Automated Systems Make Me Mad
Why do so many companies use automated call systems? I find them so frustrating! I hate listening to super-long menu choices - especially when the reason for my call doesn’t fall neatly into one of the choices.
And when did it become acceptable to say “We’re experiencing a higher than normal call volume?” Does that really make it okay to force customers to wait longer than usual? Because, so far, every time I have called, you’ve been experiencing an unusually high number of calls. Hire more people!!!!
I called my (ex)web hosting company and waited on line for an hour. For an hour - seriously - then I just hung up. I didn’t even get to speak to a representative. Then I called their sales department and got right through. I told him that I’m incredibly frustrated with the service and all I want is the authorization code so I can move to a different company. He said “let me transfer you to billing… click.” And billing never picked up their phone. Startlogic is the company’s name in case you were wondering.
But… I called WalMart last week to inquire about some electronics. A real person answered the phone after one ring, she listened to my request and then told me she would transfer me to the department that can help. They picked up after two rings, checked on the item I inquired about and answered my question - all within 5 minutes.
I just wanted to vent a little.






I f’ing hate automated call systems. Kudos to Jenn for exposing this awful aspect of technology. It makes me mad just thinking about it. Love ya Jenn.
Yes, I’m exposing these call systems for what they are…
Sofa king we todd did!
No wonder you two are married. However, I’m not married to either of you and I also hate automated call systems. I had to deal with one on Friday…never got through either. The paperwork to be sent out is still sitting here.
So, I found your blog looking for cool wordpress plugins… fun!
I recently called 1-800-Contacts to order some new stuff for my eyeballs… and a human answered on the second ring! It was so unexpected it knocked me right off my chair like I had dialed the wrong number or something. My brain had that 2 second freeze (like a windows computer).
Maybe u should start a list of companies that DON’T use automated systems. All the others will see the list an get jealous. who knows.
That’s awesome that 1-800 -Contacts cares about customer service. Good to know… I usually get my lenses through my eye doctor… but now I’m thinking about trading up!
In my rather limited experience… the eye doctor, much like that of a car dealership, is out to get you.
You just feel more comfortable about it because they’re a ‘doctor’, and “they just want to help people”
Doh!
Yes, just like a Web Designer (or mechanic) they’re the expert!
A new fan I see. Excellent.