How to Shop for Local and Long-Distance Phone Services

Evaluate your use of telephone services and sort through multiple offers to make wise decisions. You have every right to demand great customer service. This advice is provided in conjunction with Feedback Direct (see Related Sites).

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Calculators
• Telephones
• File Cabinets
• Magnifying Glasses
• File Folders
• Notebooks
• Pencils And Erasers

Your Current Phone Use

1. Consider your current calling habits and costs for local and long-distance services by reviewing your telephone bills over the last three to six months.

2. Find out how many calls you make in the evening and on weekends.

3. Add up how many calls you make each month.

4. Figure out how long you talk.

5. Assess your use of a calling card to place calls while away from home.

Comparing Services

1. Make a comparison of the costs and quality of services available.

2. Ask if you have to commit to using the phone company's service for a certain period of time. If so, ask if there's an early-cancellation fee.

3. Find out if the company has minimum use, time-of-day or distance requirements; flat, monthly fees; or special plans.

4. Check to see how the company handles inquiries and complaints for each of the services it offers.

5. Ask if it has a 24-hour customer service department; if customer service calls are toll-free; if it provides Web-based customer service support; and if you can pay bills online.

6. See if it offers discounts if you buy several services from the company - long-distance together with Internet access, for example.

7. Request that all the information be mailed to you so that you have it in writing. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting a handle on details such as these will give you a more complete picture of your needs and put you in a better position to comparison shop.

• Be aware of deceptive sales techniques involving "slamming" (the unauthorized switching of your phone service from one telephone company to another), huge discounts, introductory offers and fine print.

• Read the fine print carefully on any "information" or "contest" forms you're asked to fill out. By signing some of them, you authorize a company to change your local or long-distance service.

• Beware of huge discounts. Some companies compare their rates only with the highest rates of well-known carriers and may charge hidden monthly access fees.

• Be cautious of introductory offers. Some plans may give you service at a discounted rate for a limited time and then increase the rate unless you cancel.

• Read the fine print before signing up or using a service. Some companies include their minimum monthly fees and other charges in the fine print of their promotional materials.

• Companies often charge a fee for changes in service. Make sure to ask about all fees and cancellation policies before you sign up.