Cannot change payment method on subscription and C...

Question

I am posting the transcript for the 45 minute chat I just suffered through. I simply needed to change my credit card as the old card had been replaced due to a security breach. Others on forums have complained about this issue but this is a stellar example of Skype's poor business and customer service practices. You are now chatting with 'Laarni M'. Laarni M: Hello! Welcome to Skype Live Support! My name is Laarni. Laarni M: If incase we got disconnected, simply click on the Chat Support Link and you will be reconnected to us in no time. Laarni M: https://support.skype.com/support_selection. Laarni M: With that being said, how may I help you? [Removed for privacy]: I need to update my credit card information because the credit card I have on file is expired. The update payment page does not give me the option to enter a new credit card. I started to delete my old card so I could add a new one, but I got an error message saying I must cancel my subscription before removing my credit card. Laarni M: Oh! [Removed for privacy]: I have a subscription already. [Removed for privacy]: I have had it for years. Laarni M: I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with updating your credit card. Laarni M: I will be glad to help you with this. Laarni M: To start with, can I have your Skype name and your name so that I can address you properly? [Removed for privacy]: I have already entered that information to begin this chat. It is required. Laarni M: I understand. [Removed for privacy]: the Skype name is [Removed for privacy] and my first name is [Removed for privacy] Laarni M: I just need to verify it. Laarni M: Thank you, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: Nice to meet you. Laarni M: Let me just pull up your account. Laarni M: Anyway how's your day so far? [Removed for privacy]: OK, I have found it. Apparently I am forced to buy Skype credit in order to change my payment to a new method? This is ridicuous. Laarni M: I am now pulling up your account, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: Thank you for waiting. Laarni M: Yes, that is correct. In order to change your payment method you need to either wait for your subscription to expire so you can purchase using the new card or you can buy Skype Credit. [Removed for privacy]: Now that I have bought 10.00 of skype credit and added the new payment information that way, it is appearing in my payment settings and I can delete the old card. But again, this is the only way to add a new payment method, which is very wrong. Laarni M: I am sorry if you feel this way, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: Oh, just lovely. I just tried to delete the old card and I have the same error message that "this card is being used to fund your Unlimited US and Canada 12 months. If you want to delete this card you have to cancel your subscription first." Is this some kind of nasty way of forcing me to lose my unlimited subscription? Laarni M: I see. Laarni M: Because the best way to add a new payment details is for you to let the subscription linked to the credit card expire first. Laarni M: After that, you can reactivate your subscrption using the new credit card. Laarni M: That is the best thing that I can recommend, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: I went into change payment settings and changed the payment method to the new card. The page saved and said it had changed the setting. But then I went back in and it had not. It still defaults to the old card. I still get the "cancel subscription" message when I tried to delete the old card again. Laarni M: Yes, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: I can't let it expire or it won't pay for my subscription in August. Anyway the card will not expire. It was replaced due to a security breach at the issuing bank. Laarni M: Because you really need to let your subscription expire first by cancelling it before you update your card. Laarni M: I see. [Removed for privacy]: Why would I want to do that when I probably won't be able to get the same plan? I have had that unlimited plan for years. [Removed for privacy]: I am certainly not cancelling that plan. Laarni M: I understand, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: This is really insane, you know. One should easily be able to update payment information when a card needs to be changed. [Removed for privacy]: I had this same problem last year, but there was a workaround. If you do not know what the current workaround is then please transfer me to a supervisor who does.l Laarni M: I understand, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: I doubt that you do understand. Since the forums indicate this is an ongoing problem, I am forced to assume this situation is intentional and is a way of forcing people to give up older and less expensive plans, and that you are fully aware of that. Laarni M: I am sorry but as much as I want to help you, we can't do anything but to let the subscription expire first by cancelling it before you update the credit card. [Removed for privacy]: I need to speak to a supervisor, please. Laarni M: I am sorry but as of the moment, my supervisor is engaged to a different activity. [Removed for privacy]: I am sorry but that is not the case. That is just what you have been told to say. I can continue to open new chats and waste representative's time for hours, or you can arrange for me to communicate with a supervisor. Laarni M: I am sorry for the inconvenience caused you. info: Your chat transcript will be sent to [Mod edit: Please do not include personal/private information when making a public post. Thanks!] at the end of your chat. Laarni M: I understand that it is really important for you ad upon further checking, we can try this step that may work for you. Laarni M: Do you have another browser aside from the one that you are using right now? [Removed for privacy]: Yes, I do Laarni M: Great! Laarni M: Internet Explorer would be the best. Laarni M: Can you please open it and go the link that I will provide to you? [Removed for privacy]: It is already open, please send the link Laarni M: Alright. [Removed for privacy]: I still do not have the link. Laarni M: Once you click on the link, and click Skype credit, please do not forget to click the change payment method