Part 4. Personal Business

Chapter 10. Money, Contracts, and Credit Cards

Canceling an insurance policy

Harry Payton, account manager

Green Shield Health Insurance

Rolling Meadow

In regards to account 6767640

Please cancel our health insurance coverage for the above account effective July 1. Please refund any unearned premiums in the account.

Although we have been generally pleased with the coverage and customer care we have received on both personal and business policies, we find the most recent round of price increases unacceptable.

We have decided to enroll with another health carrier.

Thank you.

Neil Stevens

Asking renegotiation of loan terms

John Rogers, Loan Officer

Fastcash Loan Company

Rolling Meadow

Loan No. xxxxxx

Gentlemen,

I am writing in regard to the above-referenced loan.

According to the terms of my agreement with your company, I am to make monthly payments in the amount of $1,500 for the next twenty-six months until the full amount of the debt is paid in full.

I have kept current on payments for the past three years. However, my financial situation has changed and I am writing at this time to ask renegotiation of the conditions of the loan.

I want to meet my obligation; at this time I would like to explore extending the term of the loan to reduce monthly payments. I would like to set up an appointment with you as soon as possible to explore options.

Sincerely,

Carole McGinnis

Asking payment plan for utilities

Rolling Meadow Heating Oil Company

Billing Department

Rolling Meadow

Gentlemen,

I have been a customer of Rolling Meadow Home Heating Oil Company for the past ten years.

I have been impressed with your delivery and repair service and have no desire to change to another company.

However, in these difficult economic times and rising costs for fuel oil, it is becoming difficult for me to make my payments in a timely manner.

I am writing to seek advice on enrolling in an annual budget plan, and I would also like to know about available low-income assistance programs for home heating.

Sincerely,

Jim Carver

Asking hospital to set payment plan

Billing Department

Rolling Meadow Community Hospital

Re, Invoice xxxx

Gentlemen,

I am writing in reference to an invoice I received for physical therapy services at Rolling Meadow Community Hospital that are over and above the amount paid by my insurance carrier.

According to the statement the entire amount of $5,642 is to be paid within thirty days. I fully intend to pay this bill in full, but it is impossible for me to do so in one month.

I am therefore requesting the establishment of an extended payment plan. I look forward to hearing from the hospital to discuss this arrangement.

Sincerely,

Susan Phillips

Asking payment assistance from hospital

Billing Department

Rolling Meadow Hospital

To Whom It May Concern,

I am scheduled to have hip replacement surgery on March 16.

In checking with my medical insurance company, I have learned that the estimated cost of this procedure will be about $18,000. I will be responsible for a deductible of $2,000 plus 20 percent copay for a total of about $5,000.

I certainly need the surgery, but because of my limited income I am going to have difficulty paying my share of the cost.

I would appreciate a call to schedule an appointment to discuss options.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Butler

Asking special short-term contract

John Silver

Silver’s Health Club

Rolling Meadow

Dear Mr. Silver,

We have been members of your health club for the past five years. We appreciate the quality and cleanliness of your facility.

Since we are now in retirement, we have decided to spend six months in Rolling Meadow and the remaining winter months at a home we have in Florida. For that reason, it no longer makes sense for us to purchase a full-year membership.

We would like to request a six-month membership, or a month-by-month rate, for the period from April 15 to October 15.

We very much want to continue our association with Silver’s Health Club. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Paul Baker

Canceling membership because of expense

Clara Logan, Director

Rolling Meadow Theater Guild

Dear Clara,

It has been our pleasure to have held a sustaining membership in the Rolling Meadow Theater Guild for the past ten years. We have enjoyed attending all of the shows, concerts, and other special events during that time, and it was very nice to have a seat we could call our own.

I wish it was otherwise, but I am afraid that we will not be renewing our membership for next year. We are living on a fixed income and our expenses keep rising. Please understand that the Theater Guild was one of the last things we wanted to cut from our budget.

I expect we will continue to attend selected events at the theater, and I hope we will eventually be able to once again become a sustaining member.

Regards,

Liza Proctor

Canceling service and asking for refund of prepay

Janice Sullivan

Jan’s Pet Grooming Services

Rolling Meadow

Dear Jan,

For the past year we have depended on you for the grooming of Jackson, our Shetland sheepdog. We were very pleased with your work, and we think Jackson felt very handsome after each visit to your shop.

Unfortunately, we find it necessary to reduce our spending, and Jackson’s hair styling is something we have decided we cannot afford for the moment.

