I try to keep this blog focused on healthy living, but I gotta share this customer service experience from today. Let it be a lesson in customer service to us all.
Customer service is everything. Opening our Great Harvest, it was the number one thing I really grew to learn in all of our training sessions. There’s nothing worse than mistreating a current customer. Because of that, I feel that I have higher expectations now than I used to. There are so many companies that DO have great customer service (Whole Foods, Bare Necessities, Great Harvest (I hope!)) that I’m even more disappointed when I come across rude people or ridiculous demands.
I spent the better half of the day doing all those fun moving-related things like transferring our power, water, internet and TV bills over. Most of them were pretty painless. But Comcast sure gave me a tough time.
They are charging $35 to switch. And they are requiring that I either pay a $150 installation fee for JUST the wireless router or I can order a new router in the mail and install it myself for free, although I have to pay for $9.95 in shipping for that too. So basically they are giving me the choice of wasting the earth’s resources and my time by shipping me a new one OR I can pay $150. Ridiculous! I asked if they would waive the shipping fee since I’ve been a customer for over a year to at least take out the sting – nope. The conversation also took about an hour longer than it should have to set up service.
So I did what any normal consumer would do: I Googled “internet and TV in Charlottesville”
Century Link came up. Partnered with DirecTV. I investigated. Emily told me she used to have both Comcast and DirecTV and much preferred Direct. I’ve actually not been that happy with Comcast Cable anyways. The Century Link internet is fiber optic, which we’ve had before and really liked. And the cost – $40 a month CHEAPER! That is a HUGE difference!
Plus, the customer service was fantastic. I spoke with a really nice human female and we’re all set up to go.
Another bonus to switching: Comcast would not let me install new service at the house a few days before we actually moved in. We had to do it the same day. But now I can have Century Link start when we buy the house and have internet there while we slowly move over and cancel Comcast as of our move out date. Sweet.
Now I’ll let the food talk for a bit : )
Lunch was a great one – a leafy salad with olive oil, lavender salt, figs (BEST PART!), eggplant, avocado and pecans
Plus the most FANTASTIC fig butter (from TJ’s) and sharp white cheddar sandwich on Cville Crunch bread.
So doughy. So chewy!! Love this bread a few days old – it doesn’t dry out, it gets wetter! Love it!
I took my bike to the bike shop this morning and met dear Faith for a walk. We covered 3 miles and then I ran home another mile. Just got word my bike is tuned, so I’ll be heading back out to get it soon!
Thanks to all of you who commented on the KERFday post!! <3 you all!
Allie@LiveLaughEat says
Love the vintagy look of the photos today, Kath! I might be biased but I think our customer service at GH was top notch :). But seriously, it makes all the difference.
Sweet and Savvy says
It is amazing how important customer service is. When you walk into a place, you definitely know if they “have it” or they don’t!
And I think pecans are such a great addition to salads! I never thought of adding figs though. I’ve actually never tried one.
Kamaile says
Your salad looks great. Curious, I seen some pictures of your bike but what kind is it?
KathEats says
Trek 7.2
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
UGH Comcrap is more like it 😉
Had my fair share of drama with them when we moved to Cville…
Sharon says
I had Comcast for a year and HATED their customer service :[
Katie of Cabbage Ranch says
I will never understand why new customers get better deals and even better customer service than existing ones, why it would cost more to move a current account, or why service reps aren’t empowered to do more and better for their customers. Here’s to trying a new company!
Cait's Plate says
You’re going to be so sick of hearing this – but I just can’t stand another day without having that Cville Crunch. We are officially slated to come to Cville in October!!! PLEASE tell me you’ll have it available for purchase (or freeze a loaf for me!!) 🙂
Also? I kind of love that your blog is a mix of all things healthy living and sometimes not – it’s probably one of the things I love best about KERF.
KathEats says
You’re coming to OUR GH?!
Cait's Plate says
YEAH!!!
KathEats says
FUN!! Which weekend?
We made Cville Crunch every Saturday!
Cait's Plate says
We’re thinking the weekend of October 15th (we’re gonna drive down so we’re flexible). Will you be around?
And yay!! I can’t wait to buy it up!!
Jennifer says
Take that Comcast!! I’m glad you found a better deal. They ususally try to win you back, but customer service is so important to me, it wouldn’t matter. You snooze you lose (a customer).
Congrats on 4 years, KERF! I think I may have been reading for 3?? I don’t comment much, but I really do love your blog.
And happy birthday to Karen. She is rockin’ her 30’s!! 🙂
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
Janetha just had a post about this…she’s actually gone without internet for a couple of weeks now. We had Comcast in Denver and HATED the customer service! Although, now in NC, we have Frontier, and they stink too – so maybe it’s just me with the bad attitude. 😉
Nicole Dyan says
Comcast has notoriously bad customer service, but unfortunately they have a monopoly in many areas, so you are lucky you could switch. I know we certainly did!
