redux Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 Many of us were solicited and told that if we renew by May 31 we would be entered into a drawing for the $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 prizes. Then we received another message on the 5th of June stating that if we renew by June 20th we would be entered into a drawing for $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 prizes. Since we have so little faith in the New and Improved ATX many of us assumed that this was an extension of the previous contest. Apparently we were wrong... see: There's still one day to qualify to win up to $5,000 just for renewing your ATX software for the 2007 tax year. Our special contest ends on June 20--tomorrow. And anyone who renews by then is eligible for one of three prizes--$5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. By the way, we recently drew the winners of an earlier contest for ATXers who renewed by June 1. First prize goes to Paul Kirkland of Kilgore, TX (customer since 2003), second prize goes to Karen Graham, Liberty, MO (customer since 2001) and third prize goes to Michael Sapera, Mandeville, LA (customer since 1999). Congratulations all! a message I received today. It would be nice and more believable if the winners would come forward and identify themselves on this board so we could be sure they, in fact, exist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneInAlabama Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 It looks like there are indeed two contests, but I bet it wasn't planned that way from the beginning. They may have read some of the comments that have been made on this board concerning that and decided that maybe they had better make it another contest. Just my thought. Gene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redux Posted June 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 It looks like there are indeed two contests, but I bet it wasn't planned that way from the beginning. They may have read some of the comments that have been made on this board concerning that and decided that maybe they had better make it another contest. Just my thought. Gene Not just your thought Gene, mine also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcb39 Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 And mine....in fact, I am almost certain that when the notice came of the June 20th extension; it said that if you had already renewed, you did not need to enter again. I don't have that particular e-mail on this computer, but will check it when I get home. Also, I did not receive the one congratulating the winners. If, indeed they did draw on May 31, congratulations to all. If they know about this board, it would be nice if they would identify themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redux Posted June 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 And mine....in fact, I am almost certain that when the notice came of the June 20th extension; it said that if you had already renewed, you did not need to enter again. I don't have that particular e-mail on this computer, but will check it when I get home. Also, I did not receive the one congratulating the winners. If, indeed they did draw on May 31, congratulations to all. If they know about this board, it would be nice if they would identify themselves. You are correct, it did say if you have already renewed you will be automatically entered, here it is: Dear ATXer, You know that you can receive a 10% discount if you renew your ATX software by June 30. Well, if you renew by June 20, 2007, you'll be automatically entered in a drawing for one of three prizes.$5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. That's right.we're giving away a total of $10,000 to three ATXers just for renewing early this year. You don't often get the chance to win a lot of cash for doing something you were going to do anyway. So what are you waiting for? Call one of our Account Management Specialists today at 800-944-8883. Or simply renew online at offers.atxinc.com. Your savings code is: xxxxxxxxx Your ATX Total Satisfaction Team P.S. If you have already renewed, then you will be automatically entered in this drawing. However, to be fair, they could still have ended the first contest as they stated, May 31 and those persons re-entered into the next contest, except, I would hope, for the winners of the first contest. My sense is that it was an attempt at deception, they're getting good at it, I'm sorry to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacun Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 I got this yesterday. It seems you still have ten days to enter the contest. "We know you usually wait until later in the year to renew your ATX software for next season. So we wanted to give you a special reason to renew now. If you renew by June 30, 2007, you'll not only get 10% off on the price of your software, you'll also have a chance at winning up to $5,000 cash. That's because we're extending the deadline for entering our special contest until June 30. Renew by then, and you'll be eligible for one of three prizes--$5,000, $3,000 and $2,000." They include the names of the 3 winners from the previous contest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Brasch Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 I got this yesterday. It seems you still have ten days to enter the contest. "We know you usually wait until later in the year to renew your ATX software for next season. So we wanted to give you a special reason to renew now. If you renew by June 30, 2007, you'll not only get 10% off on the price of your software, you'll also have a chance at winning up to $5,000 cash. That's because we're extending the deadline for entering our special contest until June 30. Renew by then, and you'll be eligible for one of three prizes--$5,000, $3,000 and $2,000." They include the names of the 3 winners from the previous contest. Are they sending different emails to different ones of us, by any chance? Wayne :angry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanmcq Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 I got one stating I had to renew by June 20 to be entered in the contest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redux Posted June 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 I got one stating I had to renew by June 20 to be entered in the contest. So far, we're now up to at least three contest entry dates. It appears they had their minds made up...in a way that could be changed easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneInAlabama Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 We know you usually wait until later in the year to renew your ATX software for next season. So we wanted to give you a special reason to renew now. It sounds like Pacun is getting special treatment because he usually waits until later in the year to renew. My understanding is that, at least in the large drawings and contests, special rules have to be followed and specific rules have to be listed. I wonder if this applies to smaller drawings such as this one. I like ATX software, but I find myself liking the company less each day. Gene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacun Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 That's right. I have never purchased early. I always wait until at least christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 I'm not renewing early. Still holding out for the coffee maker, toaster oven, and microwave freebies... