Stupid tech support operator tricks.

[BRWombat]

A defective tech? Well said, Shorty! Hope you get your cartridges ASAP.

So what's the tech support number to fix a defective tech? :D:

[Whazzup]

So what's the tech support number to fix a defective tech? :D:

It's 1-900-FIX-TECH! :D:

(Warning - if you are under 18 years old - DO NOT call this number without your parents' permission)

[Cranbiz]

So what's the tech support number to fix a defective tech? :D:

The web site it http://www.stupidtechtricks.com :D:



Now that I'm doing 100% remote tech support, I'm not surprised by this. Even in my company, talking to different departments is a royal PITA. We have tech support sites in FL, NC, CA, UT, Holland and China and the customer support site in in India. The trouble that I have with our CSR's is amazing. It's a wonder that our customers get pissed.

The problem with most consumer tech support sites is that the rep is reading from a script and they usually don't know anything about tech support (and usually not in the US :twisted: ). They continue to go thru the checklist and when you get to the bottom of the checklist, if you have not fixed the issue, it's off to level 2 support. It's only then that you may get a real tech.

[CBeilby]

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of times, these tech support people are working from a prepared series of troubleshooting steps and solutions. When I worked at AOHell, we had to work through a series of steps with the callers. Now, admittedly, that doesn't excuse what this tech did. I always tried to make sure I remembered what steps they've already tried (and I do the same thing when I have to call Tech Support today.)

[hhsrat]

There actually IS a website "for techs, by techs" ... http://www.techtales.com ... similar to SGT, but since it's not a message board, it's not updated nearly as frequently (i think the last update was sept 2007)

[Big Wallaby]

My biggest problem with customer service I receive is that I know the kind of service I give. I like the fact I work in a place where I can give my best and I don't have to worry too much that it's going to get me in trouble to give my best. When I buy something off Disney property now, I have to remind myself that the people I am dealing with are NOT Cast Members, that they are not expected to give good service (sometimes any service). It's a PITA sometimes, because I want to receive the same customer service I would give that person if they came to my place of business.

But that could be a whole thread in and of itself.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I completely understand. I'm regularly frustrated for the same reason when I go out to shop or eat. Only once have I been impressed enough by service received to write a written compliment letter. It was at an Arby's drive through of all places. Sadly I never encountered that employee again.

That employee probably moved on. They seem to be harder and harder to find. Maybe she will show up as a CM?

Thats one of the reasons that I like to do all my hardware shopping online. I don't have to deal with clerks that "know" more about an item than I do, especially after I research what it is I want before I buy, usually on the manufactures site. (But they DO try and sell me a more expensive item, that I don't need!)

DW keeps telling me about the slow decline in service at the various stores she does business with.

[Whazzup]

I was just commenting to DH the other day about the good service I've received at local Chick-Fil-A restaurants. They seem to train their employees to provide fast, courteous, and gracious service WITH A SMILE and cheerful comments. Soooo much more pleasant than most fast food places, or most other restaurants for that matter. There are a couple local Hardees and Burger Kings that we won't even visit anymore because the employees seem to be inept and uncaring about providing customer service.

[hobie16]

Darth Vader calls Microsoft tech support.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C2SIZ5qsSQ

[felinefan]

I use an ancient (2003) Compaq Presario, with an HP printer, and other than a few minor issues, it works fine. I've had some tech issues with the desktop, but hopefully they can be resolved with the latest fix they sent via email. I'm afraid to call because obviously my computer is way out of warranty, and I don't have the cash for a tech call. My big problem is with my current ISP, AT&T Yahoo! Specifically with their mail. I can't get into my mailbox, and when I try to send a message to tech support, I keep getting a message that their system is down.
Trying to navigate through Microsoft's help page is, to say the least, a convoluted path. Yes, I have been tempted to send a letter to Bill Gates. But when I do get a response, they say they've been swamped with service requests. Well, I can accept that--lots of people likely got new computers for Christmas, and they are probably having problems getting them set up. Someone told me not all the bugs are out of the Windows Vista yet; maybe that's why.
But I would say go with HP; despite the problems I have with mine , of course Compaq is the bargain basement arm of HP, get an HP or Brother printer. Brother's good, too. Or you could check out http://www.epinions.com and check the ratings from actual users without having to pay for the priviledge like you would with Consumer Reports. I have no kick against CR, but sometimes I've found their ratings are not quite accurate, or the best-rated items aren't available in my area. Go figure.