Valerie says
They definitely do monopolize in New England! I had major issues, but no alternative 🙁
Emily G. says
They do in the South as well. Comcast is the only cable available in Shreveport! Only alternative is Direct or Dish. For my TV I use Dish and LOVE them but they don’t offer internet where I live so I have to use Comcast. I hate paying that $47.99 bill every month. Grr!!!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I cannot stand cable companies! Mainly because they have monopolies in so many places that you can’t even choose. We have the choice of Time Warner or Verizon, or satellite for TV. They can treat their customers badly because there’s so little competition and the local government helps them achieve this.
I’ve been a small business owner most of my life, but these days I am often left wondering, “Whatever happened to the customer is always right?!” 😐
Lilah says
Customers aren’t always right..
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Obviously not, but it’s always good business to treat the customer with respect and importance in most situations, as if their business is of value–which it should be. Being treated poorly from the beginning is unnecessary and unprofessional, a bad representation of the business.
MelanieF says
Unfortunately, customers aren’t always right and some of them abuse of that saying to the highest point. I’ve been in Customer Service for over well, 15 years or so (Mostly service and tourism) and while I do treat every customer with a smile and with respect, some of them do not treat the people that serve them very well. It goes both ways. And I will never tolorate somoene that disrespects me, even if it’s a customer. But, of course, there’s a respectful way to let them know 🙂
Jillian says
I agree- I just think that expecting employees to waive things “just because” and saying they aren’t giving good customer service if they don’t do whatever you want is a little ridiculous. Disclaimer: I am *not* talking about Kath’s situation- I don’t even know all the details- but I’ve noticed that a lot of people have that attitude (this is in response to the whole “customer is always right” nonsense)- people thinking that good customer service equals someone bending over backward or bending rules they aren’t supposed to just because someone thinks they’re entitled to something or they’re feeling frustrated. It reminds me of a bratty child, honestly- I see a lot of people act that way in my line of work, and I’m shocked that a lot of adults don’t seem to be able to understand that they can’t have their way all the time “just because”. Again, I’m not talking about Kath, I’m talking about what I see very often in my line of work.
KathEats says
Well I think the only reason customers are demanding the fees to be waived is because they are ridiculous to begin with. When I sign on with a new company, I EXPECT fees. When I move or upgrade, I do not. Yet it seems the companies are the reverse! So I only ask for fees to be waived when I’m a loyal customer – not when I’m new and just trying to save money. Or when it seems reasonable for some kind of new addition.
Jillian says
Yep, I totally got that- plus we all know you wouldn’t act that way, anyway 😉 I just get a little suspicious when everyone starts talking about sucky customer service, because I think so many people don’t know what things really cost a lot of times, or just don’t want to have to pay for things they think can or should just magically happen for them. But I think that a lot when it comes to what goods and services cost and should cost – esp when it comes to organic vs non-organic produce, etc. I could go on a tangent, but I just think about that a lot in general- how Americans are largely coming to believe that everything should be available to them for cheap, no matter what the cost of the product or service actually is. But yeah, transferring service shouldn’t cost **** 😉
KathEats says
Yup – totally know what you mean.
I think it comes down to:
New customer – have a good product
Current customer – be nice, don’t charge for support
Unhappy customer – go above and beyond
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Glad you found something better. Cable companies are notorious for being hard to deal with, inflexible and the worst..their appointment “windows”, i.e. that’s code for tie up half your day, i.e. 8 to noon, noon to 6pm, 4 to 9pm…stuff like that…who has TIME to take off work and sit at home for 4-6 hours just WAITING for a guy to come out. I know it’s not an exact science but a 2-3 window, max, is realistic.
Can you imagine if we told one of our vendors/clients/friends/etc well I can meet yon on Thursday…sometime between noon and 6pm. Just sit waiting for me and Ill show up when i show up. <—Yeah, sure.
I could go on and on about the cable companies from service to price to the way the act when you call them.
KathEats says
Haha – well sometimes I do do that at the bakery!! Because sometimes I don’t know exactly when I’m going to get there 🙂
Trainer Kjirsten @ Balanced Healthy Life says
I’m so thankful my husband deals with all the cable/internet/phone people. I wouldn’t have the patience! At least that call is over with and you found a better provider!
Lara @ TresLaLa says
I think it’s great that you have a choice! Way to rock your customer dollars and show your distaste with your $$$.
Bonnie says
Hi Kath – I love your blog and visit it daily to get my ‘KERF’ fix! Love all your fresh ingredients and meal ideas! Plus, now I’m obsessed with my local GH shop in MI. …they don’t do sandwiches though 🙁
You may want to tweet @comcastcares – or – @ComcastBill – at least communicate your frustrations. Something needs to be done here nationwide – re: comcrap!
KathEats says
I’ve done that before and gotten help, but I should not have to resort to Tweeting to get good service!!! But thanks for the recommendation
Sonya says
Exactly. Why tweet for good service, especially when you’ve got cheaper and better alternatives in your area! Boo Comcast!
