"They said they would remove the system for the reasons he mentioned if
he agreed to pay for the remainder of his 20 year contract which is
about $24,000."
Funny thing about "early termination fees", they apply to an active
customer. A customer who is active, and has not terminated the service,
isn't charged, of course. Quit the service, one is no longer a
customer, and can no longer be billed. Even if one AGREES to the fees
up front, the terminal fee comes after the customer leaves. Again, one
cannot charge someone who is no longer a customer.
Sometimes it's fun to watch a company change their mind on the spot,
when one informs them THEY have their own policy, which comes into
affect after the fact. An "Annoyance Fee". I typically claim to charge
somewhere between $750 and $2,500 per annoyance, cumulatively. "Well,
you've annoyed me seventeen times this call, the bill is $42,500 so
far. Would you like to pay more, or just remove your equipment, as I am
no longer a customer, your items are considered refuse, and you may be
additionally charged for illegal disposal of "'e-waste', and hazardous
materials? (mumbling to 'self' over the phone, 'Where's the number for
the EPA...?') You have 24 hours to remove your equipment, at your own
expense, with no other claims, or charges against me, a NON customer,
after which time, it will be disposed of, and you will be liable for
that, as well, as you are still the legally responsible owner of said
items".
Sound far-fetched? I've already run it through the Nevada Justice, and
california Superior Court systems. A company has their terms, everyone
else is allowed theirs. The icing on top was when a judge starting
doing it, increasing the rate by 30%, compounded, per incident. I
thought I was over the top, he REALLY knew the law... Mentioned it to a
neighbor, he came down a month later showing me a $75 check he received
from a company for THEM sending HIM a junk mail postcard, and the effort
of his having to dispose of it. It's all about "terms, and policies",
make sure you create some that work in your favor.
One does not have to scream "lawyer", although that's usually faster,
when a company is already at-fault, and documentation has been provided
to them (they probably already know how boned they are, with no way
out), but one really needs to stand up for themselves.
Something to consider...
Kurt
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