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Non-Tech : E*Trade (NYSE:ET) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TheStockMonkey who wrote (6043)	4/16/1999 7:19:00 PM
From: Jbenz0	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 13953

I saw others getting what seemed to be free money from Etrade's IPO offerings. I thought as a shareholder I'd sign up, experience the co. firsthand and hopefully score some shares at the offer. Besides they said they'd give me $50 just for signing up. I sent in my check for $2500, and waited. I actually got back my welcome pack in a reasonable amount of time. It sat on my desk for a week before I had time to log on. When I finally did log on I couldn't access my account, I got a message that told me to contact customer service. So I called, and after threading my way through the expected robot phone system I sat on hold for the expected 20 minute wait and finally got a customer service person who claimed he was able to log into my account just fine and said the problem had to be on my end. The solution was to pass me on to the tech dept. Then began another 20 min. wait for tech, who told me they couldn't log on to my account either and that it was impossible for the customer service guy to have done so either. I'd been lied to. The reason for being unable to log into my account was supposedly that it had been updated that day and I would have to wait until tomorrow to access it. I explained that there shouldn't have been any changes, as It should only contain my initial deposit, but since neither of us could access it, I thanked him for his help and waited. The next day lo and behold I was able to access my account, and after exploring the somewhat confusing interface, I was only able to see an account balance of $500 instead of the $2500 I sent them. And where was that $50 they said they'd give me? Rather than face the wait on the telephone, I used their internal mail system to send a worried note of complaint. Next day no response, so I sent another request for service. Next day no response, so I waited 30 minutes on the phone to talk to a nice customer service person named Gina, who said she would have to check it out with cashiering and get back to me. I asked if there was a way I could contact her directly without a 20 min. wait, she said that there was not. Next day no response. Next day I got a message from Gina: Mr. Jbenz0 I submitted the inquiry regarding your deposit yesterday and I have not heard any new information. I assure you that I will contact you immediately upon learning an update of the situation. Thank you in advance for you patience. Sincerely, Gina E*Trade Customer Service. {my name changed} Next day no response. I had hoped to start an IRA with them, but I don't think I can put up with this barrier between me and my money. These people know how to get customers(offer IPO's and free money), but they don't have the infrastructure to support them. Draw your own conclusions. I am no longer a shareholder. Jbenz0