Do They Think We're Just Idgits?
By Jim Bauer
@porwest (112717)
United States
May 29, 2021 6:54am CST
Trying to call yet another customer service number, I was reminded of something that seems kind of peculiar when I think about it.
Due to unusually high call volumes, your wait time to speak with a customer service representative may be longer than usual.
The thing that strikes me is this. It is the message on every single call I make to any customer service number. What's more, it's the same message I have gotten on every single call I make to any customer service number...
For more than the past 20 YEARS!!!
I may not be the smartest guy on the planet, but doesn't it seem reasonable that somewhere along the line these past 20 years throughout call centers, that someone might have thought they needed to make adjustments to staffing?
Putting this message on the front of every call is sort of like a city official fixing a busted up road by putting up a sign that warns, "Rough Road."
11 people like this
7 responses
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
29 May 21
Oh my. It is not good to wait a long time 
1 person likes this
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
29 May 21
@porwest Sorry about that. Although it happens to me sometimes here 
1 person likes this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
29 May 21
@m_audrey6788 I used to be very patient. But I got tired of that. lol
3 people like this
@FourWalls (86575)
• United States
29 May 21
I guess all their callers moved to India and have jobs there now. 
Well, you do have to remember that in the case of the federal government, you’re dealing with the old joke: “How many people work for the government? About half.” (If that many anymore.)
I get that a lot when I call the VA....the recording says, “We are currently experiencing (pause) a large volume of calls,” almost as if the guy recording it had to stifle a laugh while recording it. “Yeah, ‘large volume of calls,’ we’ll get to you when we feel like it!” I’d actually appreciate it if they said that because at least it’d be honest.
Well, you do have to remember that in the case of the federal government, you’re dealing with the old joke: “How many people work for the government? About half.” (If that many anymore.)
I get that a lot when I call the VA....the recording says, “We are currently experiencing (pause) a large volume of calls,” almost as if the guy recording it had to stifle a laugh while recording it. “Yeah, ‘large volume of calls,’ we’ll get to you when we feel like it!” I’d actually appreciate it if they said that because at least it’d be honest.
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
31 May 21
I feel your pain. Do they ever really call you if you press the number to receive a call back?
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
31 May 21
I don't know that I've heard that message every single time I've made a call anywhere but the calls so seen to take longer to get tired since covid-19. What I hate now is that they seem to have forgotten how to forward calls properly so you have to make the call over and over again sometimes.
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
29 May 21
How about a counter message..."I Hate Waiting!!!" 
Your point is well taken and "right on the money." (thought you'd like that quote)
Your point is well taken and "right on the money." (thought you'd like that quote) 1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222247)
• United States
29 May 21
I've sat on hold half of my life. I hate to hang up because I'd have to start all over in the queue if I call back. Now every order I place online has the disclaimer: "Due to COVID and staffing challenges your order may be delayed.." Already they are telling me that my order will be late. I thought the worst was over...unless there are so many out there that didn't go back to work because they're making too much on unemployment... I have a wedding coming up June 19; and I need my order!!!
