The days where the customer was always right may feel like part of history as companies expand into large corporations which can still thrive and survive without you. Paying for products and services may often feel like an ordeal, with long wait times to talk to a representative and with minutes of enraging frustration once you get to talk to one. Following are some tips for getting the best customer service.

1) Expedite the Wait

Companies seem to want you to call less and less nowadays. You often get a message to visit their website in the hopes you will hang up and turn on your computer instead. They will clearly tell you that by doing so you may find the solution to your problem. Often though, customers need to talk to a ''real'' person'' and most customers are aware of the fact that companies have a website. If you resist their plea to go on-line, you will be directed to a long, annoying directory that will have you pushing 1 for English, 2 then for personal accounts, 1 then for billing and follows a hold with the most cheesiest music ever. Not many people know though that you can bypass all that blablabla, by pressing ''0''. If you are bold get a Spanish speaking rep, their wait times are less busy and they still may help you.

2) Be straightforward

So you finally get to talk to somebody after a good 10 minute wait with music that made you wish you could use the company's website rather than holding. Since you have waited so long you want to make a crystal clear statement after the customer service rep has introduced herself with a tongue twisting greeting. Go with something simple, straightforward, clear and effective such as '' A certain situation has arisen and I am certain you will fix this for me today''. This shows high expectations and clears away chances that the rep will stray away from your request.

3) Mention Competitors

If your customer service rep is turning deaf ears to your request and unwilling to help, try the magic words ''OK, If you can't fix the problem I will be going with a competitor''. This eye opener statement can do the trick. Often you may be transferred to a special department where they cancel accounts with specialized personnel attempting to ''keep you'' by offering lower rates or freebies just to make you stay.

4) Go Up the Ladder

So still, your issue is not solved after being transferred from one department to another bounced around like a tennis ball. Time to ask for a supervisor. Be strict here, customer reps do not like to transfer to supervisor because they are trained to not bother superiors unless it is strictly necessary. Going to a supervisor often also signals that they were not able to solve the issue further explaining their reluctance. Often supervisors have their answering machine on making the ordeal even more frustrating. Hang up and try to look for the company's corporate headquarters. You may get superior customer service reps that have more power to fix problems and better listening ears.

5) Keep it Cool

Throughout your phone calls try to keep it cool, avoid yelling, threats and treating people with no respect. Threatening a customer service rep in a store may get police knocking on your door. Keeping it cool but still being firm and straightforward will work better than acting insane and risking being confused for a crazy person that just escaped from a mental institution.

As seen, there are various techniques you can resort to, in order to get the customers service you deserve. If you are sick and tired of pushing buttons without getting nowhere, this directory may be helpful so you can bypass, all the options and talk directly to human.

Learn more about this author, Janet Farricelli.
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