Tuesday, March 17. 2009
NO Bailout for You, Mr. Ross!
As instructed, this morning I called Chase mortgage company to learn what plans were finalized for those clients of Chase who regularly pay their mortgages, and were current on their payments… the good loyal customers of Chase. It was not as encouraging as when I call to pay my mortgage.
I was on hold for most of the hour while I was shuffled from department to department, hung up on, dumped into a voice mailbox, and told, “that my perception was not reality.” My mistake was that I dared to inquire if Chase could reduce my mortgage interest rate (just a smidgin) in a similar fashion to those who were being assisted in the bailout package. As a good and faithful client, I didn’t think that was out of line… but I was told that those reductions “were for folks who had delinquent loans”, so I wondered out loud how long I would have to NOT pay my mortgage to get a reduction? That was when I received a real leson in customer service and economics. Sean let me know that many folks had experienced “curve balls” and that he worked on a daily basis with folks who were in “real” need, and that he gets “one or two calls a day” from “people like me” who think they are paying for other people’s mortgage!
Hmmmm Well, Sean, if you hadn’t transferred me into terminal voice-mail hell, I would have schooled you in a few customer service tips, before I gave you a lesson in economics. I hope to have a chance to speak to Sean’s boss but based on my low status as just a loyal, bill paying, high interest rate, chump, the likelihood of me getting a call back is pretty slim, unless …. Hey I could withhold my payment, and maybe then I will get a call back AND dare I say it ? a rate reduction?….
SO, in my continuing quest to get someone, ANYONE, at Chase to answer my simple question, I will keep writing down the names of those who dodge the good client and hurry off to help those who are in real need, hitting curve balls, and rejoicing over their reduced mortgage payments, while I wait on hold, ponder my next payment, and write my little blogs. (which, according to Sean are not based in reality so be forewarned as you read on), ….I will keep you posted if I learn any great news … but maybe you should call your own mortgage company to see if they only help curve ball hitting, realists…or maybe you should just call Sean directly and get some real advice on how to proceed… 866-550-57...naaa
Chase employees who have passed the buck(s) to date---- Akea, Giana, Julie W, Katrina, Wendy,Hang up, Felecia,Sean, Voice mailbox, …still waiting for response… PS UPDATE as of 11am.... The Executive Offices switchboard--Nancy says there is no way to speak to President Jaimie Dimon, transferred---please hold for Bsshir --looking on website for an email address to forward my blog link... NO email addresses listed...hmm ...looks like more holding...............................................