Paige says
Cable companies are the WORST. Well, aside from insurance companies – my #1 sworn enemy. Bummer that you had to deal with you on your four year KERF-iversary. 🙂 We have Comcast right now and they are definitely not my favorite, but our other option is DirecTV and I’m just not sure I trust a little dish to hold up to the potential blizzards up here in Connecticut. Maybe the technology has gotten better since the last time my parents had a dish?
Paige says
*deal with THEM, not you…ha!
Emily G. says
Aw!! Insurance companies aren’t bad! I’m in the insurance industry!! We aren’t bad people!!!
Paige says
My grandpa was an insurance agent for 30 years, so I know you’re not ALL bad. 😀 It just seems like all of the ones that I have had to deal with are…not the top achievers in the industry.
Anne says
Paige-
My boyfriend and I have DirecTV at our place in Portland, Or. We get lots of rain (and wind) here. We’ve had the dish for 2 years now and no problems at all. It’s awesome and way cheaper than Comcast!
Paige says
Good to know! Might explore what their pricing is in our area to see if it would be worth the switch. Thank you!
Valerie says
BELIEVE ME I know Comcast has TERRIBLE customer service! At my old apartment in Boston we had such issues with our internet, that in the first month alone I documented (of course! lol) 25 calls to them and they had to come out to my place four times before they could finally make it work. They were also a huge pain with scheduling house calls, and really failed at prioritizing their customers’ needs. The most frustrating part was having to go through their 1-800 number each time, as it was often 5-10 minutes before I could talk to a REAL person and explain my issues for the millionth time. Comcast continually blamed me on the service issues, first saying it was an issue with my router and then my computer, both of which were brand new!
Once they finally realized it was an issue on their behalf (outdoor wires) I was given a $100 credit to my account and (more valuable to me) the direct line to the VP of Comcast in New England. It was hands down the worst customer service experience I’ve ever had, even thinking about it now makes me so angry! Unfortunately though, I didn’t really have a good alternative, but I’m so happy you do! Hopefully all works out well for you at the new house!
Ali says
I lived in Boston for 4 years and had RCN for 2 of them! Much better and cheaper!
Kori says
I’m so sorry to hear that you had to deal with that mess! But it sounds like you came out with an even better cable company, so all’s well that ends well, I suppose. 😉 I definitely need to purchase some fresh figs asap!
Lauren says
Comcast is the absolute worst and they are our only option. When we moved into our apartment, we had a router and everything with us. Told the technician not to worry about setting that up because my husband could do it. He didn’t set it up–but he did charge us for it! We called and got that taken care of.
Now our bill for TV + internet seems to go up every 3 months or so. When we call, they tell us it is because a promotion ended. Why does it seem like we’re getting fewer channels, poor quality reception and crappy internet and being told it is a special promotion? Ugh. I get so mad even just thinking about it.
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Ugh – we’ve had our share of troubles with Comcast too. I hope the switch to Century Link is better for you!
Kate says
I wish you and Matt ran the Great Harvest in Springfield, IL! I’ve been there three times, and the employees pretty much ignored me. And only want to give one sample!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
I HATE bad customer service!! And I can’t stand when businesses have automated customer service answering systems! I want to talk to a person! Not a machine!!
Mary Legare Whaley says
I don’t know too many people who have ever been happy with Comcast as a provider or for their friendly and not-so-knowledgeable customer service reps. I decided to throw cable to the wind over a year ago. I have my big awesome HD tv and the greatest little HD antenna that provide me the best of local and network programming—all in high definition—all free! But good call on switching. Comcast? More like Comkissmy(hiney).
Baking N Books says
At least it ended well?
I’m interested in Figs. I seen Black Mission and Calymaria at the store – some were packaged though. Do you buy them “fresh”? Which ones?
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy says
I love when businesses have great customer service. It definitely makes a difference, especially in this economy.
Annie says
I love figs! One of the few things I brought back to university from home was this HUGE bag of dried figs…its concerning that the bag is already nearing halfway and I’ve only been back a couple weeks though
Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) says
I”ve always had awful customer service from Comcast. Usually, calling and threatening to cancel will get them to lower your monthly or waive other fees.
Lunch looks great 🙂
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Fig Butter?! I need to get my hands on that! Looks great 🙂
Kim @ Spoonful of Sass says
I have yet to meet a person that is happy with Comcast. My husband and I acutally jokingly argue about who is going to call to yell at them next (and we are not typically yelling people). But 2 weeks ago we dropped our cable completely, so we only have to deal with them for internet, which is much easier. We are happy happy!
Alison (Fueling for Fitness) says
I really want to eat your lunch. REALLY REALLY. The end.
Krissy @ Make It Naked says
Glad you like the fig butter. I stocked up. I can’t stop eating it with goat cheese.
Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life says
I HATED comcast when we had them their customer service was awful! I used to pay $129/month for just TV and Internet (with DVR and movie channels) and then I decided to switch to Verizon Fios and now I pay $89 for TV/Internet/Phone plus the same DVR and extra movies! I will NEVER be a comcast customer again they are such a rip-off!!!
Your lunch looks great today!
Katie says
Well, I don’t know how you got such a good deal. Verizon’s charging me $91 for just TV (with DVR but no movie channels) and Internet. And I haven’t been impressed with their customer service, either.
JunieB says
it took 2 weeks of trying to get my Comcast scheduled to move to my new place (which they said was a house not an apt and they have to investigate), and then after calling back on that since they never called me FIIIIIIIIIINALLY only then (again after 2 weeks) did someone say “oh we dont service there. You have to call someone else”.
What the wha?
Now I have cheaper service coming to me as well and I just had a nice chat with a woman in Seattle that use to live here just down the street from me. Random.
JunieB says
Oh and it took several phone calls a few months back to inquire why they always gave great deals to new customers; what about us long timers? They kept trying to get me to upgrade or bundle, and i said I DONT NEED A LANDLINE YOU NINNIES!
She finally gave me $20 cheaper for like 6 months or something because I wouldnt shut up. :O)
Angel7 says
Great customer service is paramount!
As a business administration/marketing major, the best marketing tool is word-of-mouth. If one has great reviews about a business, one will spread positive word-of-mouth, and vice versa.
In short, I believe that the customer is always right, that is, within reason. And brand loyal customers should be accommodated accordingly!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
lynn @ the actor's diet says
customer service IS incredibly important. cable companies just suck – i have so many issues with ours too, and it’s not comcast!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Nothing makes me dislike a company more than poor customer service. Its customers are who keeps it in business, so you’d think they’d train their employees to be respectful.
Jennifer says
Oh boy! When I read the word Comcast, I knew exactly what you were dealing with. We went through a nightmare with them. It’s funny, too, because you can call and speak with different reps and get different information. It’s almost as if they make things up on the fly. (haha) I’m glad you don’t have to use them and found a perfect solution. 🙂
I bet you do look at customer service differently now.
How exciting that you are getting things ready to move.
Johanna B says
Comcast should have known better. NEVER MESS WITH KERF!!!
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles says
Cable companies are the worse. Bad karma on them. What crooks!
Congrats on four years of blogging…three times a day. Quite the achievement!
Ellie@fitforthesoul says
Tehee we love you too Kath! And that is a great lesson to learn for work and future purposes. Although in America, we do have too many “entitlements”, I don’t think a little bit more leniency of the company’s part can hurt their business. 🙂 Take care!
Ps: I’ve been craving GH for like, A MONTH hahaha. (but the drive can be long with traffic)
Holly says
I have had a horrible customer service experience with Comcast, too! Delta has been horrible as well.
LivingSocial is great, though. 😀
Christine @ Life's a Lasagna says
Comcast is the worst provider, but sadly they almost own their market when it comes to internet. I am a work from home graphic designer & artist, I live by my internet connection. I’ve had the same service from Comcast for 8 years. Several weeks ago they phoned to inform me that they just realized that for 8 years they’ve been charging me the wrong rate. I don’t know how they get away with it.
Laura S says
How do you eat figs? I’ve only ever seen them at one grocery store, once or twice. I guess by the pictures you just eat the whole thing! I’ll have to try them sometime!
KathEats says
Like a strawberry!
mtnbluebird says
I signed up with Century Link not too long ago and they have really been nice and accomodating. I had billing issues the first month and when I contaced them the CS person acknowledged the errors and promptly corrected my bill. I had a little trouble getting on their ‘net the first time and Tech Support was on the ball and got me squared away within minutes.
Recently, I contacted them to cancel my basic landline service and they offered to cut my monthly landline rate 50%. I figured what the heck, I’ll keep it since my 80 yr. old mom does call us on the landline. She’s not too keen on a cell phone even though she carries one with her for emergency contacts if something happens to her.
Boo on Comcast!! Good for you being a wise consumer and dumping them Kath!
KathEats says
Good to hear!
Emily G. says
Call me crazy – but companies that fight for business by cutting your bill 50% bc you want to cancel just doesn’t sit very well with me. What if the next person is struggling to make ends meet but depends on that landline. They wouldn’t threaten to cancel service. They’re being loyal and not getting any kick-backs yet the person threatening to cancel service gets 50% off? Why not just offer affordable rates to every customer.
Please don’t think I think you’re a bad person – I’m just ranting about the company – not the consumer.
mtnbluebird says
I didn’t “threaten” to cancel I was requesting to cancel my landline. I didn’t hold any comparisons to them or demand anything. Like everyone else my cell phone is used much more and I only get 2 calls a month on the landline if even that. I figured why pay duplicate for the same function when the bulk of the calls come in on the cell phone. So, I merely contacted them cancel the landline. The CS person threw out the teaser rate to keep the service. I didn’t ask for it.
