10 Top Tricks Wireless Providers Use to Keep their Customers

Wireless communication is a competitive business, and providers want to keep you as their customer. Here are 10 ways they do just that:

1. Improved Service: Wireless providers are working overtime to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth, speed and access. When they keep up with the technological advances, they keep customers.
2. Improved Customer Service: Wireless providers know that it’s easier to re-sell to a customer they already have than it is to recruit a new one. So, instead of offering a “new toaster” for new customers, companies are making new efforts to improve customer service and keep their current subscribers happy.
3. Gadgets: Applications, tools to keep track of usage time, features and functions, ringtones, games and applications, all these “gadgets” appeal to customers at different levels. Wireless providers who want to keep their customers are adding more and more “extras” to keep their customers coming back for more.
4. Gimmicks: Gimmicks are nothing new in the sales world, and they are being used by wireless providers to keep customers. GreatCall, for example uses the motto “Connected, Safe and Healthy” which plays upon the customers need to be safe and implies that their service will ensure their safety. This particular company lives up to their motto by having a direct dial number to a dispatcher who has access to personal medical information that is HIPPA compliant, and an advanced GPS.
5. Freebies: Companies will offer a “free” mobile phone with the stipulation that you sign another two year subscription contract.
6. Provider Specific Products: Wireless provider will sell a “company” specific phone at the time of the subscription. This means that if you want to change wireless providers, not only will you have to pay a fine, you will also have to buy a new phone. The cost and penalties to switch companies are not worth the switch.
7. Family “Specials”: Some providers offer special rates for the children in the family. They might have specific parental controls that allow parents to monitor and limit their children’s use, or restrict downloading, calling or texting. Some parents will find these features very attractive.
8. Privacy Features: If wireless customers are not concerned about their privacy, they should be, and wireless providers will offer features that allow customers protection against hackers. They have privacy settings for social networks, location-based services and other emerging applications that ensure data security for customers.
9. Pricing: Wireless providers will manipulate the cost of products and services in order to keep their customers. Price gouging, matching prices, sales, are all part of the game.
10. Subscriptions: Most wireless providers ask customers to sign a contract for two years of service, and then if the customer isn’t happy and wants to change providers, they have to pay a penalty to get out of the contract.

Wireless providers want customers, that’s how they make their money, and they will do all sorts of things to keep their customers, some good, some not so good. As a customer, when you are aware of the “tricks,” you can make a decision that works for you.

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