when you buy Skype credit. [Removed for privacy]: I still do not have the link Laarni M: I am sorry for the delay, I am just having a system error as of the moment. Laarni M: But on your end, you can go to the page where you can buy Skype credit. Laarni M: By the way, there are 2 cards saved on your account. Laarni M: May I know the last 4 digit of the card that you want to use? [Removed for privacy]: 1591. And yes, I already explained to you that I bought Skype credit (which I do not need as I have a subscription!!) just to add the new credit card. Laarni M: I see. Laarni M: I can delete first the old credit card saved on our system. [Removed for privacy]: Please do that, but do NOT delete or cancel my subscription when you do this. Laarni M: Alright, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: Thank you for patiently waiting, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: I hope that what you are doing is successful. Laarni M: Please hang on, [Removed for privacy] as we are still doing some workaround for this. Laarni M: We are also getting an error doing this. [Removed for privacy]: That is not confidence-inspiring. Laarni M: I am sorry if you feel this way. [Removed for privacy]: I imagine that anyone would feel that way. Laarni M: Thank you for waiting, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: Here's what we can do to help you now, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: We really need to cancel your subscription so it will cancel the recurring payment. Laarni M: This does not mean that the subscrition will be cancelled. Laarni M: You can still use your subscription until the end of the billing period. Laarni M: So once we cancel your subscription now, you can try to go to the payment settings and update your credit details. Laarni M: Is everything okay? Haven't heard from you in a while. [Removed for privacy]: I am sure that you realize this is unacceptable. I am very surprised that you would suggest this as a solution. As I stated above, I am well aware that this is a method Skype is using to force people to give up better subscriptions. I will not be forced to accept a suboptimal subscription by this method. I am also aware that a supervisor can correct this problem in the system by hand. Please put me in communication with a supervisor. Also--I have ALREADY updated my credit details as I explained above. You or a supervisor simply need to change the subscription payment method to the new card that is already on file. Laarni M: I understand where you are coming from, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: But I am trying to help you with giving the best solution for this. [Removed for privacy]: We are going in circles. I have been on this chat for 45 minutes trying to get a simple payment method change that with any other company, I could do by myself online in two minutes. You are not offering me any kind of solution at all. You are insulting my intelligence by claiming that the payment method cannot be replaced. Laarni M: I am sorry if you feel this way, [Removed for privacy]. [Removed for privacy]: Please stop this. The system is clearly set up to block a payment change. A supervisor can override this and that is what I expect you to arrange. Laarni M: But as of the moment, there is no available supervisor. [Removed for privacy]: Please do not tell me things that are not true. [Removed for privacy]: Please connect me with a supervisor. Laarni M: And If I will transfer you to my supervisor, he will give the same information that I provided to you. Laarni M: This is because it is the only workaround for this, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: You do not need to worry, cancelling your subscription is just cancelling the recurring payment or auto renewal. [Removed for privacy]: He may, but if he does, he will also be stating something that is not true. It is always possible for a supervisor or manager to make changes in the system. Laarni M: You can still use your subscription until the end of the billing period. [Removed for privacy]: I'm sorry, but in August when the billing period ends, I will receive notification that my subscription has cancelled due to non-payment and that I must choose a new plan. That is what I do not want. Therefore your solution is unacceptable. I have stated this clearly. Laarni M: I am sorry [Removed for privacy], I really want to help you but this is only the work around or soultion that we can do. [Removed for privacy]: Then apparently after 8 years, I will be searching for new phone service. I am very sorry that this is the case. Laarni M: If the auto renewal will cancel, you can still reactivate your subscrition and that time, the new payment method will be use for that subscription. [Removed for privacy]: Do I have your word that I will be allowed to keep the same plan with no changes to my subscription? Laarni M: Yes, [Removed for privacy]. You can still reactivate the same subscription. Laarni M: You do not need to wory about this. [Removed for privacy]: If that is not the case I will be cancelling. And Skype needs to change its payment method practices. This is very poor customer service. I will be going on every forum I can find and posting a poor review of the service. This is a shame since I have been a loyal Skype customer for more than 8 years. I was a customer when Skype was the only internet phone company in business. info: Your chat transcript will be sent to [Mod edit: Please do not include personal/private information when making a public post. Thanks!] at the end of your chat. Laarni M: I am sorry if you feel this way, [Removed for privacy]. Laarni M: Thnak you for being loyal with Skype.

Answer 1

Well, it happened again.  This time I'm done with Skype.  A ten-year customer, and they've finally worn me down and worn me out.  Yes, after 30 minutes of constant escalation, requesting a supervisor, and finally threatening to walk, they offered another annual contract at 6 cents more a year.  But at the cost of making me sign up all over again, and after wasting my time both last year and this year.  And I am DONE.  I will use my remaining Skype credit for the few online teaching video conferences I have to do, but no more subscriptions.  Bye, Skype.  I would provide adjectives for how horrible your customer service is, but they would all be profane.
