[Today’s run: rest day]
I talked to someone at a call center today. They were able to answer my question. The answer was not the most favorable one I could have wished for, but it was ok.
People at call centers don’t know how to say “goodbye”. They say, “Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
For some reason that question just pushes my frustration button. Even if the call has gone well I don’t want to hear something so inane. Of course there are lots of things you can help me with. Send me some cash! Erase the balance on my account! Give me a free vacation to Italy! If that is too much, how about wishing me a nice day?
I don’t know if my reaction is a pet peeve or widely experienced. It sure works for me.
So my call-center guy today, after telling me that my giftcard had expired and I could no longer access the $2.60 balance, said the dreaded ITAEICHYWT? and I got off the phone before I did anything overly stupid.
Do they make them say that? Is it a method for trying to plumb the depths of the customer’s exasperation? [Note on account: this customer scored 7 on the exaspo-rating: stupid comeback to the AE query. A second AEQ resulted in impolite call termination]
Your balance is negative two hundred and thirty five dollars. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
I’m sorry Mr. Prime Minister, I can’t let you speak to the President. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Your bail has been denied. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
The mortuary is closed and I can’t release the body. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Things aren’t the way you want them to be and it is beyond my capacity to do much about it. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Having written that, I feel like I’m starting to understand. They aren’t saying “else” meaning “in addition to”. They are saying “else” meaning “alternate to”. I can’t do this, but is there some different thing I can help you with today? Having failed at the only task for which you have called upon my professional assistance, maybe now your boots need shined? something? anything?