I hate having to ask this question.
This recently came up when I got a bill for my subscription to the Chicago Tribune for $129.87. This was 400% more than my last quarterly bill. When I called to complain, they said that the cost of printing of the paper had gone up? I then said by 400%? The conversation continued…
Chicago Tribune Customer Service (CS): Okay, I can get you a better price of $92.50.
Me: That is still 300% more than last time.
CS: Well the best I can do is $65.
Me: Listen, I have been a customer for 13 years and this seems very high to me.
CS: What about $42.75?
Me: Ok, that’s only an 18% increase.
CS: Do you want to pay by Mastercard or Visa?
This was a totally unsatisfactory conversation. Why not give me a competitive price to start? Why do I need to do all this negotiating? Why say this is your best price and then go lower?
This reduces the trust I have with the Tribune and does not make me a satisfied customer after 13 years.
What do you think?
