We know there are the technical sides of a successful blog like targeting the right keywords, regular posting, SEO, backlinks, traffic, advertising, selling products or services that people want…and so on.
Let’s assume you have all those things in place. If you do, you have a great chance of being a successful blogger but…
…there is one thing that can ruin all your hard work and that’s…
Customer Service
When you run your own on-line business, you are accountable for the customer service side of the business.
That could be as simple as replying to the majority of your comments.
Or:
- Providing some advice to a customer’s question
- Making it easy for the customer to purchase your products and services
- Responding to any customers requests
You need to be willing to go the extra mile when it comes to customer service…but sometimes it can be hard…
Here are a few funny true stories that were passed to me by one of our Income Blogging Guide Membership members, Jean Gogolin.
Jean started her brand new blog, The Complete Olive just a few weeks ago. She provides some beautiful recipes for “People Who Love Mediterranean Food”.
The Stories:
Samsung Electronics
Caller: ‘Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?’
Operator: ‘I’m sorry, sir, I don’t understand who you are talking about.’
Caller: ‘On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and Telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the Number for Jack?’
Operator: ‘I think it means the telephone plug on the wall.’
_______________________________________________________________________________________
RAC Motoring Services
Caller: ‘Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am travelling in Australia?’
Operator: ‘Does the product name give you a clue?’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in Europe)
‘If I register my car in France, and then take it to England, do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Directory Enquiries
Caller: ‘I’d like the number of the Argo Fish Bar, please’
Operator: ‘I’m sorry, there’s no listing. Are you sure that the spelling is correct?’
Caller: ‘Well, it used to be called the Bargo Fish Bar but the ‘B’ fell off.’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.
Operator: ‘Woven? Are you sure?’
Caller: ‘Yes. That’s what it says on the label — Woven in Scotland’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Tech Support
Tech Support: ‘I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop.’
Customer: ‘OK.’
Tech Support: ‘Did you get a pop-up menu?’
Customer: ‘No.’
Tech Support: ‘OK . Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?’
Customer: ‘No.’
Tech Support: ‘OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this Point?’
Customer: ‘Sure. You told me to write ‘click’ and I wrote ‘click’.’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Tech Support: ‘OK. At the bottom left hand side of your screen, can you see the ‘OK’ button displayed?’
Customer: ‘Wow! How can you see my screen from there?’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Caller: ‘I deleted a file from my PC last week and I just realized that I need it. So, if I turn my system clock back two weeks will I get my file back again?’
___________________________________________________________________________________
This is a true story from the WordPerfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired.
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee:
Operator: ‘Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?’
Caller: ‘Yes, well, I’m having trouble with WordPerfect.’
Operator: ‘What sort of trouble?’
Caller: ‘Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.’
Operator: ‘Went away?’
Caller: ‘They disappeared’
Operator: ‘Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?’
Caller: ‘Nothing.’
Operator: ‘Nothing?’
Caller: ‘It’s blank; it won’t accept anything when I type.’
Operator: ‘Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?’
Caller: ‘How do I tell?’
Operator: ‘Can you see the ‘C: prompt’ on the screen?’
Caller: ‘What’s a sea-prompt?’
Operator: ‘Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?’
Caller: ‘There isn’t any cursor; I told you, it won’t accept anything I type.’
Operator: ‘Does your monitor have a power indicator??’
Caller: ‘What’s a monitor?’
Operator: ‘It’s the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it’s on?’
Caller: ‘I don’t know.’
Operator: ‘Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?’
Caller: ‘Yes, I think so.’
Operator: ‘Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it’s plugged into the wall.’
Caller: ‘Yes, it is.’
Operator: ‘When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one? ‘
Caller: ‘No.’
Operator: ‘Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.’
Caller: ‘Okay, here it is.’
Operator: ‘Follow it for me, and tell me if it’s plugged securely into the back of your computer.’
Caller: ‘I can’t reach.’
Operator: ‘OK. Well, can you see if it is?’
Caller: ‘No.’
Operator: ‘Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?’
Caller: ‘Well, it’s not because I don’t have the right angle – it’s because it’s dark.’
Operator: ‘Dark?’
Caller: ‘Yes – the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.’
Operator: ‘Well, turn on the office light then.’
Caller: ‘I can’t.’
Operator: ‘No? Why not?’
Caller: ‘Because there’s a power failure.’
Operator: ‘A power … A power failure? Aha. Okay, we’ve got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff that your computer came in?’
Caller: ‘Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.’
Operator: ‘Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.’
Caller: ‘Really? Is it that bad?’
Operator: ‘Yes, I’m afraid it is.’
