Comcast's Deceptive Advertising

I havent had comcast in ages (I have free cable so i just got DSL
instead, im not paying 60 bucks a month for internet) But i remember
being able to install it myself - just hook up the cables and stuff
and call comcast. Do they offer this option instead of installation or
am i just crazy? (or both!)

I just got Comcast service to where I'm moving to. I did it all
online and the installation fees were totally upfront.

Buyer's remorse does not fall under "signing under duress".
The intallers schedule is none of your concern, you must read fully,
anything you sign, because your signature on that paper makes it a
binding agreement.

I learned a lot by reading your letter, thanks for sharing it!

They called and convinced me to sign up for digital phone service in
addition to the cable TV and internet I already had. I asked SEVERAL
times if there were any hidden fees or charges, and was told no.

When I got my first bill after the change, there was a charge for
installation. I called and complained and was told there's ALWAYS an
installation charge. When I repeated that I'd been told before that
there would be no charge, then asked if they didn't have that call
recorded, the tune changed very quickly and I was put on hold and
given to a supervisor. I explained what had happened and the
supervisor admitted I "should" have been told about the
charge, and THEN admitted that they'd had a lot of people calling and
insisting that they hadn't been told. (I'm SURE the supervisor
shouldn't have admitted this to me, but she did.) She then authorized
for the installation charge to be removed from my bill.

I just checked out Comcast's website. On the front page, they show all
their offers and specials (in slideshow form). Next to each one is a
link for "terms and conditions". It brings up a whole list,
stating that you need certain equipment, taxes and fees may be extra,
and "Applicable equipment, installation and activation fees are
additional."

They can't fit all this into a commercial, you have to do the research
and seek out the fine print. All you had to do was ask "Are there
any other fees involved?"

This letter cracked me up. You have to read and ask questions!!! Do
you think when the waitress asks you if you want some hot apple pie
after your meal that its free? She didnt tell you it cost more
money!!!!!!???? She put you under duress with the thought of warm
apple pie in your mouth, sliding down your throat.....mmmmmmmm...it is
deceptive I tell you!

Good Day

I am sorry, but it's too late to dispute this. Just because the man
was in a rush, YOU don't have to be. I don't know about you, but when
someone asks me to sign something, I read it no matter what. And just
because you forgot to ask whether it would cost you anything to
install it, that doesn't mean it's false advertising. It's called
being a responsible consumer and knowing where your money is going.
Everybody knows to read the fine print.

John

Having comcast myself, I can tell you that the fees are listed in the
contract you signed. Therefore it is legal, and you have to pay for
it. As someone else said below, the $33, will skyrocket after a
certain period, again, listed in the contract you signed. Better read
what you sign from now on.

I hope you are not even more upset if you do not know that your nice
$66 will explode in what I believe is 12 months. :)

John S.,
I agree with what the others said plus you did not tell us what the
expensive intallation cost was.

Plus one must consider what I found out when we had our place
"installed".. such as "fishing" the wire costs
extra plus just because the tech is not in your home they are probably
ouside, up a pole, in a crawl space or several blocks aways at their
head in equipment location.

Stop back and let us know what comes of your letter.

BillR.

always always read the fine print and ASK what your going to be
charged to make sure there are no fees...what i like to do in
situations such as this, is sit in front of the computer while on the
phone with the sales rep and type the info into Notepad so I have
confirmation of everything in case there is a dispute.

If you have had cable or phone service before, you should know there
is an installation fee.

Signing an agreement or contract "under duress" means
someone has a gun to your head, or you've been threatened in some way,
or you're under the effects of medication that makes you unable to
understand the document in front of you and think clearly. It does
not mean "the guy was in a hurry and I didn't think I should read
what I was signing."