Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Is This The Future of Customer Service?


You know when you call a customer service number and get a recording?  Nine times out of ten, you do.  Also, nine times out of ten, I believe, the caller would prefer to speak to a real person.  There have been a number of "tricks" suggested to get yourself directed to a human being.

This morning I came across a new strategy on the other end of the line.  I had to make a call about  my credit card bill.  Of course, I was connected to a recording.  I responded to the usual initial questions to identify myself and my account.  Then I was informed that I had two choices:  1) I could proceed with the automated system; or 2) I could be connected to a real person... for a fee of $35.00.

Wow!  Is this the future of customer service?

7 comments:

the veg artist said...

Blimey! I'm almost speechless.

littlemancat said...

Terrible! It's maddening.
Mary

Bearette said...

That's crazy!

I think the future of customer service is in India.

judy in ky said...

I couldn't believe it myself!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Are you kidding???
That hasn't hit here yet, but given that it's started there it probably won't be long.

judy in ky said...

Not kidding, Pam. I couldn't believe it!

FatSmartAndHappy said...

I'd have paid the $35. Once. Then told the real person to close my account.