Caller: ‘Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?’
Operator: ‘Tell them you’re too stupid to own a computer!’
How would you deal with such customers?
What funny customer services stories do you have to share?
Please share your views in the comments below.
__________________________________________________________________
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Hi, Andrew Rondeau here and this blog, my blog, will not lie to you. I will give it to you straight.This blog is about blogging, the Internet and sharing my experiences and advice on
Sorry to say I agree – some people are too stupid to have a computer…
.-= Michelle Vandepas´s last blog ..Heal Pain Naturally and Stop Your Chronic Pain =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Michelle,
Possibly – do you have to deal with such people?
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Andrew- I work with a lot of people in the 60′s and 70′s – some of whom really don’t understand computers that well, and I walk them through the process – often starting at how to plugin it. But I would never say MY CLIENTS are too stupid. I love each and every one of them – even if I have to teach them where the turn off button is. Occasionally though, I will get someone who just doesn’t listen – and that makes anyone stupid… I got a great laugh out of this post though. Thanks!
.-= Michelle Vandepas@life purpose´s last blog ..Carl Bozeman – Discover Your Spiritual Intuition and Embark Upon a Purpose-Driven Life =-.
(obviously I should have said in THEIR 60′s and 70′s)
.-= Michelle Vandepas@life purpose´s last blog ..Carl Bozeman – Discover Your Spiritual Intuition and Embark Upon a Purpose-Driven Life =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Sounds like you have a nice challenge on your hands!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Make A Blog Income Without Working Hard =-.
Twitter: happymakernowco
Ok, I think I can comment now. I am through laughing. That was great Andrew. Actually you made me feel pretty good. At least when you have helped me you haven’t told me to pack up my computer and take it back to the store. Guess I must know something. I’m sorry I am having trouble typing this because of laughter.
Anyway yes, customer service is very important, but I have to admit there are some people that just need to take there computer back!
At least when it comes to cell phones I am smart enough to know I don’t need text messaging, because I can’t hit the keys right. I tried it on the kids phones, not so good.
Debbie
.-= Debbie @ Happy Maker´s last blog ..The joy of being childlike – Rediscovering happiness in the world =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Debbie,
I’m glad it made you laugh.
In business, you come across all sorts and you still have to provide excellent customer service – no matter what.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
fabulous… last employee should have been promoted not fired. The customer is not always right and these gave me a good old chuckle! Thank You
Seriously, good FAQ’s are well worthwhile. I am sure most problems are common ones. But sometimes we do get fed up filling in forms on a computer and I do wonder a more personal approach, if the business model allows it, reaps dividends.
.-= Lance Nelson´s last blog ..YouTube Video: It’s Serious Fun For Travel Bloggers =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Lance,
Glad they gave you a chuckle!
Even with FAQ’s – people still ring or make contact because they can’t be bothered to read them.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
yup, I agree I they say “people buy people”
.-= Lance Nelson´s last blog ..YouTube Video: It’s Serious Fun For Travel Bloggers =-.
Twitter: http://leapofaction.com
Laughed my head off at the WordPerfect story. Will I find it again in the dark? The company should have promoted the operator, not fired. Actually, if they fired her/him they’ve done him/her a favor because s/he surely went on to bigger and better things. PS. I helped computer users, too, in my old corporate days. We’d send out new software releases with instructions to “call Johnny for the password.” As you will have guessed, we did get the occasional “call Johnny doesn’t work” message :-]
.-= Beat Schindler´s last blog ..What A Babyful World =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Beat
That’s the problem, isn;t it? When we write something we know exactly what we mean. To others it can mean something completely different.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
These are what the IT Dept calls ID.10.T. Errors.
Thanks so much for the laughs! I needed them this morning!
.-= Erica Mueller´s last blog ..Adding the Facebook Like Button to Your WordPress Blog =-.
Or a PEBCAK error.
(Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard)
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Erica.
I’m glad they helped you get through the morning!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
This is really funny. While I don’t have funny stories to share, I have a word of wisdom when it comes to customer service.
Fortunately my business is small enough so that I can over-see the entire operation. I hire employees and outsource tasks, but there is one thing I would like to stick to as long as the size of my business allows me to do, and this is customer service.
I started my company, because I pride myself in being a recognized expert in my field. Therefore, I would like to give the best of the company to my customers, so I will handle the initial enquiries, setting up the project, and ensuring that all goes well until the service delivery and through follow-up. As much as possible, I try to be the point of contact all the way. Fortunately it is easy because I have a handful, but larger contracts, so I can give each of them special attention. I would just feel bad advertising 10 years of experience on the site and have a new hire in training handle customer requests. Having said that, I do work with people who just enter the field, but they work with me when it comes to customer support. Also, given the small number of my clients, once we start negotiating a contract, they get to own my cell number with the permission to call any time.
