE: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100716 ON WF
Hello,
I would like to further protest.
1. I have never received the attached email. At what time was that email sent? The attachment did not specify.
2. Please provided me with the time of day I agreed to this extension. As I was away from home on the 24th from 7 AM to 5:30 PM I work between those times and I was at work on that day. I have no recollection whatsoever of renewing a contract with you.
3. Please tell me why every time I called or spoke to someone, they could not tell me of the "renewal"?
I am currently at work, so I OBVIOUSLY am not at home. I will be here until after 5, like usual
Please note that I will NOT renew my gas contract with you.
Marie-Louise
-----Original Message-----
From: Customer Service [mailto:customerservice@justenergy.com]
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 2:27 PM
To: Marie-Louise email [NC]
Subject: RE: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100722 ON WF
Dear Marie-Louise,
Thank you for your email. We will be sending you the email that was sent to you the same day you accepted the new offer by forwarding it on a separate email. This will help in referencing who sent the email and what time and day it was sent.
The call in which you accepted the renewal offer was made on May 24 2010, Victoria Day long weekend, at 2.26pm by a representative named Josh. On this call, Josh explained that you have 14 days from acceptance to revert to your old contract and should you wish to cancel after that, you will be required to pay early termination fees. Please note that should you wish to cancel this new agreement now, you can disregard the early termination invoice of approximately $733 as we would recalculate this amount which should be significantly less than this amount.
If you received a letter from us related to May 11 2010, we reviewed your account and found that when you accepted the renewal offer, it was retroacted based on your billing cycle. The actual confirmation date is still May 24 2010 as per the confirmation phone call.
Please confirm should you wish to continue on the Price Protection Program or you wish to cancel the program.
Should you have any further questions regarding Just Energy or our Price Protection Programs, one of our Customer Service Representatives will be pleased to assist you toll free at 1.866.587.8674.
Sincerely,
Customer Relations
Phone: 1.866.587.8674
Fax: 1.888.548.7690
Just Energy
80 Courtneypark Dr. West, Units 3 & 4
Mississauga, Ontario L5W 0B3
justenergy.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Marie-Louise email [mailto:Marie-Louise email]
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2010 8:01 AM
To: Customer Service
Subject: RE: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100722 ON WF
Good morning
As I have indicated on several occasions, I did not get the email. I was not home at the time you called so whoever you spoke to, if you spoke to anyone, was definitely not myself. Assuming you are not lying, I can only assume you may have spoken to my boarder, who moved out at the end of that month, (English female) if she agreed to anything, she definitely did not have authority to do so on my behalf.
Had I received the mail, I would definitely have reacted to it long before now. I will not observe a contract I did not agree to.
By the way, I read the terms and conditions and I have NO idea how you came up with the 733$ early exit fee.
10. Ending this Agreement Early, Default. If this Agreement ends early, for any reason, you must still pay all amounts charged to you up to the early end date. Your Right to Cancel: You can end this Agreement, without having to pay Exit Fees, within 30 days from the date of your first bill under this Agreement. For Agreements to supply both natural gas and electricity (each a commodity), the cancellation of one commodity will not result in the cancellation of the other commodity. If only one commodity is cancelled, Exit Fees will be applied only to the cancelled commodity according to Section 11 of this Agreement. In order for your cancellation request to be processed you must use the contact information listed on the Customer Agreement. Our Right to Cancel: We can end this Agreement, at no cost to us, if: (i) required/allowed by law; (ii) the Utility is unable to service your Location; (iii) a legislative or regulatory change materially alters our ability to profitably perform this Agreement; (iv) you move; or (v) you "Default" during the Term.
You will be given 15 calendar days prior notice. This Agreement will be deemed terminated at no cost and without liability to either party if Just Energy does not commence supply of Energy within 12 months of the anticipated Start Date, for whatever reason, and you have not contacted us in writing to implement this Agreement; or, if this Agreement is unable to be implemented for reasons beyond our control. Default: You will be in Default if you: (a) breach a term of this Agreement or your Utility's rules; or (b) switch to another energy supplier, including the Utility.
