The other day, Maxis announced a new pricing structure for its ring-back tone services, claiming great savings for customers. I was actually tempted to subscribe for the service but several days later, the papers reported negative consumer sentiments on the Maxis move. They are complaining that Maxis' ring-back tones cost more now. How's that?
Well, Maxis isn’t lying...technically. Consumers use to have to buy ring-back tones in a package. Maxis decided to 'help' customers save money by charging per tone. So for example (and this is just an example so don't jump), customers used to pay, say, RM50 for 3 tones but they can now buy one tone at RM25. Do the math. It does cost less, right?
The problem is the offer doesn't reflect the consumption patterns. Customers are peeved because nobody uses just one ring-back tone. In order to have 3 tones under the new services, customers will have to pay RM25 x 3 = RM75. So in fact, it costs more now to subscribe and maintain ring-back tones. Maxis' so-called savings applies only to a one song / service subscription!
There are many ways to spin a message but to think that consumers will bite any message is stupid and disrespectful. When Maxis was contacted for comments by the paper that carried the story, here’s what was written: “Maxis could not be reached for comments before press time”.
Well, Maxis isn’t lying...technically. Consumers use to have to buy ring-back tones in a package. Maxis decided to 'help' customers save money by charging per tone. So for example (and this is just an example so don't jump), customers used to pay, say, RM50 for 3 tones but they can now buy one tone at RM25. Do the math. It does cost less, right?
The problem is the offer doesn't reflect the consumption patterns. Customers are peeved because nobody uses just one ring-back tone. In order to have 3 tones under the new services, customers will have to pay RM25 x 3 = RM75. So in fact, it costs more now to subscribe and maintain ring-back tones. Maxis' so-called savings applies only to a one song / service subscription!
There are many ways to spin a message but to think that consumers will bite any message is stupid and disrespectful. When Maxis was contacted for comments by the paper that carried the story, here’s what was written: “Maxis could not be reached for comments before press time”.
Maybe Maxis should enhance network coverage for their PR and Communications department? Hmm..now I know why they don’t talk about coverage in their ads. Harlo? Harlo?
