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Avoiding a Comcastic Easter

Apr 9, 2009 Print This Post

This last week, I have been researching Cable / Internet providers because I have trouble with my local HD channels through DirecTV.

After doing all the math, I had settled on Comcast. They had the best package for the price and it would allow me to get rid of my home phone, which we never use.

Well, trying to switch to Comcast became a giant comedy of errors. 2 phone calls and 2 website visits led to 4 different pricing structures. Finally, when I thought I had it figured out, I tried to sign up through the website’s online chat. That was a mistake. They tried to jack the price up during the chat session. It felt like a huge bait and switch. Eventually, the person I was chatting with told me to “go to a local Comcast store in person” and disconnected himself from the chat session.

So I went to the website and couldn’t figure out where to go locally. I remembered after awhile that there is a big Comcast building on Miller Rd, so I headed over there.

Closed…with instructions to go to the Frandor area.

At this point, I had to do it just to see what was going to happen next, but I seriously doubted I would sign up for Comcast. I was willing to pay more to get better service somewhere else.

When I arrived at the Frandor location, I took a number, sat down and posted about my woes on Facebook while I waited. Check out the ensuing conversation:

Comcast, suffice it to say, has a less than stellar reputation. I had heard it from many people and now I have experienced it in person.

But there was one lady at the local store. Her name was Mildred and she had all the rate plans memorized. She was super sweet and knowledgeable. She smiled, empathized, and generally eased my mind about Comcast. Because of this one individual, I decided to give them a second chance.

Then on the way out the door, she told me if I came in to pay my bill or get help in person, it would cost $1.95.

Jeesh.

OK…what does this have to do with Easter? Everything.

This weekend, many new “customers” will be checking out churches around the country. Some will be visiting new churches, some will be coming back to old ones, they all will be evaluating these churches again.

What will they encounter? Will the church’s reputation be reinforced or debunked?

A friend of mine told someone once that he had started attending Riverview. His friend’s response?

“I hate that place.”

He went on to say when he came, he tried to find more information out about the church and couldn’t find anyone to give him this info. No one seemed to care that he was there so he never came back.

This weekend, no matter what church you go to, here’s my challenge to you: avoid having a Comcastic Easter.

It’s easy to make Easter all about you: your family, your needs. This weekend, make it about others. Be on high alert for new people. Show them around, get them a cup of coffee, make them feel welcome.

Be like Mildred.