Earlier this month we signed up for your special deal that gave reduced prices for prepaid accounts. At this time, we are asking for a refund of the excess funds you hold; we understand that the previous two sessions for Jackson will be charged at full price. By my accounting that should leave $82 to be refunded.

Thank you again for your work.

Sincerely,

Shelia Thayer

Asking for reduction in cost of caretaking services

Jim Steadman

Jim’s Caretaking Services

Rolling Meadow

Dear Jim,

As winter approaches we would like to consider hiring you once again to look after our vacation home on Mirror Pond. It makes us very comfortable to know we have a responsible caretaker watching our house through the cold months.

However, we find that we need to cut back on all of our expenses. We would welcome suggestions from you that would reduce our monthly bill by about half.

We have been contacted by another individual in the area who has offered to do the caretaking at a greatly reduced rate. He proposes draining the plumbing and turning off all utilities for the winter. He would check on the house in major storms and look in a few times a month otherwise.

Can you offer us a similar deal? We would be perfectly happy to work with you on that basis.

Sincerely,

Paul Baxter

Asking for reduced services from landscaper

John Dunn

Better Lawn Care Services

Rolling Meadow

Dear John,

I received your letter regarding your annual spring lawn care services and the proposed schedule for maintenance for the coming summer.

We have been customers for the past seven years and have appreciated the work you and your crew have done on our property.

Unfortunately, this year we find ourselves with much less money in our budget for landscaping. I would like to see a revised proposal from you that reduces the cost.

We would like to continue to use the services of your company. I hope you can work with us on this matter.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dan Barlow

Asking new bid from caterer

Erma’s Catering

Rolling Meadow

Dear Erma,

Thank you for responding so promptly with your proposal for catering services for our daughter’s wedding in June.

As we told you at the time, we were seeking bids from three other caterers. Your presentation—and the samples you provided for lunch—were the most impressive.

Unfortunately, the overall budget for the wedding has gone up just as the economy has gone down. We have decided we would like to engage you to cater the affair, but we need to reduce the cost by about 25 percent.

I would welcome a new bid from you with a total price that reflects the lower cost; we are open to any suggestions for ways to spend less. I recall that you mentioned a buffet rather than plate service as one way to sharply reduce the cost.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Robbins

Asking cable company to review bill

Rolling Meadow Cable Television Company

Rolling Meadow

Re, Account 6SJ7-Satler

Dear Customer Service,

I am presently a subscriber to Rolling Meadow Cable Company for cable television and Internet service. My television package includes a confusing group of special packages and services.

I would like to continue as a subscriber, but I have been offered packages from the telephone company and from a satellite service that each would save me about $300 per year.

I am writing to ask that someone at your company review my bill and call me with specific suggestions on changes to my account that would lower my monthly bill. My current monthly bill is about $100, and I would like to reduce that charge by at least $25.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

William Satler

Asking reduction in size of project

Allison Tuttle

Tuttle Architectural Services

Rolling Meadow

Dear Allison,

Jim and I want to thank you for the many hours you spent with us discussing the new addition to our home on Jefferson Lane. The proposal you submitted was stunning; you are truly talented.

Unfortunately, Jim’s hours at the assembly plant have been sharply cut back. We hope this is just a temporary situation, but for the moment we’re not ready to commit to the full project as you laid it out.

There were two parts to the job: redoing our kitchen and adding a new wing to the family room. We would like to go forward with the kitchen remodeling and ask you to hold off on the plans for the addition for the moment. We hope to put that back on the schedule in years to come.

If you are still interested in working with us on this scaled down version, please give me a call.

Again, thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Eleanor White

Declining downsized project

Eleanor White

Rolling Meadow

Dear Eleanor,

There is certainly no need to apologize to me for taking up my time with drawing plans for your house. This is my job and I try to work with any prospective client to the best of my ability.

I’m glad you were happy with my design. And I fully understand your reluctance to spend too much money in these difficult times. I wish it was otherwise, but you are not the only one in your situation.

As far as your desire to split the job into two parts, I think if you are just looking to make some changes to the existing kitchen, a good contractor would be all you will need.

When you are ready to have full plans drawn for the addition, please call me and we’ll get that part of the project underway.

Sincerely,

Allison Tuttle

Postponing plans for renovation project

Pat Connors

Connors Construction

Dear Pat,

Thank you for your proposal for the addition to our home on Southbury Road. We really appreciate the time you spent working with us; you are an extremely creative designer.

Unfortunately, some unexpected events have forced us to postpone our plans for the project. Although we were quite serious about going forward with the work just a few weeks ago when we met with you, at this time we cannot justify the expenditure on the addition.

