Sprint "zero'd out" my remaining contract

[Spivdog]

I have been in negotiations for a new contract with Sprint. I had 8 months lefts on my existing two line shared plan.

The change to my bill, specifically the adding of a new "administrative fee" allows me to renegotiate my contract.

I am not sure I will be able to get the deal inked prior to paying my next bill, I was informed by the retentions representative that if I payed my current bill then I would NOT be able to opt out of my contract.

I requested that my contract be terminated and I be moved to a month to month. He asked to put me on hold, I replied "No problem, take your time". After a minute or two he came on and said verbatim "Your remaining obligations have been zero'd out. Your billing will not change but you are now on a month to month if you decide to move your business elsewhere after paying your current bill. We hope to keep you as a customer but if you decide to leave, you owe nothing."

Currently, I am in the middle of negotiations to renew for two years. I have to say they are going VERY well. I am going to cut my bill almost in half and the equipment upgrade looks to be almost unbelievable. I am also hoping this drags out until the SPH-M800 is released :headbang2

When I get the actual deal inked, I will post here the results.

I know there have been many posts that cover these general topics but I wanted to post my experience with retentions in full. If you have any questions or would like some help improving your plan/gear fire away.

[BrettW]

pretty darn nifty if you ask me

[Cheatachu72]

Currently, I am in the middle of negotiations to renew for two years. I have to say they are going VERY well.

ha...this made me laugh, thanks for brightening my day :lol:

are you seriously turning a simple contract renewal into a drawn out process? shouldn't it be able to be handled in a matter of minutes with one call?

did you hire an agent and publicist to handle this for you?

[wavezero]

ha. ha. I like that. Make em work... your last name isn't Boras...is it?

[Cheatachu72]

I am picturing more of a gordon gecko in a three piece suit yelling at a poor CS rep about a 5% discount....

[Spivdog]

Well, no agent but in my experience things go better when you do not rush these things. The initial conversation took fifteen minutes then the current "talks" are via E-mail.

I will post the specifics, as I said before, when I am done. At that time, you can judge if 15 minutes on the phone and less that 8 E-mails is worth the end results. :lol:

As for screaming at a rep, I think that is a bad idea. If you get "x" from someone after being a jerk, you could probably have gotten twice as much for being reasonable. Never make it personal. 99.9% of the time it is just counter productive. Focus on what you want and what you will give for it.

[chrisplchs]

I really don't know if having it drawn out is a great idea. I think there is a point where Sprint is going to make you sign and that your bill is still the same every month. Last time I was OOC, one night and 30 minutes on the phone got me everything I needed and wanted. It will be interesting to see what Sprint does with me when my contract is up as I was able to get a buttload of perks yesterday (all the AAP for free instead of just one, (which will save me over 25 a month, free Centro, some service credit) WITHOUT having to reup

[StabCity]

I have been in negotiations for a new contract with Sprint. I had 8 months lefts on my existing two line shared plan.

The change to my bill, specifically the adding of a new "administrative fee" allows me to renegotiate my contract.

I am not sure I will be able to get the deal inked prior to paying my next bill, I was informed by the retentions representative that if I payed my current bill then I would NOT be able to opt out of my contract.

I requested that my contract be terminated and I be moved to a month to month. He asked to put me on hold, I replied "No problem, take your time". After a minute or two he came on and said verbatim "Your remaining obligations have been zero'd out. Your billing will not change but you are now on a month to month if you decide to move your business elsewhere after paying your current bill. We hope to keep you as a customer but if you decide to leave, you owe nothing."

Currently, I am in the middle of negotiations to renew for two years. I have to say they are going VERY well. I am going to cut my bill almost in half and the equipment upgrade looks to be almost unbelievable. I am also hoping this drags out until the SPH-M800 is released :headbang2

When I get the actual deal inked, I will post here the results.

I know there have been many posts that cover these general topics but I wanted to post my experience with retentions in full. If you have any questions or would like some help improving your plan/gear fire away.


Just did the same thing about an hour ago. Got out of my contract which was up in June without a ETF. Now I'm on the month to month plan. Cant wait to see what they are going to offer to sign another 2 year.