No offense on your part. I know some folks abuse freebies and or reduced rates with unrealistic “it’s all about me” demands. But, if I didn’t ask and a deal is offered and I think it’s worth it I will take the offer.
Emily G. says
I understand – and like I said – I wasn’t throwing that at you. I just meant that I had a problem with the COMPANIES that do it. I apologize if you felt that I was attacking you for that comment.
Dynamics says
I am hearing more and more people aRE dumping cable and going over to DirecTV. Obviously one of these companies is hiring the right people!! Me, I use “Free TV” so I do not have to bother with anyone. Plus…it’s FREE!!!.
Ashley says
We’ve had THREE horrible experiences with comcast. We don’t have cable TV but still use them for internet and it was still a horrible transition into the new house. GRRRR
kristacular says
I hate comcast. they make stupid promises. I’ve asked them to start recording my convos everytime. because they constantly say they can’t find what I was talking about… I doubt it’ll help but… rar! good job sticking it to the man!
Rachel says
Boo comcast! My husband and I had a bad experience cancelling our service when we left colorado. They kepy sending us a bill every month for about 6 months afterwards. Every time we called to remind Comcast that we cancelled they said “oh, no big deal. Ignore those bills.” Right…finally they contacted us to tell us we owed them money for all those months and we had to remind them, once again, that we CANCELLED our service long ago.
Don’t let that happen to you!
Sarah @ Sarah's Modern Bites says
Awesome customer service experiences are always worth raving about… with things like cable, and other utilities, great experiences seem far and few between and people often don’t discuss them. We hear SO much about bad experiences and little about good ones. As they say, ‘one happy customer is one happy customer but one unhappy customer is a thousand unhappy customers’ Great to hear about an awesome experience 🙂
LOVElovelove when doughy bread gets’ wetter’ and not all dried out… so yum.
That eggplant seems to be an absolutely lovely match with those figs! SO happy it is fig season. I gotta check out that TJ’s fig butter!
Marie@feedingfive says
I think it was entirely appropriate and necessary to call out Comcast. So many of us have experiences like that but because of time restraints, lack of knowledge or a myriad of other reasons don’t do anything about it. It’s wonderful to share information like this to benefit us all. I hope Comcast reads this.
Kayla [once upon a lens] says
That salad looks amazing! Figs are sooo pretty!
Have you heard yet if anybody’s received their OpenSky Granola yet? I’m still waiting for mine!
KathEats says
It should have shipped today or tomorrow!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I used to have comcast – .. but i hate the way these companies work. It is getting a little bit better since companies like Direct TV, ATT Uverse and Verizon Fios have entered the picture, but these options aren’t everywhere. These companies like to charge you an arm and a leg.. and they CAN because they have monopolized the area. It is not like you really have a TON of choices… each company is responsible for servicing certain areas.. and it stinks!
However. You can negotiated with some companies. Our “promotional price” recently expired. I told them I would like to cancel and I was going to Uverse.. because they would offer me the price I used to pay. Obviously my current company wanted to keep me .. and the guy basically read off of a script.. giving me lower prices.. little by little. I kept refusing.. and then got right back down to my original price.
KathEats says
Go to UVerse!!!! It was awesome TV!
Claire says
Ugh…Comcast just did this switch to “all digital” tv…but I think they’re just pretending. The picture quality is worse that it was before. So frustrating…but I guess I can’t complain too much, my cable is included in rent!
Allie says
I had Comcast in my first apartment. I scheduled a shutoff the day before I moved and no one showed up to do the job, so I took my cable box and modem to my new apartment and hooked them right up. The Comcast guy who came to set up my new cable service asked how I got my equipment and I explained to him that I was never instructed to do otherwise with it. I was never issued a second start-up fee, and no shipping of new stuff. I do feel kind of bad, but Comcast was not there to do their job the first time! They are a monopoly in my town too.
Hillary says
1. Comcast is the absolute WORST. Ever. End of story. Glad you got it sorted out!
2. TJ’s already took fig butter off the shelf here in MD! I was devastated!!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
I agree about Comcast, we used them in college and they were awful; charging us for everything! Also, I tried fresh figs for the first time this morning and they were delicious!
Lindsay @ bikingbeforebed says
I hope for everyone’s sake that a Comcast rep reads your blog! Guess they don’t take bread or granola for bribes for better service 🙂
Britney says
I just had a new roommate move in and Comcast also charged him an installation fee – even though he was bringing all of his equipment over. My parents (who have Dish Network) were recently told that they have to get a new receiver as their current one is too old, and the new receiver has a more expensive monthly service cost than the old one, so they plan to cancel their service too. There’s so many options nowadays that a company with bad customer service could have you switch to the competitor or just cancel cable all together.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
That must be so frustrating about the whole Comcast ordeal…glad you were able to find something better. I still don’t understand how/why people get into customer service positions when they evidently should not be!