I want you to know that once our family situation is back on an even keel we hope to be in touch with you to try to get the project back on the schedule.

Thanks again for your time and effort.

Sincerely,

Jack Spriggs

Asking payment for consultation services

John Ryder, Executive Director

Rolling Meadow Science Museum

Dear John,

It has been my honor to have served as a consultant to the Science Museum for the past three years.

When I retired from my position at the university I was pleased that the museum would value my expertise and experience, and I was happy to help. I still feel that way.

However, this difficult economy has forced me to take a hard look at my finances. I have launched my own consulting firm to assist schools, museums, and businesses in their educational and training programs.

I would be thrilled to continue assisting the museum. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss a contract for my services for the coming year.

Sincerely,

Michael Freel

Declining request for free consulting

Kate Toole

Rolling Meadow

Dear Kate,

I am glad to hear that your computer is running faster now. It took some time, but I was happy to help clean up the corrupted files that were slowing it down.

I am also glad the work I performed rewiring your phone line has improved your wireless system in the house.

You asked about teaching you Photoshop, and that is something I can do. I would ask, though, that you do so as a client through my consulting company.

Although I’m always willing to pitch in and help a friend or neighbor when I can, I also need to pay my bills.

I’ve enclosed a brochure about my services, along with the price schedule for individual and group instruction.

Sincerely,

Jeff

Setting rate for making repair

Liz Vaughn

Dear Liz,

As a follow-up to our conversation at work yesterday, I was happy to look at your home computer and make repairs. Based on what you told me, it sounds like your machine may have been infected with a computer virus. I would recommend testing for that, installing an antivirus software program, and making necessary repairs to the operating system.

We did not discuss payment, but my standard fee for this type of service is $30 per hour plus the cost of software. I would estimate this job will require about four hours of my time.

If you do want to engage me, please give me a call and we can arrange a convenient time. I am free on the weekends and most evenings.

Sincerely,

Ron Macy

Justifying bill sent to friend

Wes Murray

Dear Wes,

I received your letter in which you express surprise that I sent you a bill for fixing your water heater.

I know we have been friends and neighbors for a number of years, and that relationship is important to me also. But I do operate a plumbing business, and I do have to earn a living. When you called me last Sunday, I came right over and spent more than four hours making repairs to the heater.

The bill I sent you was actually substantially less than I would have charged a regular client who called for emergency service on the weekend; I billed at my standard hourly rate.

I hope you understand the situation now. I would like to remain a friend, but I do expect to be paid when I am called upon as a plumber.

Sincerely,

Ed Long

Declining to extend loan

Dear Chuck,

I have received your letter asking for an extension on the due date of the personal loan I gave you six months ago.

I’m sorry, but I must insist that the loan be repaid as agreed. You asked for the money to help you get through a difficult personal time, and I was glad to be of assistance.

However, I am not a bank. To tell you the truth, in looking back I don’t think it was the right thing for me to make the loan in the first place; this is the sort of thing that can ruin friendships.

The loan is due in full at the end of the month. I truly hope you can keep to the terms of our agreement and allow us to get out of an uncomfortable situation like this.

Sincerely,

Joe

Declining to invest in company

Dear Dick,

I have reviewed all of the information you sent me about the restaurant you plan to open in town. You certainly seem to have put a great deal of thought into this new venture.

I am flattered that you thought of me when you sought financial partners for this project. However, although I am impressed with your enthusiasm for such an ambitious undertaking, I have decided that I do not want to invest in the restaurant.

Restaurants are a risky business even in the best of financial times, but in the current economy I think we are going to see many fine establishments unable to succeed. From what I have read, dining at anything above fast-food level is one of the first things people cut back.

I do wish you well. If you do open your restaurant I promise to be one of your first customers.

Sincerely,

Kent

Credit card return protection guarantee

Universal Credit

Insurance Claims

In regards to account xxx-xxxx-6089

As instructed by customer service, I am writing to file a claim under the return protection guarantee offered to cardholders.

I purchased a suede jacket at a local clothing store just over a month ago; the jacket has not been used. Recently I decided I did not want to keep it. When I brought it back to the shop the manager refused to refund my money or offer a store credit, stating that the store policy only allowed returns within thirty days of purchase.

Your return protection guarantee allows me to obtain a refund within 90 days of purchase.

I am enclosing copies of the sales slip and the form from the website I was instructed to prepare. I await instructions as to what I am to do with the jacket and when my refund will be processed.

I greatly appreciate this guarantee program; although I have never used it before, it is one of the reasons I carry your card.

