ATT U-Verse incorrect/confusing info and problems with Referral Program

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

Please bear with me. My first post.

I hope it is in the right place,

if not, feel free to move me.

.

I found out about U-Verse on my own. Did research online. Decided to call and order it after putting in phone number to see if it was in my area.

First guy I talked to after saying I wanted to order it, said it wasn't in my area.

I said really, I just typed my phone number in and it said it was available.

So, I am starting to hang up and he hollers yes it is !

.

I decided since he wasn't too sure, I would just hang up and call back and get a different person.

I got a young lady who said, yes, I could get it.

So, after ordering the U-100 package with a DVR (wrong) and setting up installation date,

she told me I could get $50.00 for any referrals.

Just call her toll free number and leave a message that went to her boss??

Great, because everyone I know is hating Comcast and I can always use extra money being medically retired.

So, I got my U-Verse on Dec. 18. Installation guy was great. Very, very nice, polite man and very patient.

He was here from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. He also ended up having to come back the next day for about an hour or so

because a half hour after he left, everything went off.

But, this is a 30 year old apartment complex.

I believe I am the first person in this whole complex to have U-Verse.

This man worked his behind off and should have gotten double pay.

Anyhow, after talking to him about the DVR capabilities, he said, wait, your package doesn't have the DVR.

So, I had to call ATT and change to the family package(U-50)

Installation guy had to unhook receiver, walk a mile to his truck and get a receiver with DVR.

.

So, anyhow, I love my U-Verse. Comcast...good riddance !!!

I got so much pleasure out of calling them to cancel.

All their sneaky price changes, missing channels and weird reception.

Should have heard the good deal they offered to keep me.

Like I was calling ATT to come back and uninstall everything.

Too late, I said. Should have told me that before.

I had called asking for a better price, but none were available.

.

I had SBC/DSL PRO internet prior to U-Verse.

After a couple weeks, I did have to call and get PRO with U-Verse as the Express seemed to be slower than they were saying.

I am not even sure that this is working properly. Pages are still loading slowly.

Wasn't doing this before.

Anyhow, that cost me another $5.00 a month.

But, is still cheaper than Comcast.

.

My problem now has come from the referrals.

I had 2 friends in the complex and another lady in my building who came to check out my U-Verse.

They loved it. Much clearer than our Comcast picture.

So, they all decided to get it before free installation expires.

I called the toll free number, left all 3 names and addresses and was counting money in my sleep.

Well, friend #1 calls all upset. (She had a stroke a while back.) She is nervous about change in the first place

and isn't fond of conducting business over the phone especially when things are different than what she was told in the beginning..

She told me something about the girl telling her she had to go online and register for this and do that or I wouldn't get my money.

She was totally upset about that...and almost cancelled her installation date.

I had no clue as to what she was talking about. So, I call ATT.

I get told I have to sign up online for a Referral Rewards program and get some sort of code or I don't get paid for referrals.

That did not make me too happy because I was not told about this, only about calling the toll free number.

So, I go online and managed to sign up and get a referral code.

Friend #1 finally manages to get granddaughter to help her figure out how to "register".

Friend #2 calls a few days later with same sort of story. She is upset.

She has dial up and is having all kinds of trouble figuring out where to go and page isn't available and so on.

She is older than friend #1 and was going to just stay with Comcast.

I am finding that people older than me do not like change and if the least little thing is different, they get hyper.

So, after stressing myself out, I finally got her registered so I could get paid.

Lady #3, is even older yet. Not a friend, but a neighbor.

She cannot understand how to do this.

Won't let me help her because it is grandson's computer and he is gone most of the time and blah, blah, blah.

I think I will be losing that $50.00......and it is not fair. I basically sold it to her.

So, I am not understanding why everything is so confusing.

I could refer more people, but I don't want the stress of them calling me and feeling stupid and worried about me not getting my money and being mad at them.

ATT needs to do something different with this referral program.

Make it somewhat easier. Or at least give out the correct information.

Last year, I referred friend #2 to SBC to get DSL and I never did get any money to this day.

Thanks for listening.

J

predator_1 · ‎08-07-2007

Hello jmont

First of all, welcome to u-Verse and to the forum. Glad you like the service!

Sorry to hear about the referral issues though. I'm not too "in the know" when it comes to that either, but I do understand you have to register online to get a referral code.

From that point on though, it should be easy. Your friends shouldn't have to register. All they have to do (I think) is call and order like they normally would, but give your referral number to the person they order it from. Let me do some searching... here goes

http://www.attreferrals.com/Overview.aspx

You can call 1-877-ATT-RWRD (288-7973) if you don't want to or can't register online for a referral code.