Molly @ RDexposed says
Comcast annooooooys me too!!! To remove my cable would INCREASE my monthly bill.
Booooo “Cable Town!!”
Cait @ Cait hates Cake says
Ugh, Comcast! Barf.
I need to get on the fig bandwagon. Looks good!!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I’m glad you wrote this – Comcast apparently did not know who they were dealing with. I think they just got punched in the gut now.
Rae says
We are just switching to DirecTV right now, too….went through the same thing with our other provider (Time wArner up here in NY). Gotta hit em where it hurts…with your business!!
Sara says
I HATE Comcast with a passion – will never use them again. When we cancelled our service with them, they sent us our bill and then sent the bill to the collection agency BEFORE OUR BILL WAS EVEN DUE! So we ended up having to pay the collection agency fee even though the bill wasn’t officially late. My advice: take your cable box to the Comcast place the day you cancel service, turn it in, and pay off everything THAT DAY. I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate them.
maria @ Chasing the Now says
I actually really appreciate when people blog about this kind of stuff because I file it away for when we move back home next year. This isn’t the first bad thing i’ve heard about Comcast, unfortunately. I think “big” companies get the impression they can take customers for granted because they don’t have a lot of competition, but they have to remember that customers can go with smaller businesses!
Sarah@The Flying ONION says
It’s always great hearing about services offered and experiences with companies. You just never know when you’re going to need this sort of thing.
We use comcast and honestly, haven’t had any issues as of yet. Thank goodness!
Your sandwich sounds fabulous! I’ve been on the tempeh/jam trend lately, because of you…so good! 😀
Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather says
Gah bad customer service is the worst! Glad you found something better! Such a fresh looking lunch 🙂
M says
AH, the importance of good and fair customer service!!
Anyone ever hear of the video United Breaks Guitars-
true story of a musician having his guitar being tossed (and broken)
by United airlines (while he watched from the plane!)
He wrote a funny song and video once United would not compensate him-
ah, sweey and funny revenge! Link here (now viewed ny over 10 million-ha ha take that United!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo
And Kath good work for switching companies….the best way to better customer service
is to make a change when ticked off (and hopefully let ’em know)!!
KathEats says
I have seen that – love it
Emily says
I like that salad idea. I think the more pictures of salads that you make that don’t include heavy dressings, the better. Salads can be either the most healthy food or completely the opposite. I might just have to try lavender salt.
RunEatRepeat says
You are the second blogger in a month I’ve heard rant about them. Good for you for switching! They will never change if we don’t say anything and take our business elsewhere.
Nina says
Okay, longest comment ever, but here goes:
First, the commiserate part:
Ugh, Comcast. I had them while living in San Francisco. The bill for our apartment was in my name. I transferred it to another person’s name when I moved home after my brother was diagnosed with leukemia. I got *several* calls a week while my brother was in treatment due to Comcast’s inability to file some simple paperwork and switch names. Finally that was resolved. When the person I transferred the bill to failed to pay upon their move out, they called ME, like it was my problem. This was right around the time my brother died, and I was getting calls with rude reps telling me I owed them hundreds of dollars. TERRIBLE. I finally broke down and cried to a woman that called me, and that was the last call I ever got. This went on for months. Absolutely awful, and I’ll never use them again.
And an advice part:
I had a similarly shady fee experience with AT&T this year while still in San Diego. I cancelled my contract about 1 month early (forgot I’d even signed a contract – I think it was just verbal). Our bill was only $30-something per month, but they charged me a $150 cancellation fee!! NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE FEE WHEN I CALLED TO CANCEL. Customer service was rude and I always got transferred around to different voicemails. Finally, I contacted the Public Utilities Commission in California and a woman put me on hold while she contacted a real live person at AT&T. Within 10 minutes the issue was resolved, I didn’t have to pay a fee, AND I got a $17 refund for some weird reason. I suggest you call the state Ombudsman or the VA Utilities Commission if any other issues persist. Good luck!
KathEats says
oh my gosh, that is so very awful. I’m so sorry about your brother – hope they read this!
vegirl says
When we moved, to quit out service, my dad had to go to the office, stand in line forever with the box thingy that controls out tv and internet, just to discontinue our service. And then when we moved, we kept getting bills from them! My mom called them to sort it out, but we got another wrong bill recently. She called again and hopefully the problem is fixed! But when we got xfinity here in Michigan, the person who installed it was super nice 🙂
Anna @ Food Fitness and Frolicking says
I see figs popping up all over the blog world..I’m just DYING to try them! Yummmmmy
Kate says
Ugh… Comcast is the worst! We just had them set up our internet in our new apartment, but it was a total hassle. I’m wishing we had looked into different options instead of giving them our business.
Morgan @ Endorphaholic says
Oi, what a run-around. I abhor lousy customer service. After managing retail, it drives me insane. Macy’s is the worst in my book, I refuse to go there anymore.