This strategy is very successful, I think it has contributed a great deal to my clients satisfaction.
.-= Tom´s last blog ..Do Blind People Use a Special Keyboard? =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Tom,
I totally agree – I cannot see myself outsourcing any of my customer service.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Andrew -
Sorry, that lady deserved it.
These stories are too funny not to be true.
I have a friend who got a new computer and she complained to me she never gets emails.
After a few questions, it turned out she did not know she had to turn the computer on.
.-= Corinne Edwards´s last blog ..BE A SNITCHER – OR DIE? =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Corinne
Someone said to me the other day, “they never get any texts”.
“Why?”
“Becasue I don’t own a cell phone”
LOL
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
The one with the steering wheel change for england is by far the best.
Yeah, customer service is definately very time consuming and not paying off directly.
It’s something I definately want to outsource in the near future.
.-= Alex@Zahnaufheller´s last blog ..Braun Oral-B Sonic Complete DLX – Testbericht =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Alex,
At the moment customer service is something I won’t be outsourcing – I’d rather deal with my paying clients myself.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Twitter: blogtechguy
We’ve had our fair share of emails and contacts like those haven’t we? @ Corinne – I’d never get any emails if I didn’t turn my computer on. I’d get no work too!
.-= Joel @ Blog Solutions´s last blog ..Why You Should Use Video On Your Blog =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Joel
We have certainly had our fair share of ‘funny’ emails…like the one the other day from the guy who called us LIARS. He said our FREE guide wasn’t FREE!
At least they often bring a smile to our faces.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Too funny! The best part was being able to read some of the tech support calls to my older boys and having them appreciate the humor. Right-click. Bwahahaha! Thanks for the giggle.
.-= Amy LeForge´s last blog ..Keeping Family Close =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Amy,
Lovely! Glad your ‘shared’ my post in a different way to Facebook or Digg!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Humour aside, these stories do highlight some things that its easy to forget – (1) some people have very poor computer skills, skills we take for granted (2) Sometimes we think we have communicated a clear message – but….
.-= David Rogers@self confidence´s last blog ..Time for Change =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
David,
I totally agree – if someone doesn’t understand what you are saying – first thing is point the finger at yourself!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
hahaha! I especially like the telephone jack and “wrote click” stories. very nice!
.-= Julius´s last blog ..Do Blind People Use a Special Keyboard? =-.
That last one is absolute gold, but if that was a true transcript I have a feeling that poor telephone operator would have gotten fired for that call.
.-= Thomas@SEO Services´s last blog ..Cheap SEO: Yes It Is Possible! =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Thomas,
If we are to believe the story – he was fired.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Good stuff, definitely brought a smile to my face. Some days are just easier to get back to people than others and as I’ve noticed, the bigger things get, the harder it becomes to address everyone personally though I try my best..
.-= Mitch´s last blog ..PGA Tour 2010: Valero Texas Open Picks and Preview =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Mitch,
It’s true – customner service can take up a lot of your time – it’s also about managing expectations.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
This made me laugh so much! How did society ever come to the conclusion that ‘the customer is always right’? Now I understand why PC technicians alwasy ask infuriating questions such as ‘Is your machine turned on’?!
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Jen,
Glad it made you laugh.
Only the bad PC technicians ask infuriating questions?
Good ones would ask a question to decipher whether your machine is turned on…like can you see a green light on top right of your monitor?
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
WOW. Sometimes when you’re dealing with the general public the only thing you can do is shake your head and try not to laugh.
.-= John@Maryland Real Estate´s last blog ..Baltimore Real Estate =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
John,
Disagree – sometimes it’s good to laugh and then deal with the situation!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Enter The Simple IncomeBloggingGuide.com Contest =-.
From my own experience of working Tier 2 support at a cable company:
Customer: The stupid internet is down again… your service sucks… the internet never works… (blah, blah, blah, blah)
Me: I apologize for the inconvenience. What lights are showing on your modem?
Customer: None! The stupid thing doesn’t work… it never works
Me: Is the power light on?
Customer: No, I told you, none of the lights are on!
Me: Could you check the power cable?
Customer: Which one is the power cable?
Me: It’s the one that plugs into the wall, just like the power cable for your stereo or tv.
Customer: It’s not even plugged in!
