Bootheel Wireless keeps residents in touch

Sunday, January 5, 2003
Shelly Coppages is an authorized dealer for AT&T Wireless and has opened Bootheel Wireless.

SIKESTON - Shelly Coppage wants Southeast Missourians to stay in touch wherever they go.

Owner of Bootheel Wireless, located at 508 S. Main St. in Sikeston, Coppage considers the best way to do that is with a cellular phone and the AT&T wireless network.

"The AT&T Wireless Digital Advantage plan makes it easy to stay in touch with family, friends and business contacts," said Coppage. "We have the advantage of AT&T, which has made a commitment with other carriers to use their towers across the United States."

According to Coppage this means wherever a Bootheel Wireless customer travels, even if an AT&T tower isn't available, the customer will still have a signal through one of the contracted towers.

Touting the company's experience in telecommunications, Coppage added: "AT&T has been around a long time and will continue to be here. They have credibility."

It isn't just the service provided by AT&T, that is building Bootheel Wireless' reputation with cellular users. Coppage, who has worked with wireless providers for the past two years and is an authorized dealer for AT&T Wireless, said customer service is key to her business success.

To make her point she explained that she always encourages a new customer to return to Bootheel Wireless after they receive their first bill. Coppage will review the bill to ensure the customer has the correct calling plan to meet their needs.

"Sometimes a customer won't know just how he will use his cellular phone or how many minutes he needs. I want to make sure my customers are happy, they are pleased with the service and the package they have."

Coppage said customers also enjoy a wide selection of service plans and features.

She noted AT&T offers a variety of special promotions. These include such things as bonus minutes, free phones or free activation. There are one-year service agreements available for customers who choose AT&T's wireless plans.

Also through Bootheel Wireless, customers can choose caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, call forwarding and voice mail. AT&T Wireless has roadside assistance available, which can range from towing to tire changes and another AT&T feature customers find attractive is the directory assistance available wherever they go.

Coppage and her staff of Jake Nesselrodt and Bethany Sloan offer more than just cellular networking services through Bootheel Wireless. At the Sikeston store, customers will find belt clips, leather cases, antennas, cigarette lighter adapters and extended batteries for their cellular phones.

Pointing to a case filled with solid-color cellular phone face plates mixed in with designer face plates, Coppage said these are available at 50 percent off regular retail prices.

To encourage her customers to spread the word about Bootheel Wireless, Coppage offers a bonus to those who refer a new customer. When a new customer makes a referral who joins the AT&T service plan through Bootheel Wireless within 14 days of activation, the local store will provide a $25 credit to the referring customer's first bill.

So far the emphasis on quality and service has paid off for Bootheel Wireless. According to the business owner they have added numerous customers to the AT&T system since opening in August.

"Business has been good but we want to introduce more people to the advantages of AT&T wireless," she added.

Bootheel Wireless is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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