Big Vs. Small

After a recent, harrowing experience with a certain telecommunications company that will remain unnamed, I have started to examine the structure of our economy and difference the between big and small business.

So, don't judge us, but my husband and I still have a land line at our house. Maybe we still believe our mothers when they warn that "you need a land line for an emergency" or maybe we've had this phone number so long we just hate to get rid of it. Either way, it has been down for almost a month. The problem started with one of the last big snowstorms at the end of January. Our phone would ring just once and then give the caller a busy signal. We called our telecommunications company and reported the problem, they sent a technician out and he fixed it ... so we thought. Then about two weeks ago, I picked up the phone to make a call and there was no dial tone. We've called the company several times to report the problem and each time we're told they are going to send someone out -- eventually. Then about 3 days ago, our DSL Internet service, with the same company, went down. Now, I can live without a land line, that is what a cellphone is for, but live without Internet ... that's way too hard.

So, once again we called the company and reported our issue. Apparently the problem with our land line was now affecting our Internet. Again, we were told it would be fixed, eventually. So, naturally, it was time to start exploring other options. I remembered a flyer I had received in the mail for a small company advertising 4G wireless Internet service at a pretty good price. My husband had already had a bit of a "spat" with a representative at our phone/Internet company's store, so I suggested he give this other company a call.

And what happened? A representative sold him a wireless router, an Internet stick to take on-the-go when we want Internet on our laptops, and a 2-year contract. That was yesterday. We already received our equipment and this blog is being brought to you by their Internet service. And their customer service department, located in South Carolina, has already helped me with my first question concerning the service!

So what is the benefit of switching away from a huge telecommunications company and choosing to go with a small, unknown company? At this point, its peace of mind. In a time when people are railing against big box stores, big corporations, monopolies and big government, its nice to know that there are other options.

Recently, I have been trying to sever ties with my big bank. I have been a customer for over a decade and have never been happy. Its like a bad relationship that I just can't end. I don't love them, but its the familiarity and the thought of having to start all over again that's kept me from leaving. However, in December, I finally found the courage to make the switch to an online bank. I couldn't be more pleased with my decision. Even though the big bank has tried to get me back, I won't believe their sweet talk. I'm sure it will also be the same scenario when my husband and I dump our land line and cellphone service with the big telecommunications company. They'll promise better service, a fancy new phone and blah, blah, blah but then the lies and the betrayal will begin. Its for the best that we leave now. Besides, I'm pretty sure my husband is not allowed back in their store at our local mall.

Everyone always says that small business is what makes our economy run. I don't feel like that is the case at this point. Big companies have lobbyists and lots of money to throw around. I would just like to see a resurgence of choice. It would be great if we as customers all stood up and said "no more" to companies who treat us like numbers and not people.

So say goodbye to your bad bank, your bad phone company, your bad big box store and check out alternative options, you might be glad you did. I know I am.