Cox deposit? (Phoenix: good credit, house, transfer)

[Rachiie]

Has anyone had to make a deposit when ordering services from Cox communications. My husband and I have lived in 3 other states and have never been asked for a deposit from a cable company before. Is this normal practice for AZ or are cox just picking on us?

[ComputerGuy]

Not to offend at all, but usually companies ask for a deposit if your credit isn't up to par. I know that every utility company, cable company, phone company, heck just about all companies pull your credit to determine if they want to risk letting you have service.

If they see somewhat of a risk, they ask for a deposit. You may want to check your bills on those other states that you moved from, maybe you had a small balance and you were not aware of it, you moved, they couldn't find you, and wham, you get a mark on your credit.

[Rachiie]

Originally Posted by ComputerGuy

Not to offend at all, but usually companies ask for a deposit if your credit isn't up to par. I know that every utility company, cable company, phone company, heck just about all companies pull your credit to determine if they want to risk letting you have service.

If they see somewhat of a risk, they ask for a deposit. You may want to check your bills on those other states that you moved from, maybe you had a small balance and you were not aware of it, you moved, they couldn't find you, and wham, you get a mark on your credit.

Thanks for your response. I am so very aware of the credit issue, we have only lived in the country for 3 years (from the UK) it took a 1 year to be able to get a credit card (we still own a house in the UK but good credit history is not transferable across the pond!). We now have several credit cards and have not experience a credit based issue in a while. We move frequently with my husbands job and have always forwarded our mail, there wre no outstanding balances on the credit report the last time I checked. Maybe Cox just have higher standards than other cable companies!

I did tell the Cox lady that I wasn't planning on stealing the cable box!

[ComputerGuy]

I can't speak for Cox cable, but in Jacksonville, FL we use comcast. They did run our credit for cable services, and Bellsouth (now AT&T) ran our credit as well.

I guess you will be better off when some people that are actually in AZ respond. I'm trying to live vicariously through them for the time being, until I make it to AZ.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Rachiie

Has anyone had to make a deposit when ordering services from Cox communications. My husband and I have lived in 3 other states and have never been asked for a deposit from a cable company before. Is this normal practice for AZ or are cox just picking on us?

I agree with ComputerGuy, Rachiie . . . it is usually based on your Credit Score!

However, considering your circumstances, getting the deposit waived may be possible if you speak to a supervisor.

[Rachiie]

Originally Posted by Bummer

I agree with ComputerGuy, Rachiie . . . it is usually based on your Credit Score!

However, considering your circumstances, getting the deposit waived may be possible if you speak to a supervisor.

Thanks for your help, I am dialling Cox as I type!

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Rachiie

Thanks for your help, I am dialling Cox as I type!

Are you still on hold?

I've had uninterrupted Cox service for so many years, I honestly don't remember if they required a deposit.

[artvandelay]

I've lived in various states, and on occasion a utility company requires a csh deposit, usually small.

I had to give SRP a $200 cash deposit for an electricity account. I've found in Phoenix, consumers are treated as risks regardless of credit rating. Like you are a deadbeat by default until proven otherwise.

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by Rachiie

Has anyone had to make a deposit when ordering services from Cox communications. My husband and I have lived in 3 other states and have never been asked for a deposit from a cable company before. Is this normal practice for AZ or are cox just picking on us?

I agree with the deadbeat comment. I have literally solid gold credit, not so much as a piece of dust on my credit report as far as the eye can see. When I was transferred to Washington DC, I had to leave a large deposit for electric (not cable though).

A friend of mine who worked for the power utility said it was because of the frequency of moves in and out of the area. Apparently, it was deadbeat central, and they merely assumed that everyone was a deadbeat.

When I moved to AZ, same thing, large deposit for power, but none for cable.

I suspect it depends on many factors. I wouldn't be surprised if it was related to number of moves or location. Although it shouldn't be, it probably is.

[country pride]

Originally Posted by Rachiie

Has anyone had to make a deposit when ordering services from Cox communications. My husband and I have lived in 3 other states and have never been asked for a deposit from a cable company before. Is this normal practice for AZ or are cox just picking on us?

When I had it they made me put a deposit too but I think they check your credit, to see if you pay your bills on time or not. Im one of those who wait till the last possible moment before paying mine, so of course veryoe wants one from me.