Ant-
I have never waited for CAs to write me back or call me.
Wrote/mailed letters for GW after PIF on 25 Mar. Called to f/u last week (3-4 Apr) and ensure letters had been received, check status. All were received, all were being considered. Called back all today to check again.
I am a tremendously impatient person
And I know that getting familiar & comfy w/ a company helps get things done... tossing around a couple names "oh what's your name? How's Tameka, I usually speak to her, she's been helping me out with this..." that kind of thing.
For the PFD I got today, it is a series of 5 med bills. I originally called the OC last month, asked about PFD. CSR said they are with CA, she can't help me. I called CA, asked if I could get a PFD on a payment plan (delete each acc't as I pay it off). CA said they couldn't do that, but once I PIF all 5 collections they would contact OC about deleting from CR. So I paid off two on the spot (make a gesture to show I"m serious about this) and then waited a few weeks. Called back OC today, mentioned again I want to PIF all accounts, I went through a really hard time (really did. I mentioned the bank robbery my ex was involved in, and it's a small town where this hospital town so the CSR gasped in surprise b/c she remembers the robbery...) and had to disappear to get away from the ex. I also made it clear I had already brought this up to the CA & the CA agreed, jsut said they would need OC's permission.. **thinking this was key, as it's easier to agree when someone else has already approved the idea..** She got her supervisor on the phone & he approved the whole thing. Asked him to email me confirmation, for my records.. ALWAYS say "for my records" don't tip them off you'll use it to hold their feet to the fire later if necessary... and now it's a done deal.
I know everyone says never talk to a CA, but I've alwasy had the most luck talking on the phone, as opposed to letters only. Phone, followed up by letters, followed up by more phone, seems to be the best approach.