Thank you.

Joyce Nathan

Credit card extended warranty

Universal Credit

Insurance Claims

In regards to account xxx-xxxx-6089

I am filing a claim under the extended warranty plan included with my credit card coverage.

I purchased a 50-inch Samasonic high-definition plasma television a year ago last January; it came with a twelve-month manufacturer’s warranty. I don’t know how this sort of thing happens, but the TV worked flawlessly for a year and then failed suddenly exactly one week after it was out of warranty.

The manufacturer was very quick to point out that the screen was no longer under warranty and offered to arrange for a repair. The representative said a failure of the screen electronics would typically cost about $900, which is about half of what I paid for the television.

I was very pleased, though, to learn the details of your extended warranty program, which doubles the manufacturer’s warranty. Enclosed is a copy of the sales slip for the television and the warranty card. Please contact me as soon as possible with authorization to have the television repaired.

Sincerely,

Mary Fuller

Credit card purchase protection

Universal Credit

Insurance Claims

In regards to account xxx-xxxx-6089

I am filing a Notice of Claim under the purchase protection portion of my credit card coverage.

On a recent trip, my hotel room in Topeka was burglarized and my new digital camera was stolen. I had owned the camera for just two months; your purchase protection covers such losses for up to 90 days.

As requested by your customer service representative, I have enclosed a copy of the police report on the theft as well as copies of the sales slip for the camera.

Please advise if there is anything additional needed to process this claim.

Sincerely,

Robert Gordon

Credit card auto rental loss and damage coverage

Universal Credit

Insurance Claims

In regards to account xxx-xxxx-6089

As requested by your customer services department, enclosed please find details requested in support of a claim under the Auto Car Rental and Damage Insurance Plan offered to cardholders.

I am enclosing the completed claim form provided by your representative. Also enclosed is the police report with photographs of the damage to the car, proof of my auto insurance coverage, an itemized repair bill from the garage, and a copy of the auto rental contract from the rental company.

According to your representative, the insurance plan will reimburse me for the difference between the amount paid to the rental company by my personal auto insurance policy and the total bill, including the deductible on my policy.

If there is any further documentation needed from me, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Adams

Credit card baggage insurance

Universal Credit

Insurance Claims

In regards to account xxx-xxxx-6089

Enclosed please find my claim for reimbursement under your credit card baggage insurance plan for the luggage lost on a recent flight from Los Angeles.

I have received payment from the airline in the amount of $1,250 for my clothing and personal effects, the maximum they would pay. My full claim was for $1,735. Under terms of your plan, I am asking for payment of $485, the amount in excess of what I have recovered.

I am enclosing a completed claim form as requested by your customer service representative, along with copies of paperwork from the airline and copies of receipts for certain of the high-value items that were in my luggage.

Please advise if there is anything else you require from me.

Thank you.

Sam Waters

Credit card event ticket protection

Universal Credit

Insurance Claims

In regards to account xxx-xxxx-6089

I am submitting a proof of loss and documentation required to be reimbursed for the cost of two concert tickets. I was unable to attend the show because of a medical emergency.

When it became apparent I would not be using this ticket, I contacted the credit card company by phone, which constituted the Notice of Claim. Enclosed is a proof of loss, a statement from my physician, and the claim form from your website as requested by your customer service representative.

With this paperwork I am also enclosing the unused ticket. Please advise if anything further is needed to recover the cost of the ticket.

Sincerely,

Barbara Vincent

Complaining about substitution of product

Customer Service

Big Bob’s Furniture

Dear Customer Service,

I recently ordered two custom upholstered easy chairs from your company, working from swatches of fabric and colors supplied by you. I have attached copies of the invoice and shipping manifest.

The chairs arrived today, and they use a different quality of fabric in a substantially different color. There was either a error in taking the order, or I received someone else’s chairs.

Please call me to make arrangements to have them picked up.

I expect to receive a full refund, including reimbursement for shipping and handling costs.

Sincerely,

Rose Butler

Asking for refund because of reduced price

Dave Patrick, Manager

Great Buys

Rolling Meadow

Dear Mr. Patrick,

Yesterday afternoon we purchased a Signature HD 36-inch flat screen from Great Buys.

In today’s newspaper I see that this same model is on sale for $150 less than the price we paid.

I am enclosing copies of my receipt and my credit card information. Please credit my account immediately.

If we do not hear from you within the next few days, I will return the television to your store for a credit and buy an unopened box at the sale price. I don’t see how that helps you or me, but I will do so for $150.

Sincerely,

Chuck Cosgrove