Another look at Goodwill and PFD arrangements

[Stryker]

THANK YOU, Stryker! The CEO e-mail method just worked for me for a hold that was put on a check I just deposited in my bank (new account). I really needed the money now, not 10 days from now! I called and e-mailed the bank's customer service, but got absolutely nowhere. After e-mailing the CEO I heard back within just a few hours. I didn't talk to the CEO himself, but this guy obviously had the ability to make things happen!

 

Oh, by the way ~ THANK YOU!!!

 

 

WTG... as I said, can be used in a number of situations.

 

Great stuff Carrie!!!!

[Stryker]

Special note on Verizon...

 

Verizon, even with the crazy stories, is fairly responsive to goodwill requests (as long as you did not screw up too badly).

 

Their media reps are topnotch, and will forward concerns to the executive office; even after the situation has been forwarded, the media rep will tend to be the point person during and up to resolution.

 

Verizon can recall debts... even if they have been sold. If there is even a hint of a mistake on their part, Verizon will bend over backwards to fix it, up to waiving outstanding balances AND recal and/or deletion of derogatory information on credit reports.

 

When dealing with Verizon, if you are working through a media rep, make sure to get the right one; Verizon Wireless, for example, has a different set of reps than Verizon Residential, IIRC.

Edited May 27, 2008 by Stryker

[Stryker]

Interesting cases (updated periodically).

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?s...amp;hl=goodwill AMEX Tough mountain to climb.

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?s...207625&st=0 WFNNB

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?s...amp;hl=goodwill Verizon Alicia... one of the toughest people I know! Yay!

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=341208 T-Mobile

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?s...p;#entry3156714 Verizon this is from theshoediva; talk about perseverance. If you know you have a compelling problem, you might need to get aggressive. See the steps she took, despite being told no numerous times.

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?s...t&p=3179162 Capital One

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=326088 Chrysler Member "Fixing Credit" has a great story. Wouldn't quit!

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=360567 WAMU Lupoman's win... a testament to hard work. Used every opening to leverage a goodwill adjustment.

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=367041 Comcast/Time Warner Qwerty stuck with it, and got the deletion.

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=382132: Comcast/Credit Protection Associates. Member VonneG!

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?s...t&p=3625119 Countrywide Mortgage Member Meddie10

Edited March 15, 2009 by Stryker

[Stryker]

ONE IMPORTANT TIP:

 

When done, make sure you thank the person(s) who helped you! Rant and rave. Even if less than 100%, thank them. Even if everything completely fails... thank them. You never know when you might need help again. And when you do, forward your last email in the body of the new request, so they remember you.

 

I had to deal with Citi last year... wasn't happy with something. Emailed an exec, couldn't get anything done. I thanked him profusely anyway. I even emailed his boss, letting him know how great his subordinate was.

 

I needed something in April, (Citi messed up). Contacted that same exec. He fixed the new problem, and then went so far as to fix the old one as well.

 

Treat your contacts like gold! If they respond courteously to your initial response, thank them, and let them know you appreciate it. No matter the outcome, make them like you.

Edited May 28, 2008 by Stryker

[powers64]

make sure you thank the person(s) who helped you!

 

[michelle_emu4eva]

Wow, you guys are giving me hope. You make it sound so easy!!! I have a long drawn out story, but here's the gist.

 

I recently I had an appointment to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Everything was great as far as assets and employment history. I have a previous bankruptcy that discharged a couple years ago. I made the really bad mistake of breaking my cycle of saying no to those pre-approved credit card offers and totally forgot that I got the account. All bills and statements were going to a different address. I have been on time with everything else and my car is due to be paid off next month.

 

To make a long story short, I was told by my lender that I will either have to get the account deleted or continue renting for another year. Is there anyone out there that can help me so that I can get the ball rolling? I have previously sent a certified letter to settle this debt, the creditor accepted, but their response letter indicates that they will denote Paid settlement on my credit report, which I know won't help me.

 

Anyone dealt with Fashion Bug/Spirit of America National Bank? Any idea how their email is setup up? I searched and I can only find names for the board members and a link to the President/CEO on their website.

[Stryker]

Wow, you guys are giving me hope. You make it sound so easy!!! I have a long drawn out story, but here's the gist.