Me: Well if it’s not plugged in… your modem isn’t getting any power… and without power, you can’t get any internet.
Customer: Oh
(Happy Ending: With a few minutes of gentle coaching, the modem was plugged in again, and this very special customer was able to surf the net once again)
Ah, the good old days.
keep smiling…
.-= Benjamin@Guaranteed Hypnosis´s last undefined ..Response cached until Fri 14 @ 4:13 GMT (Refreshes in 23.88 Hours) =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Ben,
Ah…the good old days.
Just that made me laugh (as well as the story!).
Thanks for sharing.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Twitter: raymond8
Wow. I can’t believe such people really exist.
I’m not sure if I should pity them.
.-= Raymond Chua´s last blog ..The Science of Getting Rich =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Raymond,
You never been on the end of such an experience?
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Funny post, some customers could be very frustrating but really the trick to great customer service is to understand what your customer is asking for or expecting and telling them either yes we can do that or no we can’t do that but, we can do this.
.-= Biodun @ Web hosting blog´s last blog ..Online fraud – 24automove.com a genuine UK company? =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Biodun
True – it is all about helping the customer and managing expectations.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
This post is super funny and reminds me of several funny support calls we have received. Sometimes it can be hard being on the other end of the call and trying not to laugh.
wow… very interesting all i like “right click tech support” one.
In our office there are some customer service executive, who confirm the lead generated, their conversation also very funny…
.-= chandan´s last blog ..7 Best Work At Home Marketplace For Freelancer =-.
Very funny — I am still laughing.
Btw, the costumer service in last story is very not customer service to thread costumer like that.
.-= Dana @ Blogging Tips Blog´s last blog ..The Simple Blogging Tips: Be Personal, Be Unique, Be Diffrent, Be Success =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Hi Dana
I am glad it made you laugh!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Contest Closing =-.
Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
People are so funny! Does stress make us stoo-pid? I know I’ve come up with some doozies when I’m tied up in knots trying to figure something out. The funniest ones are when we lose each other in the translation “sea – promt” hahahah! Write, click. Following directions to the letter…LOL!
.-= Cheryl from thatgirlisfunny´s last blog ..Apply the 5 Second Rule and Stay Young from the Inside Out =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Cheryl,
I’m sure stress does make a difference. We go down a route which we think is right but to someone else is stoo-pid!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Contest Closing =-.
Hi Andrew,
Honestly, I also burst into laughter – but it’s a serious issue. Customer service could really make or break your business since not all customers as well are automatically getting your instructions and advices and sometimes you as the customer support personnel doesn’t have enough capability to explain things easily or you explaining things the best as you could but the customer doesn’t want to listen even if he/she needed your advice.
This really is one big challenge of knowledge, patience and understanding.
Tyrone
.-= Tyrone´s last blog ..Outsource Force Program Is NOW LIVE! =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Tyrone,
My thinking is all customer interaction is a way of feedback. We should take on board what the customer is saying and change our instructions, etc.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The Funny Side of Customer Service =-.
Andrew my friend, I’ve been in customer service in one form or another my entire adult life. If I thought on it, I could write a book rivaling War&Peace in length.
Although he may have been right, it is because of reps like that last one that I do what I do now.
Funny as it is though, you ask any reputable computer tech/repairman; at LEAST 50% of the time…..it’s not plugged in.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Warning: 8 Posts Coming Back to Back =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Dennis,
I’m sure the customer service book is NOT on your list to do – is it?
Could be fun to create, though!
No matter what – you still have to treat the customer with respect.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Contest Closing =-.
I have had the thought in mind; not at the tippy top of the list though, no. lol
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Web Income Experiments DotCom Wins Hands-Down! =-.
Andrew — I am laughing so hard, I almost can’t type this comment. I needed a good laugh on a Friday afternoon. Thank you.
Seriously though — “The customer is always right” theory is the best way to go, even when the customer is wrong. I am not sure I know of any establishment or business that has flourished without great customer service. It’s an absolute must.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Lisa,
I’m glad it made you laugh.
You do have to treat each customer as though they are your only one and you are dependant upon them.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Contest Closing =-.
Very funny stories. I can see more and more of these type of funny stories develop due to language barriers as we outsource customer service from one country to another.
.-= Colleen@Kennewick Real Estate´s last blog ..North Richland Washington Homes For Sale and Real Estate =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Collen,
Unless my little business takes off – I cannot see myself ever outsourcing my customer service.
But you are right with what you say.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Contest Closing =-.
Andrew,
These are quite funny indeed.