Transcription of today's chat:
Close chat
info: at 18:59:56
Please wait for an agent to respond. You are currently '1' in the queue.
info: at 19:01:56
All agents are currently assisting others. Thank you for your patience. An agent will be with you shortly. You are currently '1' in the queue.
info: at 19:01:58
Privacy Statement 
You are now chatting with 'Gian C'.
Gian C: at 19:02:11
Hello! Welcome to Skype Live Support! My name is Gian. If incase we got disconnected, simply click on the Chat Support Link and you will be reconnected to us in no time.https://support.skype.com/support_selection .
Gian C: at 19:02:11
With that being said, how may I help you?
Customer: at 19:02:24
I chatted with an agent 2 days ago re: failure to apply my credit card to my subscription. He said it was taken care of and my online account should show the subscription renewed in 24 hours. it is still not renewed.
Gian C: at 19:02:41
I am sorry to know that
Gian C: at 19:02:47
What is your Skype name?
Customer: at 19:03:49
customer
Gian C: at 19:04:04
Thanks
Gian C: at 19:04:08
Let me check the account
Gian C: at 19:05:50
Thank you for patiently waiting
Gian C: at 19:06:07
Is this for the Unlimited Us and Canada?
Customer: at 19:06:13
yes
Gian C: at 19:07:12
I see
Gian C: at 19:07:23
Can you go to this site right now?
Customer: at 19:07:30
i'm there
Gian C: at 19:07:33
http://www.skype.com/en/
Gian C: at 19:07:39
https://www.skype.com/en/rates/?nu=subs-calling
Gian C: at 19:07:49
Look for Unlimites Us and Canada
Customer: at 19:07:58
why?
Gian C: at 19:08:21
Just want to make sure if repurchasing the subscription would be avaialble
Customer: at 19:08:36
I was told last year that it would be available. And two nights ago.
Gian C: at 19:08:36
That is the best work around to get the subscription back using the new card details
Gian C: at 19:08:45
I understand
Gian C: at 19:08:53
Can you please go and check it first
Customer: at 19:08:59
No, thank you. Please just apply my card. This is what happened last year.
Gian C: at 19:09:02
So I can assure the resolutiong
Customer: at 19:09:34
The subscription shows that it expires today. It is on my account. Simply renew it with the card information that is also on my account.
Gian C: at 19:09:40
Can you help me on this to solve your issue please?
Gian C: at 19:09:53
I understand
Customer: at 19:10:02
You have directed me to your sales site to search for the plan I already have all over again. I have no time for this.
Gian C: at 19:10:06
However the time you change the card did not worked on the system
Gian C: at 19:10:15
That is why the renewal did not push trough
Customer: at 19:10:41
It didn't work last year either because the system is a mess. But a rep fixed it last year. If you cannot do this please pass me to a supervisor.
Gian C: at 19:10:59
ok.
Gian C: at 19:11:19
Before we do that, can you please try to check if the subscription is available first.
Customer: at 19:11:40
I do not understand how you expect ME to check if a subscription is available!
Customer: at 19:12:04
The subscription is ON MY ACCOUNT AND SAYS IT NEEDS TO BE RENEWED.
Gian C: at 19:12:09
Basically it is simple
Gian C: at 19:12:10
Go to this website
Gian C: at 19:12:10
https://www.skype.com/en/rates/?nu=subs-calling
Gian C: at 19:12:10
Click on U.S.
Customer: at 19:12:16
Please pass me to a supervisor.
Gian C: at 19:12:20
Then check if US and Canada is part of the list
Gian C: at 19:12:39
Before I pass you to our supervisor
Gian C: at 19:12:47
Let me give you a heads up on your case
Customer: at 19:12:57
it is there for $2.99 per month. I have a locked in annual charge for that subscription for $29.99. Not $36.00.
Gian C: at 19:13:11
I see
Gian C: at 19:13:28
Thanks for the information
Gian C: at 19:13:38
When did you change your card detail? For this subscription?
Customer: at 19:15:08
Last year. At which time the system refused to remove the earlier invalid card and charge the 2nd (correct) one. This year the system allowed me to remove the old card. The rep 2 days ago told me the card was fine. When I looked at the detail this evening, the expiration date was missing, so I filled it in. The rep said NOTHING about this two days ago. Frankly I think Skype is trying to sabotage my re-order to try to force me off of my annual plan and onto a monthly. I will not do it.
Gian C: at 19:15:13
Thanks
Gian C: at 19:15:48
Just to make sure we will be solving this issue, can you please provide me your call back number
Customer: at 19:15:59
You do not need to call me.
