The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Share Your Badassity => Topic started by: JZinCO on February 05, 2016, 09:22:44 AM
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A year or two ago I realized that fees regarding banking or similar services were always negotiable*. You just have to use the right words, tact, and luck to speak to a helpful customer service rep.
I had a vehicle listed on eBay. At the last moment, a new user created an eBay account and won the bid. This user was a scammer. I had gotten the normal final value fees recouped but I was still on the hook for advanced listing fees. I called up the rep, explained and asked for the advanced listing fees to be removed. The rep explained the policy and how it is non-negotiable. I told the rep, I understood and will pay but believe I cannot use eBay if I bear the risk of non-paying bidders. She put me on hold for less than 30 seconds to "speak to the supervisor", came back on the line and waived the fee. Of course, I requested to receive the waiver in writing.
Just another datapoint, and a small win for me.
*Generally the fees and charges are one's fault because the terms and conditions are agreed to. I felt like I had 'moral' standing and argued the policy made sense for successful sales or sales with no bids, but was unreasonable in the case of non-payment.
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Pleased to hear that eBay were reasonable in this case.
Also a good reminder that being polite and having a clear and reasonable desired outcome gives the best chance of a positive result in dealing with an issue with a company.
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Not just negotiable, but often just for the “little people” (paycheck to paycheck and in debt).
I recently closed my Chase checking and savings accounts, after collecting $500 in easy bonus money.
At the branch I emphasized how much I liked Chase, but that I would be eventually moving the money to Vanguard after letting the check clear in my credit union checking account.
I knew that there was no account closing fee for the Chase accounts, but I expected to pay for the Cashier's Check. No charge for the check, and the banker shook my hand told me hoped to see me again.