Electronics

Understanding the long distance rates offered by your primary carrier can take hours. After all, most contracts are crammed full of fine print disclaimers and exclusions, and few consumers take the time to read about the stipulations in detail. Its only after the fact–when a long distance rate proves exorbitant–that customers sit up and take notice.

Unfortunately, most carriers purposely under staff their technical service departments, so that its extraordinarily difficult for angry clients to get through. This cynical tactic is used not just in the long distance industry but also in the telecom industry as a whole. Its designed to make it near impossible for people to switch services without paying additional fees.

What to Do When You Have Trouble with Long Distance Rates
Of course, if you discover a true error in your long distance rates, your carrier might be under legal obligation to refund the difference. It can take months to get money back, however, so be sure to keep that money out of your budget until youve received an actual check in the mail. In other words, balance your books assuming that the money is gone for good.

Finally, if you encounter serious customer service issues, you could take your complaints to the Better Business Bureau. That being said, keep in mind that your complaints are but a drop in the bucket. Rather than trying to move a whole bureaucracy, why not just look out for your own pocketbook? Examine alternative options, like prepaid phone cards and wireless providers.