[PokerFace23]

lol i'm going to **** some bricks when i read you guys next posts next month when you report to us you guys have the 200 minute month to month plan for $40 or something silly like that.

[Spivdog]

Update on the current situation for anyone intersted:

I was on a shared plan (Two phones) that was about 120 bucks a month.

I am now on SERO at 30 dollars a piece 500 minutes with all the included features. With TEP and charges around 75 bucks.

I also got them to toss in free "pick 3", N & W starting at 6 PM and unlimited texting.

No contract renewal required yet. Still on a month to month plan. Planning on trying to get two more things and getting the best deal for equipment I can.

Right now probably going to be a new Q9c and possibly a Mogul or Touch. Will post what those end up costing out of pocket.

[bsc-safety]

So far I'm not real impressed with your negotiations. Nothing special in your arrangements. Unlimited texting is free with sero plan anyway.

[BrucePDA]

Nothing special? He pulled off getting a shared plan converted to individual SERO plans. That in itself is reward enough.

[chrisplchs]

i agree with bruce on this. pulling out a multiple sero plan from a shared minute plan is almost impossible these days.

Spiv, I'm surprised you didn't ask for a $40/1000 minutes with a free AAP. That would have given you more flexibility and save 20 a month right there and then get additional loyalty discounts.

[Spivdog]

So far I'm not real impressed with your negotiations. Nothing special in your arrangements. Unlimited texting is free with sero plan anyway.

Not trying to impress, trying to put a recent and specific negotiation up here so others doing the same can have a reference point.

[Cheatachu72]

Not trying to impress, trying to put a recent and specific negotiation up here so others doing the same can have a reference point.

i'd wait until you get your first bill (correct) until you start celebrating :hee:

[Spivdog]

i agree with bruce on this. pulling out a multiple sero plan from a shared minute plan is almost impossible these days.

Spiv, I'm surprised you didn't ask for a $40/1000 minutes with a free AAP. That would have given you more flexibility and save 20 a month right there and then get additional loyalty discounts.

I did as much research here as possible before I went in there. I just figured the SERO plans were the best value for me overall. I am sure I will not get "the best deal possible". Right now my concern is to just get a much better deal and perhaps help others do the same.

[chrisplchs]

I did as much research here as possible before I went in there. I just figured the SERO plans were the best value for me overall. I am sure I will not get "the best deal possible". Right now my concern is to just get a much better deal and perhaps help others do the same.

Oh okay. So how are the equipment deals coming along? Play the ploy that Verizon or somebody else is going to give you a Mogul for free you can try to get one of those for free. That is how I got my 6700, which got upgraded to a Mogul after TEP

[TheMayer78]

To All,

I am disappointed but not surprised to hear about people abusing and trying to take advantage of retentions (NOT implying that anyone in this thread has done/is doing so!). I just want to share my experience... I was sincerely ready to pay the early termination for our 2 line family plan and switch, our bill has been outrageous for a while. We have been on the $69.99/700min(NO text) for a year and with other carriers offering the same with enticing phone selection I was ready to shop. So the rep in our local store gave me the retentions number and asked me to call them before I decided to switch. Well "one call" and 15 minutes later I have the best phone plan I have EVER had and two new phones at new contract pricing! I began the conversation with retentions by sincerely asking if there was any way to terminate our contract without paying the ETFs. We have always been very pleased with our call quality but now I really feel like Sprint VALUES our business. My wife got an UpStage and I got a BB Pearl. Very happy with both so far. The plan we now have is 1000 min (N&W @ 7pm) and 500 text for $50/mo. I'm sure there are better deals but hey, I'm happy. We love our new phones (had a900's before, loved them too) and on top of that when I went to the store to activate the phones I was lucky conversation touched on my employer and I found out I get an additional 15% monthly discount b/c of where I work! I am ecstatic that my bill has gone from $70+fees to more minutes & text for $42.50+fees.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it... for now.

Ben

[Spivdog]

Here are the final terms for any intersted:

Originally paying between over 120 dollars a month.

Now total bill is 75 dollars a month including taxes fees and TEP.