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redux Posted June 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 ... but I find myself liking the company less each day. Gene I don't, I've reached the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAXBILLY Posted June 21, 2007 Report Share Posted June 21, 2007 Got a call from ATX yesterday. Told the sales person I'm still thinking about it. She asked if there was anything she could do to help me make up my mind. I replied a 20% discount would help. She said she unfortunately could not do that and I said I understand. Told her I have to go now. I'm evaluating some software. Silence at the other end. taxbilly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdadder Posted June 21, 2007 Report Share Posted June 21, 2007 Had same experience but did not ask for the 20%. Just want a feeling of confidence in the product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tax Prep by Deb Posted June 21, 2007 Report Share Posted June 21, 2007 I also was contacted on Monday to renew. I told the sales person that I was looking at other options and that I was not pleased with the recent changes and the way they treated us at the end of this tax season. Again, there was silence. Then I was given the promotion code so that if I changed my mind I could get the 10% if I order by June 30th. My thoughts are that if enough of us did that, perhaps they may re-think their current position. With me I am going to have to go up to MAX even though it is way more program than I need. But by the time I add all the extra fees for the e-files that I do it just makes since. The extra money I'm having to pay for MAX over my previous program really isn't the issue, if I felt the customer service would roll back to say a year ago, I would gladly pay and renew in a heart beat. But like most of you I wasn't impressed with all the things they cut out at the end of the year. If they truly are trying to get into our market, the best way they can do that is to offer a good product, reasonable prices, but most importantly EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICED! If people like the service they get, they won't mind the extra prices. That is the same philosphy that I promote my business with and that is why I have grown from just a handful of clients to well over 200 each year. I have about a 95% return business each year, with the other 5% leaving usually because they move out of the area, or it was their first year with me and they owed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAXBILLY Posted June 24, 2007 Report Share Posted June 24, 2007 I too feel that if you treat your clients right and go the extra mile when necessary you will be rewarded. taxbilly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barosser Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 I spoke to a ATX rep. and was told that ATX users traditionally are slow to renew and that the other software that was gobbled up at the same time renewed at a much faster rate. I told her that I was not impressed as I renewed for at least one more year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeyman Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Taxbilly and Deb, Of course there was silence at the other end. What was the rep to do? How are they supposed to reply to this? These decisions are made WAY over their heads and they have no control. Please take this into consideration. Granted, the elimination of the Community Board so abruptly may not have been a good move on ATX(CCH)'s part. Welcome to corporate America, everyone! We are but a small pool of people in a large sea of faceless consumers. Don't take out your frustration on the folks trying to make a living answering the phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eli Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Don't take out your frustration on the folks trying to make a living answering the phone. That almost sounds like someone from the company :-) Eli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeyman Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Maybe so, Maybe not, Eli Let's just say I am someone with enough experience and background to NOT be rude or overly demanding to people with no authority. I have been in the customer service field for a long time. Let's also say I am someone with enough self control to NOT post horror stories about the complaint phone calls with outrageous demands made by people on this forum (and on TaxPro Exchange), or to point out the inaccuracies of certain posts. Some claims made here and elsewhere about "stupid tech support" leave out important details that I would LOVE to elaborate on. A few folks on this board (very few, 99.9% of you folks are great) have bad memories and are not as smart as they think. Too bad this 0.1% are also the most vocal. Posted with all due respect, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redux Posted July 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Maybe so, Maybe not, Eli Let's just say I am someone with enough experience and background to NOT be rude or overly demanding to people with no authority. I have been in the customer service field for a long time. Let's also say I am someone with enough self control to NOT post horror stories about the complaint phone calls with outrageous demands made by people on this forum (and on TaxPro Exchange), or to point out the inaccuracies of certain posts. Some claims made here and elsewhere about "stupid tech support" leave out important details that I would LOVE to elaborate on. A few folks on this board (very few, 99.9% of you folks are great) have bad memories and are not as smart as they think. Too bad this 0.1% are also the most vocal. Posted with all due respect, of course. Nice to hear from you William. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeyman Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Nice to hear from you William. Guess again, Bob :ph34r: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redux Posted July 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Guess again, Bob :ph34r: Whatever you say. I just thought there was a "Glimmer" of a chance I was right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tax Prep by Deb Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 I have an update to my earlier post. I received a call from a person at ATX yesterday trying to entice me to renew. When I told him I was exploring all my options he asked me why I was hesitating. I explained the two main reasons, one having to do with what they did with the community (I know he has no say on it, however he asked!) and second had to do with the price adjustment on the 1040 package (adding an additional fee of $5.00 per FED/STATE that I file (which by the way is about 200) and that by adding the additional fee it would cost way to much for me to use that program, and that I felt I was being forced into MAX (cost difference) of which has way to much program for my practice. He told me that they felt the thinking was that so low a fee could be passed on to my client, but the truth is I pass my cost of living increase on to my client, which means that instead of rasing $5.00 per return this year I would have to raise it at least $10.00. I also explained to him that when it was a choice I did add e-file on as an option and charged extra for it, but California now mandates that I e-file so I don't feel right in asking me clients to pay me for a service I have to by law provide. He then asked me if I would consider renewing if they gave me 10% off for renewing and a flat fee of $200.00 for unlimited e-file? I told him I would think about it, but I wasn't prepared to give him an answer right away. He gave me his direct extension if I change my mind. I guess the point is that sometimes you do need to express yourself, even if it is just to a person trying to make a living. Obviously ATX is listening or I don't believe the offer would have been made. It is true that we are now experiencing Corporate America, however we are still the ones that pay their salaries. I explained to the gentlemen that I realize a price increase is needed, obviously if I feel I need to raise my price, but if it is gradual it's much easier to pass on than slamming us all at once. Well, I've said what I wanted to say, hopefully some of you will get similar offers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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