Sometimes you have to wonder how a multi-billion company makes money - or just how much of it wastes. Case in point: I needed to open a new 401K account, which any money manager would be salivating to get a new account. Went online and filled out the required forms only to find out that they could not be submitted online but rather had to be handed to an associate at a location. Unfortunately, the closest appointment was over a week away. Opted to walk-in and drop off the forms instead.
After arriving at this location, I was greeted by two associate greeters at the door. I presented my paperwork. The gentleman looked it over and made sure all "three" sections were included and advised me that it would be processed and I should hear back shortly. Amazingly, nothing took place in this visit that necessitated an office visit. All could have been submitted online. Go figure. But there's more.
After three long weeks I finally receive an email from my assigned account manager. Then a voicemail. I call back a day or so later to find out my account manager is away on vacation. Then the rep on the phone passed me around to a few people before finally get a rep willing to help. I am then instructed that I am missing a different form, though the online walkthrough doesn't mention it. Thankfully the rep offers to email it to me and lets me know that this form must also be dropped off at the office. Lucky me.
The email never arrives so a few weeks later I call back. Unknowingly, the email had bounced (though it didn't when the first rep emailed and why not just call me?) and nobody bothered to let me know. The new agent sat on the phone as he walked me to the file location online and I was able to fill out the form! Woo hoo! not yet.... Save the cheers for later...
I print the forms and head to the office. No appointment as the closest available appointment was a week away. However, I was greeted and promptly seated with an account manager. Finally, someone checked my ID but refused to take the deposit check with the paperwork. Though the directions clearly stated to bring a check with the form, the rep rationalized that she can't accept the funds until the account is opened - I thought that is what we are doing. Confused I left and waited a few more weeks before I was notified that my account had finally been opened though I was never offered any coffee, cookies, or a Twizzler. I hope your experience is better.
How on earth do they make so much money? read more