Plan now includes:
2 SERO 500 minute plans all benefits on below on both
6 PM N&W
Pick 3 mobile
Upgrade to Ultimate TV
Of course unl text, pcs2pcs, data blah blah
Equipment:
2x Moto Q9c next day aired free.

Not sure the Moto is for me, my fiance likes it a lot but I might swap it. Possibly for a Mogul or Touch. Was told either of those would have the price difference made up by a service credit.

I was seriously contemplating going to a different carrier. I told the rep what it would take to keep me and I never even got a minute's trouble. It took him working several days off and on to get everything right (or so I hope). Rolling me into SERO from a shared plan was pretty tough apparently.

Sprint is willing to go the extra mile if you are a long time customer in good standing. Know what is out there, ask for what you need.

If you are reading this, I intend this to help long time customers who are thinking about leaving. Here are some basic pointers to help you make this as easy and beneficial as possible.

If you call retentions know what you want and ask for it. Do not try to work a miracle, go in there knowing what is out there and state it plainly that you want it to re-up.

If you get shut down, try again later. I had a separate rep tell me what I wanted was impossible, yet there it is.

Never, for any reason become verbally abusive. If provoked or abused yourself, ask to speak to a supervisor and contact corporate with the specifics. That will not happen 95% of the time. If it does, joining the battle of the bigger idiot does not help.

Finally, REMEMBER WHY YOU CALLED. Do not get off track, fast talked or agree to something too quick. Make a list and go point by point.

This forum is an incredible resource and I would have not gotten anything near this without the contributions of many others. Hope this helps keep some of you here with us and with Sprint.

(Now release some new phones dangit)

[parrott84]

great deal! I am very suprised, but we just got a good deal, as did my sister and her husband...so it's not totally foreign. I think your step by step is pretty accurate. I know some people who have a Sprint owes me attitude and they don't get nearly as far as others.

[chrisplchs]

To All,

I am disappointed but not surprised to hear about people abusing and trying to take advantage of retentions (NOT implying that anyone in this thread has done/is doing so!). I just want to share my experience... I was sincerely ready to pay the early termination for our 2 line family plan and switch, our bill has been outrageous for a while. We have been on the $69.99/700min(NO text) for a year and with other carriers offering the same with enticing phone selection I was ready to shop. So the rep in our local store gave me the retentions number and asked me to call them before I decided to switch. Well "one call" and 15 minutes later I have the best phone plan I have EVER had and two new phones at new contract pricing! I began the conversation with retentions by sincerely asking if there was any way to terminate our contract without paying the ETFs. We have always been very pleased with our call quality but now I really feel like Sprint VALUES our business. My wife got an UpStage and I got a BB Pearl. Very happy with both so far. The plan we now have is 1000 min (N&W @ 7pm) and 500 text for $50/mo. I'm sure there are better deals but hey, I'm happy. We love our new phones (had a900's before, loved them too) and on top of that when I went to the store to activate the phones I was lucky conversation touched on my employer and I found out I get an additional 15% monthly discount b/c of where I work! I am ecstatic that my bill has gone from $70+fees to more minutes & text for $42.50+fees.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it... for now.

Ben

Did you get the BB pack as otherwise you might get a nice surprise on your next bill

[TheMayer78]

Did you get the BB pack as otherwise you might get a nice surprise on your next bill

What "pack" are you referring to? If it is the data plan then no, not yet, but I'm not using any of the data functions right now and won't until I get the "pack" if thats what you mean.

Spivdog and Sprintuser1934 (if you read this),

I am happy with the terms I am at now, but now that I have this BB I do want the data plan, but that would take my bill above what it was before. IN YOUR OPINION... Should I even try to call back and get the deal sweetened or have I gotten all I can for now?

Spivdog,

Also, how long have you been a sprint user?

Ben

[chrisplchs]

that data plan is nice. I have heard of people getting discounts in form of credits on it like 10 off which isn't too rare. a couple of people have gotten it for free but that's like damn near impossible.

[Spivdog]

Spivdog and Sprintuser1934 (if you read this),

I am happy with the terms I am at now, but now that I have this BB I do want the data plan, but that would take my bill above what it was before. IN YOUR OPINION... Should I even try to call back and get the deal sweetened or have I gotten all I can for now?

