How to Get Out of a Service Contract If You Are An Unsatisfied Customer

Nothing is worse than being stuck paying for a service you are unhappy with, but what can you do if you signed a service contract? The only thing to do is find a way to get out of that service contract, which may not be as complicated as you think.

Let the Company Know You’re Unhappy

The first step is simply to let the company know that you are an unsatisfied customer. Point out to the customer service department all of the reasons you wish to end services with them. Chances are, they will either offer solutions that will reverse the issues you’re experiencing, or they will offer to end the services for you. Companies like having satisfied customers. They do not want you to end up psoting negative reviews online or discouraging others from signing a service contract. They realize that in the age of the Internet, it’s too easy to lose customers because the unsatisfied ones are more than happy to complain about it on social websites. One complaint can now reach a wide range of people, quickly ruining a good reputation.

Be Polite

Despite being unsatisfied with the service, you will get farther with a good attitude. There’s a way to complain without being disagreeable. The customer services representative will be much more willing to cooperate with ending a service contract if you are kind to them. The person you are talking to may seem like the enemy, but she is actually just a representative that's doing her job. She is not the reason you are unsatisfied with the service you’re receiving. Give her a break, and do everyone a favor by being favorable when complaining about the bad service. If you are unruly, they may just give you the runaround because no one wants to deal with you. Think back on a time when you have had to deal with someone who is being difficult about something. Wouldn’t you have appreciated if they were polite and simply stated their issues instead of yelling or losing their temper? Give the customer service representative the same courtesy that you would appreciate in her situation.

Pay Your Bill

It doesn’t matter if you are getting bad service, you still need to pay your bill. Without paying your bill, the company has reasons to attack you instead of the other way around. Teaching them a lesson will not do you any good. It will hurt your credit score while making you miserable.

The only time you should not pay your bill is if you believe there was an error on it. In that case, call customer service to see if an error was made and if the bill can be corrected. You still need to pay the regular bill, but you wouldn’t have to pay extra if an error had actually taken place. The company would rather cut a few dollars off your bill to make you happy than to force you to pay for something you think was mistakenly charged.

Find an Alternative

Simply calling up and demanding they let you out of your contract is not going to do you much good. Have an alternative in the back of your mind. If you bring up what one of their competitors is willing to offer you, they will either tell you they can offer the same services at the same price, or if they cannot, they will let you go, realizing their service is not up to par. Not all service providers are created equal. Many don’t offer the same services as one another or if they do, they cannot match the price.

Realize There May Be a Fee

Most service contracts are not easily terminated unless you are willing to pay a fee. Sometimes the fee is minimal. Other times, the fee is the cost of service until the terms would normally end. Granted, if you have serious issues with the company, they may be able to waive part or all of the fee. Just be prepared to open up your wallet to end your contract early without legitimate complaints. Getting upset about this will not help matters.

File an Official Complaint with the Better Business Bureau

If after all this, the company is still not willing to budge, tell them you will file an official complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Then follow through. If your complaint is justified, this could make a lasting impact on the company. They may let you out of the contract simply with the threat of filing a complaint.

You shouldn’t have to pay for a service you are unhappy with for another year or two, but you will have to actively work towards early release from a contract. Get yourself out and be careful when choosing a similar service. Do your research and ask other customers what they think of the service before signing your next contract.

Resources:
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-out-of-a-Cellular-Service-Contract
http://www.ehow.com/list_7665101_ways-out-service-contract.html