Not everyone understands the basics of customer service it seems
Thanks for this post.
krizia
.-= Eat Smart Age Smart´s last blog ..Healthy Meal Plans include organic foods =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
krizia,
I’m glad your liked the sotries.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Blogging Guide: How Add a Contact Page for Maximum Effect =-.
OMG! That Wordperfect customer service rep was really having a bad day or just couldn’t take the customer’s stupidity any longer. I must say that she was really patient with that consumer. Why get a pc if you can’t operate one. Sheesh.
I pray to never encounter such customers in my life.
The punch line was GREAT!
.-= Udegbunam Chukwudi | StrictlyOnlineBiz´s last blog ..How to Fix Error 0X80070052 on USB Flash Drives =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Udegbunam
I fear one day – you will have to deal with such customers – they are not that rare!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Working From Home: The Pros and Cons =-.
[...] Finally, Blog Income presents some humorous stories in The Funny Side of Customer Service. [...]
These stories made me laugh very hard.
And now can anybody tell me how to submit my comment. The instructions only say, “Submit Comment,” but how?
Twitter: andrewrondeau
LOL, John. Very good!
You must have watched my video on how to submit a comment!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Blogging Guide: How Add a Contact Page for Maximum Effect =-.
Andrew,
My sides hurt I am laughing so hard!!! No wonder WordPerfect didn’t make it against Word…not intuitive enough for ID 10 T customers.
Once, when I was a chemist in industry, we sent a very experienced research chemist over to a plant out of town at great expense because their gas chromatograph wasn’t working. They did everything they were asked over the phone to no avail. When the chemist arrived after a 7 hour drive, all he had to do was turn on the helium gas cylinder that supplied the instrument with its mobile phase and everything worked fine.
That trip cost well over $1000 15 years ago, all because someone didn’t turn on the cylinder. That’s G.C. 101, turn on the gas cylinders, light the detectors, install the column, turn on the detectors so data can be collected from them, turn on the server to collect the data. After that, people should have questions. Before that, they need someone to train them hands-on, one-on-one.
And these aren’t uneducated folks either. All have a college degree and most have a degree in chemistry or chem engineering. They also aren’t alone and could get help from experienced people surrounding them. Having to have R&D send a chemist to do a technician’s job when there are techs available is beyond ridiculous. I don’t think the idiot chemist got fired then, though today they would. Chemists who can operate and troubleshoot such a basic instrument are a dime a dozen, including me.
Sherri
.-= Sherri–Being the Change I Wish to See´s last blog ..Twisted bin Logic…Beware! =-.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Sherri
Nice funny story!
It does amaze me how we are ‘blind’ to the most obvious resolutions.
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..The not-so-secret Diary of the Confessional Blogger =-.
What a good hard laugh to start my day. I can’t stop myself from laughing. What a lame owner. How come he has a computer and he doesn’t know anything about it? Its best to have a customer service because in that case the owner now knows that he is really not that informative about owning a personal computer.
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Twitter: andrewrondeau
Customer service is a must these days and you must also expect to deal with people who know very little about your product.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Small Business Owner- How To Fail At Running Your Business
Things get worse when the customer is not well informed about the subject matter itself. Most of the time customers will be asking questions which may sound silly but customers just don’t call to bug the customer service, most of the time the callers are those whose light bulb didn’t lit up yet
Thanks for sharing the jokes Andrew, some are too funny.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Gary
Glad you like them.
Andrew
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i laugh non stop when i study this blog.
but that not joke while i may face some even worst.
Customer always right and our job is to convince them and provide them solution. That the big challenge by providing solution on call rather than face to face.
The true stories are indeed funny. Some customer service representatives simply don’t understand it. I have personally experienced bad customer service a couple of times.
I remember working in a call center industry and it was a tough and a learning experience on what is customer service. Being in the business for more than 4 years I get myself acquainted already on how to respond to customers issues but this still does not exempt we from feeling helpless when I answer back to customers. You are bounded with rules on what is and not to speak to the customers. I am a person who always does an extra mile whenever I talk to my customers since I always put myself in their shoes so i know how it feels. Often I am also human I get frustrated and feeling so angry when a customer gets into the line and just yell and scream as hard as they want without allowing me to talk. I guess being in a customer service work will allow you to understand people, learn from every caller and work out the best kind of plan to be able to reach out to the most appropriate manner you needed to do to help reslove the matter of why they call.
This does exist. I work for a cable company and I got a call from a customer very upset her cable was out. I asked her to turn her TV on and tell me what it says. She said her TV would not power on. I said, what about the other TV’s in your house? She says none of them will turn on because the power is out. SRSLY?