From the ridiculous to the sublime, Don George's collection of real Customer Service absurdities will make you laugh and forget your frustrations.  In preparation for his manuscript and anticipated release of his upcoming book, "The Mouse Ran Up the Clock, and other Foibles of Customer-Disservice", Don has created the Raving Antics website where numerous samples of his collection can be read.  The site is expected to be operational on or about April 1, 2008 (when else?).  The first draft has been completed...but the publisher had issues!  Imagine that?  So, we're working on the modifications and hope to have them by the end of 2008.

Here's a collection of real responses from Customer Service Representatives, those with the thankless job of trying to satisfy all of our various needs when we contact a company with which we do business.  These are generally hard working people who truly want to satisfy their customers.  Unfortunately, while their Company's executives are handsomely rewarded for meeting defined goals, it seems that proper integration of systems, providing a positive customer experience, and giving CSRs appropriate tools are not among the measurements.

"Debit cash, credit embezzlement.  The books are balanced."  A true finding...but there might be a problem.

"Para información en Español, prima el dos," with no other instructions provided from the automated attendant at an insurance company.

"How can we help you today?" And after 45 minutes on the phone and being transferred 6 times, "Oh, we can't do that."

"Even though you are a current wireless customer, we can't issue you additional equipment without a new credit application," from a wireless company..

"I'm sorry that you're having that problem sir.  Let me see what I can do to fix it."  Apparently it is MY problem, not theirs.

"Click here to pay your bill online."  It fails to recognise the account.  Then, try calling their bill payment number, successfully navigate through the automated system and enter all of the required payment information (about 6minutes) only to receive an automated response, "We are unable to apply your payment at this time.  Please try again."  Repeat 3-4 times with no success.

Check out Raving Antics.  You can submit your own antics and have a chance to win a prize.

Page Updated: 08/04/2008 03:44:18 PM -0500