Our friend Tim Longley sends this caveat about Constant Contact, a service that is supposed to help small business owners stay in touch with their customers. Tim's experience was not a good one.Back in October 2008 I gave my Constant Contact Newsletter service a rest due to multiple service disruptions, annoying hesitations, and coding problems too boring to go in to - however, Constant Contact - without my knowledge - converted my account to a "Monthly Subscription" and have been happily (and quietly) billing my business credit card $20 per month for what is essentially "not using their service." It was a good thing my accountant spotted these charges on my variety of banks statements (it’s tax time again!) or it would have gone un-noticed.
Anyway, if you signed up for Constant Contact and have not been using it possibly for the same reasons I stopped using it - check you bank statements. I contacted their customer support and our “talking to a wall” conversation essentially ended this way (and this is a quote);
“Art F: I cannot extend any refunds to you and we do not have any way to conference a manager in chat. I would suggest a call to support at 866-476-8464 and request a manager."
Following his recommendation, I also enjoyed a 25 minute “on hold” activity (no one ever picked up the phone).
It’s really too bad... Constant Contact had a great idea until - Greed - like so many other big companies - took priority.
Be forewarned...
Tim
Thanks, Tim!