Gian C: at 19:16:07
Just incase this chat got disconnected so our supervisor can call you
Customer: at 19:16:19
(###) ###-#### (REDACTED FOR PRIVACY)
Gian C: at 19:16:25
Let me get you our supervisor as you have requested
Gian C: at 19:16:29
Thank you
Customer: at 19:25:17
?hello
Gian C: at 19:27:42
I will get back to you once the Supervisor is ready to take this chat. For a moment
Gian C: at 19:27:50
Sorry to keep you waiting
Gian C: at 19:28:08
Our Supervisor is still engaged with the call
Gian C: at 19:28:10
Anyway
Gian C: at 19:28:20
Here is what we have found out on the subscription
Gian C: at 19:28:41
The renewal has passed already, so we can't renew it manually other than repurchasing the subscription
Gian C: at 19:28:54
Checking the price of the subscription
Customer: at 19:28:59
It has not passed yet. it expires 5/7. Today is 5/6.
Gian C: at 19:29:12
Let me give you a heads up
Gian C: at 19:29:39
Auto-renewal only happens once. And that is 3 days before the subscription expire
Customer: at 19:30:09
I give up. This is done. No subscription. Of any type. And I have been a Skype customer for over 10 years. Goodbye.
Gian C: at 19:30:23
I am sorry if you feel that way
Gian C: at 19:30:34
I am explaining to you all the things you need to know
Gian C: at 19:31:27
But you refused to listen nor cooperate. As much as I wanted you to get your subscription back. However it is within your call if you want to follow my advised to get this resolved quickly
Gian C: at 19:31:47
The new subscription prices is just 30.50USD for 1 year
Gian C: at 19:32:12
It is just few cents higer compare to the old price $29.99
Gian C: at 19:32:37
I hope that won't be a problem for you to get the 12 months subscription for the Unlimited US and Canada.
Customer: at 19:32:51
This is flatly ridiculous. The rep 2 days ago told me this was taken care of. Now you tell me it is not, keep me on chat for 30 minutes, make me look up subscription prices on your OWN website, and then tell me my subscription has expired when it has not. Yet I am the one being called uncooperative.
Gian C: at 19:33:02
If the auto renewal failed because of card used
Customer: at 19:33:05
That is a problem. I will not resubscribe. I don't care that it is only 6 cents a year more.
Gian C: at 19:33:21
Then Repurchasing the same subscription will be best to get it back
Customer: at 19:33:30
That is not why. If Skype did not have the information required I should have received an early email. I got SEVEN EMAILS IN ONE DAY INSTEAD.
Customer: at 19:33:42
The 7th one said the subscription was cancelled.
Gian C: at 19:34:05
That is the notification sent by Skype to tell you that we are still trying to accept the payment
Customer: at 19:34:30
It makes no sense to notify a customer every two hours on a SINGLE day, but not before.
Gian C: at 19:34:33
6 times the sytem try to renew the subscription
Customer: at 19:34:43
Yes. ON the same day. None on any other day.
Gian C: at 19:35:01
If only there is no problem with your card then the subscription should renew without a problem
Customer: at 19:35:10
You expect people who are at work to sign in from their work PC for personal business and renew within 8 hours. Ridiculous.
Gian C: at 19:35:08
Yes correct
Customer: at 19:35:12
I am done.
Gian C: at 19:35:10
As I said
Gian C: at 19:35:30
3 days before the subscription expire is the only day to renew the subscription automatically
Gian C: at 19:35:32
That is how the system works
Customer: at 19:35:34
As I said, the rep 2 days ago told me the card was fine but would take 24 hours for teh change to apply to the syste.
Gian C: at 19:35:37
It is part of the terms of use
Customer: at 19:35:43
Read what I said.
Gian C: at 19:36:01
Yes I already documented this case and I already escalated those previous representative
Gian C: at 19:36:08
For providing you false information
Customer: at 19:36:12
The terms of use don't say you bombard people with emails every 2 hours on a single day.
Customer: at 19:36:44
And then cut them off at the end of the day. When their subscription has not even expired yet. And then tell them it's their own fault their card didn't work. When they were told it was fine.
Gian C: at 19:36:50
The email notification is our way to make sure customer will be notified that they need to renew the subscription to avoid this kind of issue
Customer: at 19:37:07
Then why not send it once a day for six days instead?
Customer: at 19:37:13
that would make a lot more sense!
Gian C: at 19:37:38
Here is the thing Kim the system works that way for 10 years already
Gian C: at 19:38:12
And only few customers are having this kind of issue, common issue was cause by problem with the card associated to the subscription.
Customer: at 19:38:18
See this? this was last year:
Customer: at 19:38:20
http://community.skype.com/t5/Rates-and-subscripti​ons/Cannot-change-payment-method-on-subscription-a​...
Gian C: at 19:38:26
Ok
Customer: at 19:38:45
You'll get an update on that thread, believe me. Which will make it clear why I'm done with Skype.
info: at 19:38:52