When Are Companies Going To Learn To Just Shoot Straight?

Media / Blog

When Are Companies Going To Learn To Just Shoot Straight?

Prev

Should You Sell Your Business Now?

January 06, 2012

I'm excited that 2012 is here and consumers are starting to realize that they can win the money battle when they know something is just flat out wrong with a new offering from their provider. Large companies need to begin to realize that the consumer today is evolving. They don't mind paying a fair price for a good product or service. Sometimes they will even pay a premium if the value is created for them. However, what they won't put up with anymore are these made up fees that are broadly titled like they are doing something good for the consumer when in reality it is just another tack on fee to add to the bottom line. All companies need to understand that the consumer can handle that prices will go up. They just want to know what it is without any gimmicks or tricks in a straight forward way. Instead, we keep getting these insulting fees added to bills and now we say enough is enough. You'll see more of this in 2012 if big companies think they will sneak a fast one past us.

Recently, Verizon had plans to charge customers a $2 convenience fee to pay their bills via phone or on line and decided to title this a 'convenience fee'. Please. . . . have a little bit of class Verizon and don't' insult the consumer about doing something you say is good for them when it is really good for you. Just the other day I had to get my daughter a new phone from Verizon and their salesperson sat by my side guiding me through their kiosk terminal that makes the upgrade for you and then sends the phone to your house. When I asked to pay cash, the salesperson told me "You can't pay cash". I can't pay cash? Since when does U.S. currency not work anymore? I had to pull out a credit card to complete the transaction. Now that doesn't seem very convenient, does it to you? Well, consumers back lashed on the Verizon deal and used social media to spread the word about how angry they were about this $2 convenience fee. Verizon has subsequently shelved it for the time being. To boot, the FCC has decided that they will need to look into the matter.

Bank of America had a nightmare of a time with public relations not too far before the Verizon situation around charging a $5 per month fee to use a debit card. When consumers were dealt with the blow that they would be paying $60 a year just to get their money to make purchases, they fought pack and Bank of America stepped away from the proposed new charges.

For most consumers, it is really hard to keep up with bills. It is even harder to take the time to shop your bills and figure out whether or not you are getting a good deal. However, the 2012 consumer can taste something and know it's not good as soon as they open up the package. Companies all need to make money and we know that Wall Street has an insatiable appetite to find companies that can grow their profits at 10%, 15%, or 20% per year. The thing about it is that consumers don't mind paying a fair price for a fair deal. You just have to tell them how it works and shoot straight with them. If you want to earn long term customer loyalty, use the tried and true phrase . . . honesty is the best policy.

Written by:

Ted Jenkin, CFP®, AAMS®, AWMA®, CRPC®, CMFC®, CRPS®

Co-CEO and Founder of oXYGen Financial, Inc

Visit to www.oxygenfinancial.net to request a free consultation with the leading financial experts for people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's in the country.

Ted Jenkin is one of the foremost knowledgeable professionals in giving financial advice and Smart Money Moves to the X and Y Generation.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NFP Advisor Services, LLC (NFPAS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Oxygen Financial is not affiliated with NFPAS. NFPAS does not provide tax or legal advice. This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives of NFP Advisor Services, LLC (NFPAS) may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. For additional information, please contact NFPAS Compliance Department at 512-697-6000. PLEASE NOTE: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. NFP Advisor Services, LLC makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is NFP Advisor Services, LLC liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving our web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.

Next

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

Sign Up

Sign up for our exclusive Sunday Paper with a weekly market commentary, insightful personal finance blogs, and life changing education guides.

Email sign up

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice. https://Bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives of Kestra IS and Investment Advisor Representatives of Kestra AS may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. For additional information, please contact Kestra IS Compliance Department at 844-553-7872.

PLEASE NOTE: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. Kestra IS and Kestra AS makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is Kestra IS and Kestra AS liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving our web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.