From that site though, it does seem like they would have to register online

Maybe you can help them with that process though?

randyl · ‎10-25-2007

if anybody needs a code pm me and u can have mine

)

randy

predator_1 · ‎08-07-2007

randyl wrote:
if anybody needs a code pm me and u can have mine )

randy

LOL, nice try

Eyedox · ‎08-04-2007

Trust me. Because of me, 3 other people are on U-verse and I haven't seen a DIME. They make it almost impossible to get paid for this. First of all, to even sign up, you have to have a home AT&T phone number, as that is how it tracks you. Next, if you call their referral phone number, they keep you on hold for hours so that you get frustrated and hang up. It's rediculous. AT&T owes me $150 and I will never see a penny of it. Yet they will make thousands off of my referrals over the years.

They need to have a SIMPLE website setup to register our referrals and I shouldn't have to call someone, wait on hold for an hour, or have a home phone line to do it. Period.

randyl · ‎10-25-2007

"you have to have a home AT&T phone number"

i got signed up and i dont have a at&t phone (luck nah)

but of course i be one lucky fellow..

but alas i have 0 pm's asking for my ref code lol

randy

predator_1 · ‎08-07-2007

Eyedox, did the people you refer sign up online and used your code? You can check the status of your referals from their site too. Does it show up there?

From their site...

"4. Check your account status anytime
Once you’ve made your referrals, you can check your account status by logging in to your account using your billing telephone number or ban and password. Please note that it can take up to 6 weeks from the date your referrals order services to confirm their orders."

So you don't need a billing telephone number. You do need to be an AT&T customer though, which you are.

Message Edited by predator on 01-17-2008 10:50 AM

Message Edited by predator on 01-17-2008 10:50 AM

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

I just happened to be on today and figured out how to find my post.

Sorry, that was a loooong message.

I was very surprised to find there were new messages here.

I had checked the box to be notified, but wasn't.

Anyhow, I got all the referral stuff straightened out.

I called and somehow everyone ended up on my referral page.

I was told it takes 6 weeks to confirm them.

One says it is being processed and another says it is not in the mail ?....hmmmmm

So, I will wait to complain about referral money.

If they haven't ran back to Comcast crying

instead of trying to work with ATT to fix the problem..

I am still having minor sound problems and promo billing problems.

But, I am trying to be patient.

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

I agree it needs to be somewhat easier.

Originally, I was told when ordering, to call a toll free number and leave names and phone numbers to make $50.00 per service.

Then, later, find out all the other things that had to be done.

Also, all people you talk to about U-Verse are not "friends", when you live in an apartment complex...

One tenant heard I had it and asked to see my TV for the video quality.

Agreed it was better than Comcast's pixels and frozen screens.

Said she was going to order it....

Then turned around in the hallway and said "IF I say you referred me, how about splitting the money?"

I closed the door in her face.

I figure if you spend time "selling" it to others,

you should be able to get credit for it.

As was said, ATT makes money off that customer for years.

But....the person won't always use your code just to be hateful.

So, I am kind of through with showing off my U-Verse and referrals.

Eyedox · ‎08-04-2007

That's the problem ... AT&T wouldn't give me a code because they said I needed a home phone number. After what amounted to hours on hold and being transferred all over the place, I finally gave up. They will never give me credit for the 3 extra accounts they have. I guess I am just screwed.

hogrunr · ‎08-08-2006

It's not that you need an ATT number, but you need whatever number is on your Uverse billing account. Mine is my cell phone.

randyl · ‎10-25-2007

hogrunr wrote:
It's not that you need an ATT number, but you need whatever number is on your Uverse billing account. Mine is my cell phone.

ditto the # tied to my account is not thru at&t also

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

Eyedox wrote:
That's the problem ... AT&T wouldn't give me a code because they said I needed a home phone number. After what amounted to hours on hold and being transferred all over the place, I finally gave up. They will never give me credit for the 3 extra accounts they have. I guess I am just screwed.

Well, that certainly is not right.

I'd keep calling.

I am in Michigan, don't know if the area makes a difference,

but I've never experienced those kind of "holds".

I do get the "I see you have called several times" remark..

I am surprised I am not red flagged. "Do not take this call" !

But, hey, there are usually "bugs" in new products, so just letting them know.

And I was forced to upgrade from that crappy family package to U-200.

For which I am now being charged the wrong price.

I guess they love hearing from me.......

I do not give up..

showtime48 · ‎01-16-2008

i'm just curious on how you were "forced" to upgrade...

Dennis

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

showtime48 wrote:
i'm just curious on how you were "forced" to upgrade...

I asked to upgrade to the U100 and she said there would be a $15.00 charge for the DVR.

I didn't want to pay that, so I had to upgrade to the next package which was the U200.

in order to get the DVR. I HAVE to have a DVR. I absolutely love that thing.

I figured if I had to pay more, I would at least get more channels.

I really like the U200, but could do without all that Urge Radio.

I have all those and the sports blocked out.

Along with the Spanish channels that I can't understand.

hpmsrm · ‎09-14-2009

Actually.....when we first signed up the rep. in the AT&T store told me he could get me a code number so that neighbors and friends who used that number would get $50 and so would I....if they signed up. But I never did set it up and get the code.

