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From: cambler@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU (Fubar)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Make Sprint Put it in Writing!
Message-ID: <11330@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 25 Aug 90 07:16:29 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 594, Message 3 of 7


US Sprint says that their rates are lower than AT&T, and that they
provide better service. And what's more, you can get it in writing. I
decided to do so.

After viewing their commercial on CNN touting the above claims, I
called the number they gave. They answered with "US Sprint, Sales
Department."  I explained to the gentleman that I had just seen their
commercial saying that they had better rates, and that they would put
it in writing, and that I would like to receive such information.

He put me on hold, saying that he would get me a number that I could
call to order the information. I have to give US Sprint one bit of
credit here: the music they have while you're on hold isn't bad. In
fact, it's rather nice, compared to some of the myoozak I've heard out
there. Some nice light jazz. But I digress.

He returned six minutes later and said that the number was forthcoming
from a supervisor. I asked him if this was such an uncommon request,
especially since the commercial's main selling point was the
documentation of superior services. He said yes, that is was uncommon.
I then asked if he expected people to just call and switch, faithful
in truth in advertising, that somewhere, the lower rates were, indeed,
in writing. He was surprised, but curteous in his asking if I would
hold just a bit longer. Sure.

Seven minutes later, he was back, telling me that I would have to be
called back, as the supervisor hadn't responded to him yet. I gave him
my phone number. The home one. The one with the AT&T long distance
service.  Well, to be fair, ALL my numbers have AT&T. They never put
me on hold.

Immediately after getting my number, he said that the information was
on it's way, if I could hold for just a moment more? Sure.

All this to "get it in writing..."

Three minutes later he informed me that I would have to be refered to
the business office, which won't be open until Monday morning. I was
surprised that after claiming in their commercial that I could get it
in writing, that it was this difficult. He persisted in his courteous
request for my address.  I gave it to him.

So, according to the salesman, I can expect it. The "in writing," that is,
in 14 to 21 days.

14 to 21 days.

"Thank you for calling US Sprint, we appreciate your business."

Sure.


++Christopher(); --- cambler@polyslo.calpoly.edu --- chris@fubarsys.slo.ca.us