Becoming a New Customer Again

Hey fam!👋🏼

Long time no billboard these streets! How are you doing?

The title of my post this evening is:

How to Get a Better Deal on thy Broadband.

After noticing my broadband bill had gone up by about 40% this month, I was understandably upset. So, I visited their website to see what offers they had for new customers.

As if to annoy me further, newbies were getting in at less than half price. Making a mental note to call them after my morning prayers, I carried on with my morning routine.

Once I was done, I dialed their number and Riya answered my call. After passing all the security checks, we got to, “How may I help you today?”

Me: I’d like to find out how I can become a new customer again so I can get a better deal for my broadband.

I could sense Riya smile. I had no guns blazing or cocked for shots firing.

Riya: Let me see what I can do. Please hold on.

Me: Because it looks like new customers get better deals than your loyal customers who’ve been with you for years.

After a while, she came back with a deal less than my previous price. Even though it was on an 18-month contract. (I guess I need to read those pre-contract documents to see what the cancellation fees might be.)

Me: Thank you, Riya.

Riya: Is there any other thing I can help you with?

Me: No, that’s all. Thank you. Have a great day.

Total call time: 13 minutes.

The end.

Have you ever tried negotiating a better deal with your service providers? Let’s know in the comments.

Have a most beautiful week.

Different set of rules

Have you ever experienced yourself or seen someone else who seemed to be operating by a different set of rules to others around in the same office or family or business? Like, you can afford not to adhere to the rules in broad daylight, as in the law enforcer is aware but there are no consequences for you?

God Co-Incidences

Yesterday morning, I asked this question on my WhatsApp status: are there really any coincidences with a child of God? I also asked my siblings through our WhatsApp group chat. And this was one of my brothers’ response:

“I’d say everything is either God’s plan, our plan or the enemy’s plan, or some combination of the three.” Then I elaborated my thinking behind the question, “Interesting perspective…I was thinking restricted within the boundaries of our walks with God, especially when it looks like you did the thing just at the right time, as in what blesses you but looks like happenstance”.

Skin of my teeth

And this is part 2 of my #testimony  from that eventful Monday. You can read all about the first part here.

After the police car pulled away, I was still trembling and proceeded to make a 3-point turn in the road. I followed the policeman’s instructions to the T-junction. Got to the bank with only 5 or 6 minutes to spare. And I was glad I made it. But things were about to get even more interesting.

Before You Call

Imagine someone walks up to you and says, “You know, I’ve been thinking of what to do with this new leather belt which is too small for me and you came to mind. You can have it if you want.” As they stretch out their hands offering you this gift. And you’re like, what?!

The King’s Pardon

Earlier in the week, I was reminded of an incident from over 7 years ago where some of my friends came over to Loughborough, where I lived for 7 years. Our church was organising a full weekend of events and as they were alumni and we were friends, all 3 of them stayed in my small flat, more like a studio.

That time when travelling

…when my reservation was thrown to the wind and I slyly requested an upgrade on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Chicago.

A few years ago when I used to work in Loughborough University as a Research Associate, my supervisors and I had to travel to Memphis to take part in an IEEE conference. As it was a relatively long flight, my supervisors kindly book us Premium Economy seats, which I was more than happy with. At least more leg room.

We also booked a taxi to the airport which picked us all from home early hours of the morning. I was fully basking in the convenience of not jumping through trains. On arriving at the airport and looking for where to check in, one of Virgin staff approached us asking if we had checked in. He decided to help us check in with one of their PCs in the queueing area. A few minutes later, he turned and said he’ll upgrade my two supervisors to Business class as there were not enough seats in Premium Economy.

Well, yours truly was very expectant, waiting for the penny to drop that all 3 of us were flying together even though I was a different gender and of a different skin colour. Next thing I hear, we have a seat for you in PE. So I asked him if it was a window seat. He replied, no. What I said next did not go through my brain like it didn’t in my shopping story.

I said something along the lines of, I’m sorry but I can’t sit in a seat that’s not next to the window. Walahi, I’m not sure if I’d even checked in online prior and booked a window seat. With all the shakara I was exhibiting, you go think say na me pay for the flight oh. Almost like I was allergic to middle and aisle seats!

I genuinely stood there like it was my birthright, my inheritance in Christ to be upgraded. Well, my man said he needed to get permission from his supervisor who was but a few metres away, before he could upgrade me. For me, to wait no be problem. And in no time, he came back and said she approved of the upgrade. For some reason, I was not surprised. Thinking of it now though, I probably should have been more excited.

Checked in we three did. Tickets in hand we proceeded to go through upgraded security and who was standing ahead of us? Sheldon from the Big Bang TV show. With all the stares he was getting, it’s no wonder some celebrities hide themselves and fly Business or First class or even private jet! I didn’t envy his fame at that point. Somebody cannot even go through security in peace!

Through with security, we 3 researchers peacocked off to the Virgin Lounge. But we were shu’d off, reminded that our free business class tickets were just for flying. Nothing else. And back down we went, wings tucked back down to our sides.

Anyway, the flight upgrade was a massive blessing for me as it was that time of the month and if you know, you know how a woman can feel. It showed me that money is good oh. It was an unforgettable experience that one day I shall relive, whether from my pocket or from free upgrade. Amen!!

To your blessings of favour and upgrades, . . .

P.S.: Many thanks to you all who have followed, liked, shared and/or commented on my blog posts. Your show of love hasn’t gone unnoticed. To keep me accountable, this is my target this year – to publish at least once a week. So help me God.