Phil

Need help? Call AT&T at: 1-800-288-2020 then follow recorded instructions.
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

codetitan · ‎03-04-2008

The referral program is a total scam. I referred my father to U-Verse three months ago and still haven't seen a dime. Everytime I call to check the status they tell me to wait a few weeks. Now I see that the new AT&T isn't really that different from the AT&T of 10 years ago....The same bad service and lack of care for the customer.

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

codetitan wrote:
The referral program is a total scam. I referred my father to U-Verse three months ago and still haven't seen a dime. Everytime I call to check the status they tell me to wait a few weeks. Now I see that the new AT&T isn't really that different from the AT&T of 10 years ago....The same bad service and lack of care for the customer.

I installed Dec. 2007. I referred 4 people who installed on different dates in January 2008.

I received one ATT Visa Gift Card in the mail just last week.

I thought it was supposed to be for $50.00, but was only for $25.00.

I am still waiting for the others. The card expires in August, 2008.

I was told I would receive postcards and /or e-mails notifying me of add ons to the gift card.

I also got the check for $100.00 for the U200 promo. So, maybe it is taking a while to catch up with everyone.

I would keep calling.

randyl · ‎10-25-2007

jmont60 wrote:

codetitan wrote:
The referral program is a total scam. I referred my father to U-Verse three months ago and still haven't seen a dime. Everytime I call to check the status they tell me to wait a few weeks. Now I see that the new AT&T isn't really that different from the AT&T of 10 years ago....The same bad service and lack of care for the customer.

I installed Dec. 2007. I referred 4 people who installed on different dates in January 2008.
I received one ATT Visa Gift Card in the mail just last week.
I thought it was supposed to be for $50.00, but was only for $25.00.
I am still waiting for the others. The card expires in August, 2008.
I was told I would receive postcards and /or e-mails notifying me of add ons to the gift card.
I also got the check for $100.00 for the U200 promo. So, maybe it is taking a while to catch up with everyone.
I would keep calling.

gift card for a referral ?? imagine that

)

randy

Toto_1 · ‎10-23-2007

From my last call to AT&T concerning the referral program (3/6/08), I was notified that the 'code' number that we give to potential customers must be entered online 24 hours *BEFORE* their installation...if not, we don't get the $$. The person that I referred already got connected before I heard of this (they've been on for over a month!), so it was too late. Fortunately when I called AT&T, the cordial rep viewed the site and said that she was also confused somewhat and offered to take $50.00 of my bill!
I'm still unsure if that's the way it's supposed to be done (24 hour thing), but we'll see...I have another referral getting connected very soon....

Toto

jdub12280_1 · ‎01-21-2008

jmont60 wrote:
I agree it needs to be somewhat easier.
Originally, I was told when ordering, to call a toll free number and leave names and phone numbers to make $50.00 per service.
Then, later, find out all the other things that had to be done.

Also, all people you talk to about U-Verse are not "friends", when you live in an apartment complex...
One tenant heard I had it and asked to see my TV for the video quality.
Agreed it was better than Comcast's pixels and frozen screens.
Said she was going to order it....
Then turned around in the hallway and said "IF I say you referred me, how about splitting the money?"
I closed the door in her face.

I figure if you spend time "selling" it to others,
you should be able to get credit for it.
As was said, ATT makes money off that customer for years.
But....the person won't always use your code just to be hateful.
So, I am kind of through with showing off my U-Verse and referrals.

Also, in case it hasn't been pointed out. You do have the REFERRAL option online. BUT..IN ADDITION to that.. depending on the office / center you were speaking with, some of our "specialty" centers representatives and / or managers have the ability to send additional $50 gift checks. If you were instructed to call a specific # to a specific manager... that is probably what the original sales rep was referring to. It was probably their intention to have those sales / refferalls get credited to that center. Not all centers utilize the buy now incentives...

IMHO - Justin

jmont60 · ‎01-16-2008

I did do my referrals online.

Prior to that, I called an 800 number and left the names, addresses and phone numbers.

The 18th will make 2 months since my first referred installation.

It is time for me to call them again I think.

jdub12280 wrote:

Also, in case it hasn't been pointed out. You do have the REFERRAL option online. BUT..IN ADDITION to that.. depending on the office / center you were speaking with, some of our "specialty" centers representatives and / or managers have the ability to send additional $50 gift checks. If you were instructed to call a specific # to a specific manager... that is probably what the original sales rep was referring to. It was probably their intention to have those sales / refferalls get credited to that center. Not all centers utilize the buy now incentives...

IMHO - Justin

jdub12280_1 · ‎01-21-2008

jmont60 wrote:
I did do my referrals online.
Prior to that, I called an 800 number and left the names, addresses and phone numbers.
The 18th will make 2 months since my first referred installation.
It is time for me to call them again I think.

http://utalk.att.com/utalk/board/message?board.id=The_Lounge&message.id=5560#M5560