advantage alert
TRANSCRIPT
Advantage Alert
Medical Alert
How Advantage Alert Works
Advantage Alert subscribers wear their waterproof pendant as they go about their daily ac8vi8es. If they need emergency assistance, they simply press the red bu=on on their device to be connected to a call center. Upon being connected, the agent inquires to the state of the emergency and summons appropriate help, whether it be a family member, friend or an ambulance. Unique to the Advantage Alert system is an addi8onal op8on of a blue bu=on which connects to a call center staffed by Registered Nurses, who answer basic health ques8ons. Both of these call centers are staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Warranty
• Advantage Alert devices are all covered by limited warranty in the event of defec8ve units only. Agents did not give a 8meframe during which the equipment is covered. Units which are damaged by the subscriber are subject to a $200 replacement cost.
Pricing Pricing for an Advantage Alert subscrip8on is a moving target. The website has vague references to pricing for the first three months, based upon a 12 month contract. ‘ Calling customer service for more informa8on was not fruiQul in clearing up exact pricing. Customer Service Agents repeatedly spoke of “special offers” which they could give for “an extremely limited 8me.” The figures for monthly service ranged from $34.50-‐$53.50, depending on the “special offer.” These quotes were given at different 8mes to different reviewers, and seem to be for the same medical monitoring service and the same contract length.
Contract
New customers with Advantage Alert are commi9ed to a 12 or 24
month contract.
Who is Advantage Alert? • As far as a company, there is li=le informa8on about Advantage Alert available either through their
website, customer service agents or external sources.
• The company’s website and customer service agents are focused on the fact that their product has been seen on TV, primarily through adver8sements, rather than having been featured by news media as a worthwhile product.
• Advantage Alert does not have an open file with and subsequently is not accredited by the Be=er Business Bureau.
• Customer service agents are very focused on closing sales rather than to help people find the best product. They were not able to or would not respond to simple ques8ons, such as “Does this product work with VOIP phones?” Responses were typically directed to the special promo8on which is being run right now, and a=emp8ng to capture billing informa8on.
• When asked about the staff at the monitoring center, representa8ves could not answer the ques8ons as to what type of training that they have, if they are EMTs, etc.
A benefit for subscribers to Advantage Alert is the ability to communicate
with a Registered Nurse 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to discuss their
medical concerns or to determine if a doctor’s appointment or emergency
room visit is necessary.
Advantage Alert’s website does not have enough informa8on for customers about their system, coverage, costs, or service. Ordering the system or receiving detailed informa8on requires that prospec8ve customers contact the customer service agents. The customer service agents interact with prospec8ve customers with a hard sell pitch. Ques8ons are rarely answered, and the agents follow up every response with responses such as, “This special is going to expire as soon as we receive 500 customers, and we are almost there. Let me help you take advantage of the offer.” Pricing is vague on the site and with the customer service agents. Some of the “special promo8ons” encountered by reviewers include free ac8va8on, equipment and shipping. Representa8ves would not disclose these costs for 8me outside of the special promo8on, saying that they “did not have access” to that informa8on. Advantage Alert does not offer mobile medical monitoring to their customer for when they are away from home.
For those needing the peace of mind for themselves or their loved ones, medical monitoring is ocen an answer. However, in the case of Advantage Alert, one is far be=er off to pass on their services. There is too li=le informa8on about Advantage Alert as a company available and the hard sales pitches of the customer service agents is almost preying upon an at risk popula8on. Seniors and their families having seen adver8sing on television for this company should avoid them in favor of another company which is more transparent.
Company Contact InformaBon
Advantage Alert 5400 Airport Rd. Tampa, FL. 33634
(844) 841-‐8133
Monday -‐ Friday 9am -‐ 5pm Only
