Got my fee waived but took 2 tries (waited until next day for second try). Both times through chat
Are you actually all talking about activation fees but calling it upgrade fees?
Me: What is the purpose of the fee?
AT&T: The purpose of the fee is to cover the administrative fee cost
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Great explanation! After speaking to a manager, I was able to get it waived.
Anyway, she said that since I was receiving a discount on my service already the computer would not allow her to credit me the fee.
Well then, my first attempt at getting my two upgrade fees waived, went wrong thanks to a horrible CSR not budging at all. I tried with another CSR immediately after. And it all went perfect. With some sort of twist to it hahaha. The conversation is below. Is it just me, or was this CSR somewhat flirting? That's what I perceived. And just for the heck of it, I played right along. To my relief I didn't feel like a creep behind the computer screen, due to the fact that my mom and sister were sitting right beside me laughing away. I wanna assume the CSR was just a tad bored maybe? Hahaha. Anyways, not letting this get to my head. Just thought it was a rather interesting experience with CS, and on top of the fact that I got my fees waived!
PS: I was laughing like a maniac when I totally got curveballed with her last messaged about closing the chat. And boom- she closed it.
Shanda Simon: Good morning!
Shanda Simon: How are you today?
JT: Good morning, Shanda!
JT: I am well, how are you?
Shanda Simon: I'm great, thanks for asking!
Shanda Simon: I see that you want to know about the upgrade fee correct?
JT: Well, I recently signed a 2 year contract extension and upgraded to a new iPhone 5S. I was hoping I could have my upgrade fee waived or credited to my account.
Shanda Simon: I can certainly look into this issue for you and see what solution we have.
Shanda Simon: one moment to access your account.
JT: Thanks Shanda!
Shanda Simon: my pleasure.
Shanda Simon: one more moment I'm trying to look at everything for you
JT: No worries! I appreciate your help. I'm pretty patient
Shanda Simon: Thank you, JT.
Shanda Simon: I do apologize and realize that this is unfortunate.
Shanda Simon: Let me check something else that may cause you a savings.
JT: ok, I appreciate it
Shanda Simon:
Shanda Simon: I can give you an adjustment on something that may save you what the upgrade fee is but I can not waive the fee as it is a standard fee
JT: Ok, well I am up for any savings
JT: I am happy with an offsetting credit
Shanda Simon: Great!, i will take care of this for you.
JT: great!
Shanda Simon: I adjusted 20.82,
JT: That's great, thank you!
JT: Will this adjustment go into effect immediately?
Shanda Simon: Yes it did.
JT: great, i will look for the adjustment when I pay my bill
Shanda Simon: the balance is 94.47.
JT: perfect! Shanda, thanks so much for taking care of this issue for me!
Shanda Simon: my pleasure, is there anything else i can help you with today?
You guys get all the good reps. My rep was very nice but refused to credit the fee despite my FAN discount, long service term, extended contact etc.
Interestingly enough the line she used was that the upgrade fees defray the cost of subsidizing the phone, which AFAIK is not true.
Anyway, she said that since I was receiving a discount on my service already the computer would not allow her to credit me the fee.
I will try again and see what happens.