 

I recently I had an appointment to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Everything was great as far as assets and employment history. I have a previous bankruptcy that discharged a couple years ago. I made the really bad mistake of breaking my cycle of saying no to those pre-approved credit card offers and totally forgot that I got the account. All bills and statements were going to a different address. I have been on time with everything else and my car is due to be paid off next month.

 

To make a long story short, I was told by my lender that I will either have to get the account deleted or continue renting for another year. Is there anyone out there that can help me so that I can get the ball rolling? I have previously sent a certified letter to settle this debt, the creditor accepted, but their response letter indicates that they will denote Paid settlement on my credit report, which I know won't help me.

 

Anyone dealt with Fashion Bug/Spirit of America National Bank? Any idea how their email is setup up? I searched and I can only find names for the board members and a link to the President/CEO on their website.

 

Is it wit a CA? If so, did you DV?

[powers64]

Is it wit a CA? If so, did you DV?

 

Hi Styker...michelle posted here and i recommended that she come read your thread. There is an attorney collecting on behalf of fashion bug, but fashion bug still owns the debt. They (the attorney's) offered a settlement, she requested pfd, they said no.

 

Michelle, here is i think what i would do: use the CEO's blog/feedback form to ask for the right person. I would just say that you are trying pay an old debt and are being bounced back and for between FB CSRs & the attorneys. I would be as brief as possible, but basically say that you are trying to pay an old debt, that you thought had been paid off long ago, the attorneys offered you a settlement, but you have heard that sometimes settled amounts can reflect even more poorly on a credit report and you are just concerned about making sure you settle the old debt in the proper way because you are planning to buy a house.

 

Stryker, do yo think that is a good approach or do you think she should be extremely brief with the CEO and just wait until she gets to the right person, then explain the situation?

Edited June 1, 2008 by powers64

[michelle_emu4eva]

Thanks Powers! I am at my wits end over a $200 account. Don't think it should be a determining factor of whether I get a house.

[powers64]

Thanks Powers! I am at my wits end over a $200 account. Don't think it should be a determining factor of whether I get a house.

 

Not if it is paid in full. That is why you want to make a full payment directly to FB. Don't settle for less with the attorneys and don't worry too much about the delete. If it is there and paid, a lender will just have you write a statement about what happened.

 

Good luck! Let us know what happens!

Edited June 1, 2008 by powers64

[Stryker]

Just saw this... sorry, been away...

 

Thanks for bumping, Powers.

 

Generally, I would suggest starting below the CEO. In this case, being that this CEO seems somewhat open, I'd go ahead and send an exploratory email.

 

Keep in mind that this card is serviced by a third-party (I assume).

 

I would start of with a one- or two-line message: you have a problem that you have been able to resolve. When you get your reply, I would use the elements that Powers suggested.

 

The tone of their initial response should dictate your approach. If the CEO herself responds (you'll know), I'd give them a summary of the issue. I would NOT mention PFD to begin with at all. Talk about making everything "right" first.

[Carrie2008]

I already started a post about this, but then I remembered your topic, so I was hoping to get your advice, Stryker...

 

I just tried this method on a 60-day late, with no luck, but I think it was my fault. I had already disputed the lates with the CRAs about a month ago. Today I emailed someone within the company, and her response was

 

Because you have already "disputed" this with the credit bureau, there is nothing I can do for you.

 

 

So, do you think she would have helped if I hadn't disputed with the CRA's first? Sounds like it to me But if that's the case then I'm screwed for all my other GW, because I've already disputed all of them. What do you think? Do you have any advice as to what to do next?

 

Thanks

[Stryker]

I already started a post about this, but then I remembered your topic, so I was hoping to get your advice, Stryker...

 

I just tried this method on a 60-day late, with no luck, but I think it was my fault. I had already disputed the lates with the CRAs about a month ago. Today I emailed someone within the company, and her response was

 

Because you have already "disputed" this with the credit bureau, there is nothing I can do for you.

 

 

So, do you think she would have helped if I hadn't disputed with the CRA's first? Sounds like it to me But if that's the case then I'm screwed for all my other GW, because I've already disputed all of them. What do you think? Do you have any advice as to what to do next?

 

Thanks

 

Probably, probably not... she was being spiteful. Technically, the two situations (GW and disputing) should not be that much of an issue, IMHO. What was her position? is she the person that handles disputes?