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
Your lunch looks awesome!!! You’ve totally motivated me to buy figs next weekend!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I totally feel your pain! I hate AT&T and all corporations like they. They have terrible customer service and I really feel they are just EVIL!
Hannah says
Figs absolutely ARE the best part of anything 🙂
Namaste Gurl says
You make healthy eating look SO darn good– well done, my friend 🙂
Have a nice day!
faith says
When we moved to Cville Comcast told us that our house didn’t exist because they couldn’t find the address in their system. After too many trips up 29 we finally got things straightened out but they still have some of the worst customer service EVER.
KathEats says
lol!!
Stella says
I wouldn’t pay the $150 installation fee either. I goggled how to set up a wireless system in your home, watched a couple of You tube videos and purchased a wireless router after some research and set up the wireless system myself. I paid $90 for the router on sale and Comcast doesn’t charge me a monthly rate for the unit.
Sam says
I just had an amazing customer service experience today! My blackberry has been on the fritz for a week now, and I have probably spent a total of 4 hours at Best Buy trying to get it fixed on multiple trips. I finally found out today that my battery was fried, and that I would have to be without my beloved phone for ANOTHER week (to make matters worse we are right in the middle of moving to a new house and my phone is literally my only connection to my family, friends, and work). I was extremely frustrated at the store and was very tempted to be rude to the “geek squad” member that was helping me. Instead, I very calmly and kindly explained my situation. He actually opened up a brand new blackberry box and gave me the battery out of that phone for free! I’m almost positive that what he did was not part of their policy/procedure, but he definitely responded to what I needed and had awesome customer service!
KathEats says
Nice!!! That’s like when AT&T allowed me to buy a new phone early – hooray for good cust. service!
Lauren says
Wow, SOOO many people seem to have problems with Comcast! You’d think they’d get the hint by now.
Laura @ southern girl bakes says
Comcast is the WORST! You have to be better off with anyone but them.
shannon says
I just quit Comcast (here in Maine) for Direct TV. I had issues with price, and service with Comcast too.
🙂
S.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I can’t even begin to tell you my hatred for cable companies. We used to have comcast but now have smaller, local cable company called cablevision. It doesn’t matter, they are both horrendous. What I hate (and think is ridiculously unfair in these days of free enterprise) is that there are no other cable options! Verizon Fios doesnt exist in our area and the only other is direct tv (like what you got). The problem with that though is that they are satellite based and 1. I don’t want a dish on our house 2. the reception sucks in bad weather and 3. their internet speeds aren’t as reliable. I hate how cable companies have you “by the balls” <–sorry there's no other appropriate expression i can think of! and treat their customers like crap and charge the ridiculous fees they do.
Baking N Books says
I was going to say the same. We don’t have either of those companies where I live – but it’s pretty much just monopolized here. So they can “rob” us – literally. Just to “decent” channels is still expensive.
Julia says
My school got rid of dorm-room cable service, I think Comcast became wayyy to annoying & expensive!
Jess says
I hate Comcast. Had to switch when I started working from home and really needed reliable internet. Make sure you get a confirmation number when you take your equipment back or they’ll try to charge you.
Jackie says
I’ve been in a battle with Comcast all summer long because they are tryng to charge me for equipment that one of their representatives collected from me and apparently misplaced. Awful, awful company.
Paige @ Running Around Normal says
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone utter a positive thing to say about Comcast.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Ugh, I hate bad customer service like that. Good for you for switching! They don’t deserve your business. 😛
Cat @Breakfast to Bed says
we’ve had directtv since the dawn of time. pay the extra $$ and get the on demand box. You won’t be sorry.
Becky O'Brien says
Yep! Customer service creates customer loyalty. Yep, when Mike and I visited your bakery, it was top notch, over the top customer service; like family. And, CONGRATULATIONS on FOUR YEARS of educating the public about healthy eating, healthy living on your blog. (I’m sure you were educating before the blog, too.)
KathEats says
So glad to hear it!
Becky O'Brien says
Yep, really, your team at the bakery is exceptional. I notice those kinds of things, being in business myself and appreciating good service.
Katherina @ Zephyr Runs says
So many comcast haters in the comments section! I haven’t had any interactions with them, but I know how important customer service is. I form opinions quickly based on service, and will absolutely never go back to restaurants where I’ve had shitty service.
Margo @ Peanut Butter Trees says
It’s so great to hear positive customer service stories – as you say it truly does make a difference and I think it’s so important to treat customers well. And always neat to support a smaller business as opposed to a huge company like Comcast. Awesome-lookin lunch there lady! 🙂
Kathleen says
Don’t get me started on both of your topics. Customer service and internet service providers. Its like oil and vinegar. What a nightmare. My husband and I are exploring other providers because of cost and service – Time Warner Cable !! I echo what others have state regarding enticing new customers with these great package deals for tv, internet and phone. Then when an existing customer of 10 plus years with an excellent payment history calls to inquire about saving money you get told that these offers are for new customers. You can’t even threaten to leave because they got control in the area I live. If I didn’t need Internet service , I would say bye bye to TWC. It used to be that service was commonplace but now it’s the exception. So sad.
