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1. Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 5:54 PM
I've dealt w/WF for ages, and along the way they've forced me update to their latest "products" (different checking and terms). Not necessarily lesser products - lost some benefits, gained some - so depends what was valued. This latest "forced" change, which raised minimum balances to avoid fees almost had me leaving.
However, I've noticed for the last few years that their reps became extremely friendly and service-oriented - at least in Southern California - so much it was like car sales people who approach you. The downside is that if they can sell another product, they're going to pitch. The upside is that they've been able to operate like smaller banks and give some very discretionary service - like waiving fees. In part, they attribute it to my long relationship with them - even though my account is modest. I've been given business cards by associates at more than one branch, who said they'd try to work out whatever they could, such as providing some of the services I had for free on my previous account.
So I'm wondering if you should try to go into a branch and find someone to go over your options for products before you pull your account. You may be able to get your fee reversed or somehow credited for something, but especially find someone as a "personal banker" which is what I think they're calling them. But note that the branches around here are very, very different from one to the next - all quite outgoing (which made me think it was a corporate policy to extend themselves), but the level of "effective" service varies. I had one teller who tried to be too helpful, but gave incorrect info despite my questioniong him - A for effort, F for outcome.
When you telephone for service, you're likely getting their out-of-state center. It's a gamble whether you'll get someone experience, who knows how to provide things, or someone who's learning by the book. It's like the airlines, phone co., etc. - it's probably a good idea to at least try for someone better, if you're not satisfied.
However, I've noticed for the last few years that their reps became extremely friendly and service-oriented - at least in Southern California - so much it was like car sales people who approach you. The downside is that if they can sell another product, they're going to pitch. The upside is that they've been able to operate like smaller banks and give some very discretionary service - like waiving fees. In part, they attribute it to my long relationship with them - even though my account is modest. I've been given business cards by associates at more than one branch, who said they'd try to work out whatever they could, such as providing some of the services I had for free on my previous account.
So I'm wondering if you should try to go into a branch and find someone to go over your options for products before you pull your account. You may be able to get your fee reversed or somehow credited for something, but especially find someone as a "personal banker" which is what I think they're calling them. But note that the branches around here are very, very different from one to the next - all quite outgoing (which made me think it was a corporate policy to extend themselves), but the level of "effective" service varies. I had one teller who tried to be too helpful, but gave incorrect info despite my questioniong him - A for effort, F for outcome.
When you telephone for service, you're likely getting their out-of-state center. It's a gamble whether you'll get someone experience, who knows how to provide things, or someone who's learning by the book. It's like the airlines, phone co., etc. - it's probably a good idea to at least try for someone better, if you're not satisfied.
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