Ultra blog 5000

When I call someone I want to talk to a real person. I have called Ameren IP four times within the past week because I JUST WANT TO PAY MY BILL. I am transferred to the Western Union bill pay, which, oh btw, costs $3.50 for a "convenience fee." Well, let me just say, this was one of the most inconvenient bit of run arounds I've had w/ a company about bill paying.
When I first tried it I had all of my information with me. I entered my debit info, and it took about 10 minutes with all of the options and entering numbers on the phone. Well, after all of that, it told me that my payment did NOT GO THROUGH. It then disconnected me. Well thanks, automated phone system.
Then, I called from work because time is ticking, and I want my power to stay on. So, I tell the guy my situation. I tell him that I don't have my number with me for my account so I want him to just take my debit card info. He tells me that they can't do that. Hmmm. K. So he then transfers me through, not remembering that I told him I don't have my account number because I'm at work, and the automation system requires it. Well.... Dangit! I'm at work, so I decide to wait till I get home. I forgot to do it that night, but time is running out.
So, next day at work, I talk to a person. I have called again. I tell her that I don't want my power to go out. I just want to pay my bill. "Can't you just take my information?" I asked. Nope, they can't do that. You have to input the data. So, she gives me the account number so I can at least input it myself... Thanks lady. Then tells me she's going to transfer me, and then hangs up on me.
So, I call again. I didn't explain my story, but whatever. I tell the lady, who seemed nice, "I just want to pay my bill." "Well what can I do for you, would you like to talk with someone at Western Union Bill Pay (or whatever she called it)?" She replied. ....... "You mean, LIKE A REAL PERSON!!!!!! WOULD I EVER!!!!!!!" There was true joy in my voice, I remember giggling. I just don't want to die in the freezing cold, you know. So, I talk to the lady at the bill pay place and got it paid. Hooooray!!!

Coming away from that, the whole phone thing bothers me, but I think that the $3.50 convenience fee irks me the most. Ameren IP has basically monopolized this area, and some people have no choice but to pay a fee that should be free. They should be paying the consumer to pay online. Don't most places offer incentives. I work at an organization where we encourage it. It saves a LOT of MONEY in bookkeeping.
What they're essentially doing is having the people who are paying the way that makes it more convenient for them be charged a fee. That money is then in turn used to pay the people who have to process all of that mail that comes in. I'm probably horribly wrong, but I'm very curious as to why Western Union is involved in the process. They need to get a web guy, or something. Hey Ameren, I'll be your consultant. Oh, and thanks for the gas and electricity. and for letting me live another day.


Oh, and they charge the same if you pay online w/ your debit/credit cards. I know, mail the stupid thing, right. I will be doing this, it's my first home, though. I haven't been in the practice of keeping stamps on hand, an apparent staple to living in a home. I'm not new to bills, it's just that I've been able to pay them over the phone for FREE.

Labels: $3.50 are you kidding me, Ameren IP, I don't want to die, I want to talk to a real person