Siriusly?

What’s on my mind? SiriusXM Canada is raising its rates. 

Now??? When people are bruised and grieving for loved ones lost to COVID-19? Now??? When people are losing their jobs and need every penny to put food on the table and pay their rent? Now??? When people are sick and dying from the novel coronavirus?

Now??? Now??? Now???

Sirius says the increase is justified. Tell that to the pensioner who’s already stretched. Tell that to the person whose only companion is their radio. Tell that to someone just trying to survive who wants some entertainment and international news, in the time of COVID-19.

We love SiriusXM Canada, but our relationship with them is rocky. In 2014, Sirius’ annual charge was $175.89. We bought the service on a promo: 120 channels, $79.96 for the year. By 2016 and 2017, Sirius’ annual renewal fee had risen to $191.88. 

By 2019, it hit $260.77 - a massive increase. This year’s hike takes the service to $269.21.

Internet Chatter has not ignored these increases. “How can I get Sirius XM cheaper?” someone asked last month.

http://wallethacks.com recommends bargaining: “To get the best deal, you have to call and threaten to cancel. They will then offer you the best deal. If they don’t, call back. Or, you can take their current deal of 6 months of SiriusXM for $50. It is very close to the best deal I’ve ever seen and you don’t have to call to cancel.” But that’s in the US.

I’m Canadian. Canadians aren’t programmed to haggle. Sirius XM’s multiple discounts and “deals” make our heads spin. 

Several places on Sirius’ annual invoice cite both the company’s phone number and website. That invoice showed up in my Inbox April 9 at 6:02 am. By 3:03 pm, Sirius sent a second mail - this one in boldface - reading: “If you would like to contact us, please visit: https://www.siriusxmcanada/contact-us .” 

Hmmm ... The word “please” jumped out at me. Not to mention that Ian Gordon, the guy who signs the annual announcement of a rate hike is the “Senior VP, Customer Acquisition and Retention.” The word “retention” jumped out at me, too.

You know ... I think I’ll just reprogram myself to haggle. Reading between the lines of the boldfaced message on that second, rapidly sent email, I’m not the only person unhappy with these never-ending rate hikes.

©  Nicole Parton, 2020