phone manners

Hello...can you hear me now?

Talking on the phone is one of my least favorite ways to communicate. I prefer face to face, preferably at a restaurant or bar or texting if it needs to be immediate. But there are times when we need to use the phone. Like when we're dealing with a problem, such as airline reservations, over billing, computer problem, FedEx.

The issues I have with these phone call centers is the NO one has trained these people in customer service. Basically, the customer is always right as long as they don't shout, call names or use obscenities. Unfortunately, after you have spoken with someone at a call center whose English is their third or fourth language and are reading from a script that doesn't have your problem on it you get a little bit frustrated. But what can we do?

When making this call, give yourself time. It may take an hour or more. Then the first thing to say is ask for a supervisor. Above everything do not let them upset you. Stay calm. Speak in a friendly manner. Lastly, until you get what you want, keep saying this is unacceptable. You may have to repeat this a lot. Say things like, "How can we solve this issue?"

I promise with good manners you will get what you want. You just have to be persistent.
xoxoAmanda