Emily Malone says
Yay for DirecTV! Glad it worked out. 🙂 I can’t wait til we buy a place and I can put up a dish on moving day!
Anne says
Century Link/DirecTV is freaking awesome compared to Comcast. My boyfriend and I switched about 2 years ago (we’re in Portland, OR) and we could not be happier. They even allow you to sign up for new deals at the end of our yearly contract. AND every couple of months DirecTV sends us a rebate coupon for a new movie on demand. It’s awesome and I highly highly highly recommend to anyone who has this offered in their town!
Stephanie @ Love Life Project says
I always think that I don’t like salads. And then I see a salad like this, and crave it. I guess the sad truth is that I don’t like boring salads, and I’m just a tiny bit too lazy to make interesting ones. I love how the figs look! Yum!
Sara G. says
I am new to KERF, and I am loving all the yummy-healthy recipes and meal ideas. Also, I am so very glad you posted this re: Comcast, seeing as how I will be setting up utilities soon! I’ll know who *not* to call! Thanks!
KathEats says
Give Century Link a call!
Jackie says
I can’t stand Comcast!!!!! Hands down, worst customer service ever. I’m never, ever, ever going back to them.
Allison says
I had Comcast in Boston and my fiance now has it here [the DC area] and it sounds like no matter where you are, their customer service stinks! I hate talking to a computer- if I wanted a technological conversation I would text or email Comcast, but if I call I want to talk to another human being! Glad you had an alternative option and it worked out 🙂 Unfortunately, Comcast is the only provider at my fiance’s current [and my future] apartment- bummer…
Cathy says
Comcast is awful! As soon as Verizon Fois moved to our ‘hood, we signed up! Best decision we ever made. Good luck to you!
Charise says
Ugh, cable companies. We had Time Warner for 6 years in our condo (our association had a revenue-sharing agreement with them and it was the only thing we could get), with plenty of not-stellar customer service. When we moved last month, they gave me a bunch of crap for wanting to cancel when I wasn’t leaving the service area and started telemarketing me multiple times a day for a couple weeks! Our new internet provider (WOW Cable) is cheaper AND the speed is actually as fast as the upgrade we paid for, unlike TW, which was often much slower than advertised (I have a computer nerd husband who likes to do things like run internet speed tests :)).
Katie @ Plates and Paste says
I’ve worked in retail before and am currently in hospitality so I definitely know the value of good customer service. It is funny how working in the industry makes you take even more note of other companies customer service. I think it also goes both way though…people should have respect for the other people behind the counter…if someone’s in a bad mood I get that, but don’t take it out on someone else and make everybody miserable!
Helen says
When I was moving away from a Comcast area, I figured no problem – I had confirmation when we signed up that there was no early termination fee if we moved out of their service area (we were thinking ahead!), and our monthly price wasn’t dependent on finishing out our contract, and all that stuff. Long story short, they DID charge me a fee, and they had a couple other things wrong. I knew exactly to the penny what THEY OWED ME for their various mistakes, and I talked to so many people over so many weeks. Eventually they sent me to collections for like $36 dollars…ridiculous. I kept calling and eventually they made my bill $0 which I admitted defeat to and accepted since it was better than paying them even though I knew darn well they owed me money. Now we have Dish and no complaints so far!
seana says
It’s funny you mentioned customer service. I took my niece to Dunkin Donuts yesterday. I made a comment in the car how the person didn’t say “You’re welcome” when I got our order. My 10 yr old niece said in the car that people need to be nice when you buy something…otherwise, they won’t come back. No one cares about customer service these days. For a child to notice it, it’s not right.
Kristen says
Not to burst your bubble, but my husband + I hated Century Link. It was our ONLY choice when we moved into our house for phone + internet service, and we ended up being completely ripped off by opting for a cheaper phone service (local calls only + caller ID). We ended up not being able to call either of our parents houses, even though they live the next town over from us, which we considered local (they even have the same area code). Guaranteed, you are not getting phone service and we have since cut our land line and are now a cell-phone-only family. The internet service was fine and we had no problem cancelling our plan with them when we decided to go with a cheaper internet provider. So, I do agree that their customer service is very good. I hope you have a better outcome than we did with them!
Jess says
I find your experience with Century Link ironic because I hate comcast. CenturyLink’s customer service is by far the worst of my utilities–however direcTV is the best. Just because they’ve done something right doesn’t mean that their service is superior, merely adequate. I have found them extremely less than adequate on multiple occasions (including today). Be prepared for crappy service…but unfortunately, I know that you, like me, have no better options. My condolences to you.