I got a phone call today from a volunteer campaigner from the office of the incumbent mayor. She wondered if they could count on my support.
“I haven’t decided yet,” I say, not wanting to tip my hand. You never know where calls like this are going to end up.
“Okay, thanks,” she says. The next thing I hear is a distinct —click!—
I guess they aren’t too concerned about winning over any undecideds.
“Oh, you can’t have that special… that’s only for new customers, and you’re already a customer.” Ever heard that line? Makes you want to dump the company, doesn’t it?
Existing customers aren’t as valuable. They’re the bird in the hand that the company would trade for the two in the bush. As an existing customer, an individual is of less value to them — it’s pretty mercenary, like they’ve already got their pound of flesh and have moved on to the next prospect.
Does your cell phone or long distance carrier or your cable company lower rates for you automatically? Or do you have to call and ask to be changed to the newer, less expensive package option?