Is there such a thing as VMC retentions? (Note: some ranting)

**LouisR** · 07-19-2012, 08:43 PM

Hello,

My 2-year contract with VMC just ended a few days ago, and I'd like to lower my monthly bill a bit.

I just got off the phone with a CSR and the best she could offer me was 10$/month off, but only for five months. Better than nothing, but it'd wind up costing the same as my current setup after that.

10$/month BYOP credits are only good for new activations, so again that does me little good.

My current plan is an older MyVoicemail 35 (350 local minutes, VM, CID) with a Bundle 15 (UMB, 17:00 evenings and unl. SMS) and 20$ CDN LD feature. Total before taxes with QC 911 fee: 70,40$

The reason for the LD add-on is because I got a contract out of town last January. The CSR who added it had given me 10$ off for six months; well, three initially but he screwed up applying it, leading to repeated triple digit bills and that got me an extension. My current situation still requires it, but now it's back to 20$ and that amount is not quite as palatable.

I'm looking at the new 60$ 6GB Smartphone plan. The 50 less minutes isn't an issue with the unlimited incoming. And according to my usage I could trade my UMB for that amount of data without any worries...

But I'm back to square one if I want to keep VM and CID. 10$/month.

And the 60$/month price includes a phone subsidy that I don't need. 10% on the SuperTab is not something I really care about as I'd rather get my devices unlocked. Both because of travel and on principle. (Plus the prices on some models makes little sense, 650$ for a Galaxy Nexus when a place like Expansys.ca sells it for 440$?)

So, any suggestions?

Thanks,

Louis

**coLdoubt** · 07-19-2012, 11:07 PM

Well since you have a phone already, I'd recommend looking at prepaid plans, for some people they are better.

However since you seem to use a lot of minutes and want 6GB data, then it seems their $60 plan is best for you. As most their prepaid plans are only decent if you don't need much more than 100MB-250MB data. and 100 or so minutes and mostly text. They are good simply because they come with CD and VM.

I would recommend calling VMC and asking to speak to retentions, or do a Customer Services Supervisor. If your account has never been in the arrears previously enough to have gone into collections (which it seems you have not been if they have already offered $10 off...) then you may be able negotiate something.

Tell them you would be willing to do the new limited time offer $60 smartphone plan IF they include a free bundle that offers CD and VM... make sure you word it like that 'one of your bundles that has VM and CD'. I work for Cogeco Cable so I know sometimes it refreshes my memory of what I can and cannot do for customers when they use terminology that I was trained by...

If they won't offer you that then ask how much it they charge for the unlock code on your phone to switch to another provider (they cannot refuse this as it is illegal to not provide unlock codes in Canada... they can however charge you).

Just by asking may get them to lean in a little more on their offer....

Also, if they can only offer 5-months or what-have-you... remember, that since you now own your phone you can go off contract with Virgin and leave when-ever, so consider that you will take what works best for you for 5-months and just try it again when they take the credits off... or just switch companies again. Who knows, if you call in every 5-months they may just keep giving you 5-months more

Cheers,
Rob

**jattdesi** · 07-20-2012, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by coLdoubt

how much it they charge for the unlock code on your phone to switch to another provider (they cannot refuse this as it is illegal to not provide unlock codes in Canada... they can however charge you).

Cheers,
Rob

@Rob
I must have been sleeping or drunk ever since Cell Phone Service launched in this country.
So can you tell me when this became a law?

Sent from Bell LG Optimus LTE Running on Bell's LTE Network

**coLdoubt** · 07-20-2012, 08:50 PM

Passed in Law Currently: Copyright Act proposed by the Canadian government in Bill C-32. Prohibits any legal actions against individuals wishing to unlock their phones, no company my do or neglect to do any action that could prohibit a person from unlocking a phone that they own outright (paid off contract, or contract expired). A company can say you have to use a third-party, or they can charge you... but if they cannot offer or recommend third party they have to provide the code themselves, otherwise they are neglecting to take action or are inhibiting you to unlock the phone. However they can current charge you.

