Understanding Dollars and Cents, With Your Host, Verizon

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/01/30/un-friggin-believable-customer-service-call/' target='_blank'>http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/01/...r-service-call/</a><br /><br /></div><p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lCJ3Oz5JVKs" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lCJ3Oz5JVKs"></embed></object></p><p>This is an instant classic - looks like Verizon reps need to go back to school. It's staggering how little math the average person knows; many of us do very little math day to day, so even the most basic understanding of mathematics atrophies over the years. I know I fall into that category, and my math skills weren't that good to begin with. ;-) Have a great weekend everyone!</p>

[Pony99CA]

Dvorak is way behind the times. I think Ed posted this (http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f8/verizon-dollars-cents-matter-opinion-83172.html) back in 2006. ;) It's still funny, though.

Steve

[tnels!]

Amazing how well the guy kept his cool. At some point you wonder how people get jobs! But then again, many many people no longer are keeping their jobs. I hope the guy doesn't tolerate the situation and end up paying the bill. Toleranceisforwimps.com if you ask me!

[Rob Alexander]

This is an instant classic


A classic yes, but a couple of years old. The original was nearly 20 minutes long and it just went on and on like that. The guy was amazingly patient, but in the end, you just can't, in 20 minutes, make up for a society that doesn't think basic math is important.

[Jason Dunn]

I think Ed posted this (http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f8/verizon-dollars-cents-matter-opinion-83172.html) back in 2006. ;) It's still funny, though.

<sigh> You've got to love people who upload content to YouTube and don't bother to point out it's old content. :rolleyes:

[Ed Hansberry]

This is an oldie, but definitely a goodie! :D

Does anyone know if he got the bill for $.71 instead of $71?

[doogald]

I'm guessing that the real rate was, in fact, .2 cents per kb. As ridiculous as that is, it makes more sense than to bother billing for 71 cents.

I just checked - the price, is, in fact, $.002 per kb to Canada. Or, 0.2 cents.

[Ed Hansberry]

I just checked - the price, is, in fact, $.002 per kb to Canada. Or, 0.2 cents.
I am sure it is, but when he called, he was quoted .002 cents. Doesn't matter what the web page says, when someone gives you a verbal quote and you rely on it, the quote should be honored.

[doogald]

I am sure it is, but when he called, he was quoted .002 cents. Doesn't matter what the web page says, when someone gives you a verbal quote and you rely on it, the quote should be honored.

While I agree that Verizon should have reversed his charges in this case, I doubt that the contract that you sign says that a verbal quote overrides the cost actually specified in the contract. And, you are right, it doesn't matter what the web page says - it matters what the contract says. I only bring up the web page because the cost is pretty clearly listed there.

[Ed Hansberry]

I guess it depends on the circumstances. I am not sure if the international roaming rates are in the contract - that would be a lot of countries to list as each one can have a different data/voice/sms rate.

I know I've called T-Mobile and added services and relied on the quote over the phone - never signed anything else. I am just wondering if this guy called up to enable Canadian roaming (it can be disabled by default) and got that rate and relied on it.