11. Exit Fees. Customer understands that in order for Just Energy to be able to supply Energy to its customers, Just Energy enters into long term supply arrangements with suppliers of Energy to meet the forecasted consumption of its customers. If this Agreement ends early due to your Default, you must pay us liquidated damages in the amount of 5¢/m3 and 1.5¢/kWh, as applicable, multiplied by your Future Use ("Exit Fee"). The Exit Fee is capped at $75 for each full and partial year left in the Term, per commodity selected, per Location. You agree that the Exit Fee is a genuine pre-estimate of the damages we would suffer and not a penalty or other type of charge. You agree to pay us any fees associated with the collection of the Exit Fees, including any legal or collection agency fees.
It says if you cancel within 30 days of your first billing, you pay no exit fee AND section 11, says early exit fees are capped at 75$/year
The representative I spoke to this weekend said it was capped at 250$
-----Original Message-----
From: Customer Service [mailto:customerservice@justenergy.com]
Sent: 2010-07-26 5:21 PM
To: Marie-Louise email
Subject: RE: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100722 ON WF
From: Customer Service [mailto:customerservice@justenergy.com]
Sent: 2010-07-26 5:21 PM
To: Marie-Louise email
Subject: RE: Contract 24082627 and contract 24082627-100722 ON WF
Dear Marie-Louise,
Thank you for your email. Just Energy would like to reiterate that the call made to you on May 24 2010 met all regulatory requirements. We have records of you confirming that you are the account holder with our representative Josh who also advised you that the email that was sent right after might appear in your junk mail of your email inbox. This is also a possibility.
As indicated in our email below, we advised you that should you wish to cancel at this point, the early termination fees will be recalculated and will be significantly lower than the quote you received in the mail. At this time, we have gone ahead and cancelled the new agreement without any early termination fees as you are within the cancellation parameters.
The cancellation of your new contract now puts you back on your original contract which is scheduled to end on January 11 2011. The early termination fee has been recalculated and will be approximately $140.84. Just Energy's name and rate will come off your bill in approximately 1-2 billing cycles. A letter pertaining to the exit fees that will apply due to early termination will be mailed out separately.
Should you have any further questions regarding Just Energy or our Price Protection Programs, one of our Customer Service Representatives will be pleased to assist you toll free at 1.866.587.8674.
Sincerely,
Customer Relations
Phone: 1.866.587.8674
Fax: 1.888.548.7690
Just Energy
80 Courtneypark Dr. West, Unit 3 & 4
Mississauga, ON L5W 0B3
justenergy.com
From: Customer Service [mailto:customerservice@justenergy.com]
Sent: 2010-08-19 11:31 AM
To: Marie-Louise email
Subject: Just Energy - Notification of Resolution to Ontario Energy Board "OEB" Concern - Ref: 2010-0011177 Account # 60431108710060085000 (JC)
Sent: 2010-08-19 11:31 AM
To: Marie-Louise email
Subject: Just Energy - Notification of Resolution to Ontario Energy Board "OEB" Concern - Ref: 2010-0011177 Account # 60431108710060085000 (JC)
Good afternoon Marie-Louise,
We appreciate the time and effort you’ve taken to advise Universal Energy, now part of Just Energy Ontario L.P. (“Just Energy”) of your concerns. Just Energy continually strives to be the most competitive energy retailer in the market by providing the most competitive rates and quality customer service. Just Energy is part of the Just Energy Group, a leading group of affiliated companies and partnerships that is helping close to one million consumers gain control of their energy costs by protecting their commodity rate with fixed price programs.
We value our consumers’ opinions on our products and regret to learn of your dissatisfaction. Your comments concerning the discrepancy of the charged liquidated damages is greatly appreciated as we constantly evaluate and make changes in the services we provide. Feedback from customers is an important source of information, as we gauge our success as well as identify things we need to work on by them. You may be certain that a copy of your comments were entered in our database.
We are pleased to advise you we have reversed the liquidated damages associated with the termination of your electricity account.
As per the notes associated with your account, Just Energy has contacted your local utility to request cancellation of our future supply arrangements with respect to the above-mentioned account July 26, 2010. Please note that this cancellation will be effective as of the date that your local utility is able to cancel our supply of natural gas to this account, which we anticipate will be September 13, 2010.
As a valued customer, your input is important to us. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us toll-free at 1.866.587.8674, by fax at 1.888.548.7690, or by e-mail at cs@justenergy.com.
Regards,
Jazzer Cruz
Investigations Management
Phone: 1.866.670.4465 ext 75056
Fax: 1.866.464.6271
Just Energy
80 Courtneypark Dr. West, Units 3 & 4
Mississauga, Ontario L5W 0B3
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