bump..any changes on this front?

I called Columbia House twice last week to close accounts and had no trouble getting immediate access to CSRs in the usual way:
1 (for English)
1 ("to place an order")
Enter account number

One time I hit 0 the other time they linked me to a CSR before I even had a chance. I called during normal business hours on a weekday.

Thanks lizard, that's excellent news! I think I'll try opening up one account at each of two addresses for the first time in months.

I don't understand why talking to someone on the phone is better than e-mailing them...

Everytime I have a problem it has been fixed via e-mail, first they'll send you a canned response but I just respond to that e-mail and say it didn't answer my question.

Am I missing something?

Been trying today to get a rep and i can't get anyone. Anyone else having a problem?

Calling isn't necessarily better. I just prefer the instant gratification of having my concerns taken care of by phone immediately, rather than trade e-mails over several days. Complex issues are best resolved over the phone so one can have some give and take. Routine stuff can be done by e-mail.

Just personal preference I guess. Some people are frightened of calling Columbia House for one reason or another. They are better off trying e-mail.

I trust that you asked the phone question because you want to be able to deal with the new accounts after they are opened.

The regular CSRs can't open accounts using the best codes, last I asked. If you would like to try a phone application you need to call 888-242-3837 for best results.

This is now the third day I can't get through to any CSR on the phone. I have no idea what to do, I've tried eveerything I can think of. Why am I the only one unable to get through...very frustrating!

I've done this for years. no problems. I prefer this method as it doesn't give them a chance to try and pressure you into keeping your account by counter offering over and over.

What pressure? When they ask why I am closing my account I tell them I have another account and only need one. End of disscussion. The nice thing about closing on the phone is that I know it is done, right away, and I can delete it from my mental list of things to do.

I tell them the exact same thing. I actually just called and did this today (by choosing the "place an order" option). BTW, I asked if there were any free shipping specials going or coming up soon (expecting her to offer to place an order for me with free shipping) and she said there were no future plans for free shipping offers. That wasn't what I wanted to hear, but hopefully she's not "in the know."