Bills not yet in law:

Private Member's Bill C-560 (Cell Phone Freedom Act) prohibits carriers from selling SIM locked phones in Canada without first informing the consumer that the phone is locked. And also mandates that phone companies selling new phones must unlock customer phones, without charge, at the end of contract or upon purchase of the phone outright, when requested by the customer.

These Bill have not yet been passed through parliament.

**Bray_J** · 07-22-2012, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by LouisR

Hello,

My 2-year contract with VMC just ended a few days ago, and I'd like to lower my monthly bill a bit.

I just got off the phone with a CSR and the best she could offer me was 10$/month off, but only for five months. Better than nothing, but it'd wind up costing the same as my current setup after that.

10$/month BYOP credits are only good for new activations, so again that does me little good.

My current plan is an older MyVoicemail 35 (350 local minutes, VM, CID) with a Bundle 15 (UMB, 17:00 evenings and unl. SMS) and 20$ CDN LD feature. Total before taxes with QC 911 fee: 70,40$

The reason for the LD add-on is because I got a contract out of town last January. The CSR who added it had given me 10$ off for six months; well, three initially but he screwed up applying it, leading to repeated triple digit bills and that got me an extension. My current situation still requires it, but now it's back to 20$ and that amount is not quite as palatable.

I'm looking at the new 60$ 6GB Smartphone plan. The 50 less minutes isn't an issue with the unlimited incoming. And according to my usage I could trade my UMB for that amount of data without any worries...

But I'm back to square one if I want to keep VM and CID. 10$/month.

And the 60$/month price includes a phone subsidy that I don't need. 10% on the SuperTab is not something I really care about as I'd rather get my devices unlocked. Both because of travel and on principle. (Plus the prices on some models makes little sense, 650$ for a Galaxy Nexus when a place like Expansys.ca sells it for 440$?)

So, any suggestions?

Thanks,

Louis

I've seen many times where people have had VM/Call ID thrown in. Just know what you want before you call in. They seem to be pretty reasonable.

**MoreMiles** · 07-23-2012, 10:35 PM

Usually they will do it if you agree to a renewal or sign up of contract. They were going to include VM+CID bundle if I agree to 1 year contract, without any hardware purchase. I still get to keep BYOP discount but it would no longer be MTM... I was not sure if it was worth the contract for $5 / month.

**LouisR** · 07-24-2012, 10:35 AM

I just got off the phone with VMC, so here's a quick update:

I asked the first CSR I spoke to if I could speak with someone from Solutions, she said no problem and asked why. I mentioned that Koodo's 6GB promo would probably fit me better than Virgin's, but since I was happy with their service that I'd rather work something out with them.

After a bit of discussion, I got:

The 6GB promo with 10% off (54$)
National LD 50% off (10$)
Free VM and CID

Total: 64$ instead of the 70$ I was paying up to now.

This is good for 24 months (remember, Bill 60 applies here, so 50$ ETF only)
Also I'm still eligible for a hardware upgrade. (Koodo's selection in that department is lackluster.)

**coLdoubt** · 07-24-2012, 10:48 AM

Success story! Great deal, nice work

**Jeebs4** · 08-02-2012, 12:22 AM

Hey folks,

I've been off contract from Rogers over the past few months and decided I was going to finally step into the smartphone world, with my eyes set on the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Every company has the new $60 6gb plan, but Virgin was the most enticing to me.

I tried going into a Virgin retail store and talking to a sales rep, but in the end, they would not offer me anything to help me say "Yes, I would like to sign up with Virgin". All I could have really asked for was maybe a $35 credit for the activation fee, and anything else would be bonus.

Next up,I was about to hit up the 2nd and last Virgin Mobile retail store in town. Instead though, I decided to see whether I could sign up for a contract and buy a phone through their customer service. I did my whole spiel, telling them which plan I was interested in as well as the add-ons that were necessary for myself. Afterwards, I just simply asked whether there was anything they could do to shorten my time in searching for a phone company that I'd offer my business to. I was immediately offered 6 free months of caller ID and voice mail.

So, in turn, I'd like to thank you guys here, because it gave me the "push" in order to get a little extra service.

ps - do you think it'll be possible for me to get the $35 activation fee waivered when my phone arrives in the mail and I call in to port my number from Rogers to Virgin?

Thanks a bunch!