 

It is a toss up... do you dispute first, or GW first. If I had to choose, I would say go the "nice" route first; see if they'll capitulate. On the other hand, there is something to be said for going after low-hanging fruit. It depends on a number of factors, like type of debt, etc. For example, with a utility, I'd probably skip verification and go straight to GW because I am confident that I'll get the result that I want.

 

I would say that if it is a true late, don't ask for verification just for the heck of it if you intend to GW the notation later. It is just easier. Having said that, just because you have should not prevent you from finding someone else in this company, and running the process with other companies.

 

Again, note that I am referring to working with OCs; this is why I suggest DVing CAs first. They are looking for money... a PFD request later could still work.

[Carrie2008]

It was a true late. I actually got her email address off of a letter she sent last year when the account was late, but I'm not sure what her position is. I was able to find the CEO's email and thought I might give that a try now.

 

I disputed this one with the CRA's first because it's a closed account, PIF, and I was hoping they wouldn't verify. It was never in collections, just has a 60-day late from last year.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Stryker]

Carrie, I would still try. Seems like she does deal with the disputes, so she is basically telling "how dare you?"

 

Don't quit on it; find another contact.

[yellorose]

Hi Stryker,

 

after reading this I decided to try with my last remaining OC. store card - very small debt but it doesnt look small on my CR! plus its been bothering me.

 

I tried calling their credit dept slightly more than a year ago. the rep would not talk to me but sent me to an attorney who never returned my calls or letters. ok, skip to now.

 

I read your thread and did some reasearch. found a VP rep and emailed her a very generic "I have a small problem and need help" email. got a response back next day (very positive and nice) and I responded with a short description of my problem that was equally charming and apologetic (I hope!). she referred me by email to a customer service exec, who said they would be happy to resolve the issue. she then referred me to the "VP Credit" and said he would take my payment over the phone with no problems.

 

that's where I hit a snag. she gave me his phone number not email. yes, I want to pay, but I want more than that. I'm not very good with asking for what I want over the phone, so I took a guess at his email address and sent him a charming/apologetic email asking for my old account back in good standing. I figured if he cant give me that, then I could counter with, "well could you please consider a delete"? also email gives me a paper trail.

 

but so far, no repsonse!

 

either the person gave me an incorrect spelling of his name, or he does not check his emails, or some other explanation. I've googled till my head is spinning and cannot find inside info on this company or this person, so I have to assume the email went through.

 

not sure what to do next, as I really do not want to phone up this person and go through my sad story on the phone. I do not think I will be able to negotiate well on the phone. I believe the guy knows basically what I want, because the customer service rep spoke to him. but not sure what to do next. plus I think I'll look stupid if I say yes please take my payment over the phone but first could you send me a letter?

 

I was thinking of trying Powers' trick of calling after hours and saying oh, sorry I missed you, I will email you, except I already have emailed. I'll probably try it anyway, maybe 7 or 8pm tonight. if he answers I'll die!

 

comments?

[Jen23514]

Stryker...... this is pure genius. Thank you for taking time to write out this post.

 

 

:lol:

[alicia671]

Thanks for including my interesting Verizon case! I got lucky with that one, but worth a shot to go the sob story 'was helping a family member who didn't pay' route to whomever still owes a balance! Worked for me

[Stryker]

Hi Stryker,

 

after reading this I decided to try with my last remaining OC. store card - very small debt but it doesnt look small on my CR! plus its been bothering me.

 

I tried calling their credit dept slightly more than a year ago. the rep would not talk to me but sent me to an attorney who never returned my calls or letters. ok, skip to now.

 

I read your thread and did some reasearch. found a VP rep and emailed her a very generic "I have a small problem and need help" email. got a response back next day (very positive and nice) and I responded with a short description of my problem that was equally charming and apologetic (I hope!). she referred me by email to a customer service exec, who said they would be happy to resolve the issue. she then referred me to the "VP Credit" and said he would take my payment over the phone with no problems.

 

that's where I hit a snag. she gave me his phone number not email. yes, I want to pay, but I want more than that. I'm not very good with asking for what I want over the phone, so I took a guess at his email address and sent him a charming/apologetic email asking for my old account back in good standing. I figured if he cant give me that, then I could counter with, "well could you please consider a delete"? also email gives me a paper trail.

 

but so far, no repsonse!

 

either the person gave me an incorrect spelling of his name, or he does not check his emails, or some other explanation. I've googled till my head is spinning and cannot find inside info on this company or this person, so I have to assume the email went through.

 

not sure what to do next, as I really do not want to phone up this person and go through my sad story on the phone. I do not think I will be able to negotiate well on the phone. I believe the guy knows basically what I want, because the customer service rep spoke to him. but not sure what to do next. plus I think I'll look stupid if I say yes please take my payment over the phone but first could you send me a letter?

 

I was thinking of trying Powers' trick of calling after hours and saying oh, sorry I missed you, I will email you, except I already have emailed. I'll probably try it anyway, maybe 7 or 8pm tonight. if he answers I'll die!

 

comments?

 

LOL! Your last sentence was funny!

 

I think you are right at the top of the mountain. I prefer emails, but I have had cause to call, and in this case, I would. No need to go into the long version; he should know, like you said. So, I'd try the call, say the abbreviated version of your problem (like I am sure you know all about this form Ms So-and-so Customer Service Exec... I was told you are the one to fix it, so I am happy to talk to you...

 

When you let him know that you are ready to pay, you can then ease the into asking for the account being reopened or deleted. If they agree, politely ask for a short letter or email to confirm the conversation.

 

He may be reluctant to open email; don't let this stop you so close to the finish line. On the other hand, make sure the email address you have is correct. Won't hurt to try another spelling.

 

Here is an invaluable hint: start using Outlook Express/Windows Mail with read receipts activated. Won't work all the time, but a lot of times you'll know if the email has been opened, or even deleted without being read.

[powers64]

she then referred me to the "VP Credit" and said he would take my payment over the phone with no problems.

 

I'm not not sure what to do next, as I really do not want to phone up this person and go through my sad story on the phone. I do not think I will be able to negotiate well on the phone.

 

Before you call...just picture him in his "VP of Credit" underwear

[Jess6]

Stryker!

[yellorose]

thanks for the encouragement!

 

well I called him. not particularly nice, but I remained charming... to the best of my ability. LOL

he DID get my email, just elected not to answer.

 

as it turns out, I needed to have my checkbook in hand and not my debit or other cc, as they only want bank account routing number. I agreed to email him the info and asked if I have the right email. he said, yes you do.

 

I said I'd be happy to email the info when I get home and he said "ok, then I will follow it up with the credit reporting agencies after that...." hmmm, I hadnt asked for a delete yet, but I had sent a letter to them ages ago asking for a delete (it went ignored), so maybe he had that?

 

I'll compose a charming email with my info attached and hopefully he will show me some love. I have named dropped as much as possible.

 

will post the results!

[powers64]

Nice Job!

 

This might be an example of why it is important to contact a high up person. Even though you ended up with Mr. Cranky VP who is used to dealing with debtors and might not usually be very amenable to helping...since the request came through other higher ups at the company...he may feel compelled to delete..just so you don't back to the other Nice Lady VP to complain after it is paid.

[Stryker]

thanks for the encouragement!

 

well I called him. not particularly nice, but I remained charming... to the best of my ability. LOL

he DID get my email, just elected not to answer.

 

as it turns out, I needed to have my checkbook in hand and not my debit or other cc, as they only want bank account routing number. I agreed to email him the info and asked if I have the right email. he said, yes you do.

 

I said I'd be happy to email the info when I get home and he said "ok, then I will follow it up with the credit reporting agencies after that...." hmmm, I hadnt asked for a delete yet, but I had sent a letter to them ages ago asking for a delete (it went ignored), so maybe he had that?

 

I'll compose a charming email with my info attached and hopefully he will show me some love. I have named dropped as much as possible.

 

will post the results!

 

 

You should be good... did you ask about the possibility of reopening the account?

[Stryker]

Nice Job!

 

This might be an example of why it is important to contact a high up person. Even though you ended up with Mr. Cranky VP who is used to dealing with debtors and might not usually be very amenable to helping...since the request came through other higher ups at the company...he may feel compelled to delete..just so you don't back to the other Nice Lady VP to complain after it is paid.

 

Agreed... works that way with PR reps as well. If Yellorose had contacted him directly, Mr Congeniality probably would have blown her off.