Today I called AOL to cancel my old (10+years) account (that I don’t even use) and had the worst experience that I can remember talking to someone on the phone. Our conversation lasted 15-20 minuets, and where it would have taken 5 with a GOOD employee.

here is a sample (simplified for your safety):

me: I would like to cancel my account

AOL guy: Why is that.

me: It does not suit my needs

AOL guy: Why is that.

…….10 min later

me: (begging and pleading) Please I just want to cancel, NO NO don’t give me a free month to try it out more.

AOL guy: Well you have till March #, when your billing period ends, why not….

me: NO, I want to cancel, I am not interested, let me talk to your supervisor.

AOL guy: Why do you need to talk to my supervisor.

…. this kept going on this way until I hung up in disgust.

Never have I had someone who would anger a customer while trying to get them to continue the service. I guess he felt it would be better to get the sale even if I am cursing his name. OR maybe he was just sadistic.

I did call back and got a very nice fellow who did it without question. When in doubt, hang up and talk to someone else.