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PHOTO: Michael Metzger, Michael Metzger & Staff, Inc. - Events.org

PHOTO: Michael Metzger, Michael Metzger & Staff, Inc. - Events.org

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know now know howTELECOMM COSTSGe<strong>org</strong>e Joseph, TDS MetrocomSome communications costs cannot be avoided. For example, certain taxesand surcharges for “911” service or “number portability.” But here aresome tips to keep a handle on costs, at your home or office.• Perform a telecommunications audit twice a year. Identifyall services, and analyze their impact. Remove unused services, andlook for billing errors, which can result in overcharges. Residentialservices are often “packaged” in a way that needs careful examination.• Perform an internal bill review four times a year. Intelecommunications, with millions of customers, mistakes are made.Your business or family bill payer should understand every line item toreduce overpayments. Review your bill with a Customer ServiceRepresentative. Do not be embarrassed to say, “I do not understandthis charge.”• Shop around for “easy out” agreements. When signing aservice agreement, always be aware of the cost to change providers.Perhaps your business will require some new technology or expandedservice. Many telecommunications providers have high earlyterminationfees or a fixed fee simply to rewrite your agreement.Residential service may also be subject to a “service agreement” whenvoice and internet are ordered on the same account.• Beware of “free equipment.” That free telephone, cell phone ormodem may come with an accessory: a term commitment that allows theprovider to recoup the cost of the equipment at some point in the future.• Avoid gimmicky signing bonuses. Some great-sounding offershave buried escalators or inflexible terms that are potentially costly. Forevery incentive, ask, “How does this affect my enjoying future offers?”• Watch for third-party billing items. In today’s high-technologyworld, it is very common for Company A to tag along on Company B’srelationship with you. This often happens when you opt online for“central billing.” You may have unwittingly accepted an implied orexplicit arrangement for Internet services, too. When you are browsingany service sites, stop before you provide any personal information atlinks labeled “learn more” or “see how much you’ll save.” If you’re notsure what’s being asked, don’t answer!Follow these steps to save money on any business or residential account.New communications products and services are exciting and manageable,but the first rule of a free market is caveat emptor.For more information about this article, please contactGe<strong>org</strong>e Joseph, TDS Metrocom, by emailGe<strong>org</strong>e.Joseph@tdsmetro.com, or call 847-968-5824.(The call may or may not be free!)Mike & Eve Del MonteBROKERS/OWNERSIn today’s market, on average,if you list your home for sale you canexpect it to sell in about 160 days.Sell your house in 60 days or less*Guaranteed!If we haven’t brought you an offer by day 61,we will deduct $1,000 off our commissionat closing.*Not every property qualifies!Please call to see if your home meets our four basic requirements.(847) 831-9700Highland ParkSpring 2007 / 23

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