Spivdog,

Also, how long have you been a sprint user?

Ben

To answer the first question, if you are unhappy about something then definitely call. If you read what I was posted a little bit above, just keep being patient, polite and when at first you don't succeed, blah blah.

Second question, I have been a customer for almost ten years now.

[Spivdog]

This is my first ever mobile post on my new Q9c. woot!

[jniamehr]

how do you know that they will honor this in the future? how do you prove it?

[Spivdog]

how do you know that they will honor this in the future? how do you prove it?

What are you referring to?

[TheMayer78]

I can only answer for myself. If the plan on my next months bill is different than what I agreed to then I will take my business elsewhere. I don't expect that to happen, I'm typically optimistic and have no past experiences or reason to expect Sprint to not honor our agreement. I will know within our 30-day new phone window so if I have to shop other carriers at that point then I am no worse off than I was 2 weeks ago.

Ben

[yappering]

I have a bad feeling that bad stuff is going to automatically happen to my account when the billing system is upgraded in a week or so. I really don't want to have to waste my time on the phone with sprint for no reason when things magically change for the worse due to the billing migration. Why can't a company just keep its promise for 2 years especially when they make you sign a contract with an egregious termination fee. Classic bait and switch. Of course nothing bad has happened yet...but oooh I can feel it coming. Haha.

[TheMayer78]

Well here goes nothing. This is my first post from my BB Pearl. First from a phone at all for that matter. Also the first phone I have enabled a data plan for. I just couldn't bear having this phone and only using half of its functions. I LOVE THIS PHONE!!!

Ben

[jniamehr]

How do you know they will honor the zero'd out etf? They also gave this to me but, what proof do we really have?

[fldrice]

I've talk to 2 different retention reps and none of them are willing to zero my etf. They will let me terminate my service without the etf, but will not zero the etf. How did you guys do this?

[TheMayer78]

Well, more success tonight. I called retentions to ask about my bb data pack, telenav was telling me my trial was running out and I was told when I signed up for data that I would get unlimited navigation. Come to find out the previous cs rep signed me up for the wrong plan. So she put me on the right plan which includes unlimited nav AND unlimited text. She asked me if there was anything else she could do for me (she was VERY friendly and nice throughout the conversation) so I asked if there were any other discounts that might be available. She says "Like what?" so I says "I don't know, I have read about getting the luck of the draw as far as what cs you get when you call so I just wanted to ask" she says "hold on a sec". When she comes back on the line she says she has put a 15% discount on my monthly bill that will start on my next billing cycle. I have asked other reps if there are any other discounts available and have more often than not been politely told "Sorry, no".

The moral of this story is... It sure doesn't hurt to ask... nicely.

Ben

[earthshaker78]

Hi,

I want to use the "changes in T&C" to go onto a month-to-month contract. I will be migrated to ensemble next week.

Do you guys think its better for me to wait for the transfer (to make sure I don't need to use the pull from the "Change in T&C" to get perks I lost in the migration process)

Or do you think its better to do it ASAP (B4 migration)?

Thanks

[Ms Tah]

true dat

[bcaroo]

Hi,

I want to use the "changes in T&C" to go onto a month-to-month contract. I will be migrated to ensemble next week.

Do you guys think its better for me to wait for the transfer (to make sure I don't need to use the pull from the "Change in T&C" to get perks I lost in the migration process)

Or do you think its better to do it ASAP (B4 migration)?

Thanks

I think when you undergo migration - NOTHING can be done to your account during the process so unless you get it done today you won't be able to until late next week. I used eCare but that was a month ago. There is no guarantee that they will allow month to month, offer you perks, or whatever. Sprint has been very inconsistent in their response to material changes in T&C. I believe they have only allowed some customers to go month to month because of the material changes. When they mess up on the migration, they seem to give back the lost perks and discounts but I do not remember reading they switched anyone to month to month.

You have two separate events that are occurring close together but only one that you can possibly use to go month to month. IMHO it would be strange to call into CS to ask for all your perks back because of migration problems and then ask for month to month - maybe I am not seeing the connection....:thought: