Why won't companies let you out of a contract...

without so much pain. I have changed providers a couple of times, just because I didn't like the service or needed a new phone. I mean if you want to cancel, and you aren't using the minutes why do you have to pay the rest of the contract? Not to mention all the ridiculous monthly fees for nothing or the new phone activation fee. I don't know if this is just Canada. But this is a pain in the butt. And seeing as I need a new phone, I will be going through it once again.

No contract = no money

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hehe i know, but I just thought, with all the money they get for nothing really, I mean there has to be a less financially painful situation. I guess its just a vent.

Boys and girls, in a free market economy, the seller will only get away with what the buyer will put up with. Which means, we really, really, really, don't mind the way things are run all that much...or we would force a change.

I just think its OVER KILL whenever a service charges you not only for the remaining plan, but also for the "cancellation fee". I mean, come on. I have to pay damn near 400$ to cancel, then another $200 just to cancel?

Where on earth do they get off??

I do agree with thehiredgun lol, it seems people aren't too bothered otherwise things could change...
However I too think its really incredible how much they get out of people's pocket when they just want to cancel and I think there should be more laws to protect the buyers.
As such, I understand that this is a consummer society. Thus, the companies are all about making as much money as possible which turns every occasion into an occasion to make more benefits but really, these kind of money oressures on buyers have no other effect than to freak them out and slow down the pace at which they'll spend their money.
Consummer society = the more people buy, the better.
Too much pressure when one buys something = people will want to make economies rather than spend.
People making economies = they're not buying.
Less people buying = even more pressure because the productions go down so everyone (or nearly...>_>) is less paid or risks losing their job.

Maybe I'm thinking it too much but I think governements should realize how usefull 'social' laws to protect buyers would really help...

Wow, you have to pay the remainder of your plan AND a cancellation fee? Unreal, who are you with? The cancellation fee is supposed to make up for the remaining fees. You should simply not use the phone, instead of paying the extra fees to cancel.

Because they hate you. Oh, and because they have to make money to stay in business. Let the flames begin.

So are we saying there is a niche market here?... Along the lines of:

The Plain-Vanilla Phone Network:

Our Pitch: We here at the Plain Vanilla Network do not believe in overcharging. We have one basic plan that fits all. We have one basic phone for everyone. And final we have one hassle free price. Join the tens of thousands of disgruntled consumers worldwide who are making the switch.
Our Slogan: One Plan, One Phone, One Price

I have $50 worth of start up capital...and takers?

I'll take you up on it thehiredgun :P No, just kidding. But I'm sure there would've been a company to come out and hit on that weakness of other cell phone companies, but I'm pretty sure its not feasible. Thats why there's been no takers yet.

They give you that very cheap phone at the beginning of the contract, they need you to stay for 2 years to pay back that phone and more. If we all could just hop around we wouldn't see the reliability in networks.

Its for the good actually. Without contracts why would companies care about impressing you and getting you to stay on with them?

That's just it: They don't need to impress you once you've signed a contract. They can give you the worst service in the world and there's nothing you can do about it. And you don't get to try them out before you sign the contract to see how good their service is or if you get service at your work or your home or other important things.

If they let you out of a contract then they lose all the money they gave you with the cell phone deals, and they have no ability to gain it back.

I'm willing to try and match you dollar for dollar, hiredgun. Companies have gotten so obsessed with extras and bonuses, I bet someone could make a killing marketing to people who just want something simple.

And regarding why phone companies anally violate everyone trying to get out, it's the same mentality as shooting any prisoner caught attempting to escape. Not only does it stop the escapee, it keeps the other prisoners in line. I have a contract with T-Mobile right now, and even though they have mediocre reception and no numbers in my state, I'm sticking it out because I don't want to deal with the contract cancellation fees.

It's a screwy system, but they use it because it works.

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