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:

  1. That's crazy!

    I think the future of customer service is in India.

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

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

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

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