customer service Archives - Specialty Answering Service Specialty Answering Service Mon, 08 Apr 2019 14:25:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/wp-content/uploads/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png customer service Archives - Specialty Answering Service 32 32 17 Cringeworthy Customer Service Experiences Starring Your Favorite Movie Characters https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/17-cringeworthy-customer-service-experiences-starring-your-favorite-movie-characters/ Fri, 05 Apr 2019 12:53:45 +0000 http://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/?p=10879 A great customer service experience is like taking a breath of fresh air after being stuck inside all day. It’s pleasant, refreshing, and always puts you in a better mood. A bad

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A great customer service experience is like taking a breath of fresh air after being stuck inside all day. It’s pleasant, refreshing, and always puts you in a better mood. A bad customer service experience on the other hand can be straight up dreadful, and is comparable to trying to walk up an escalator moving the opposite direction. It’s frustrating, time consuming, and you never really get anywhere.

While bad customer service experiences happen all the time, we bet none of them compare to the 17 examples listed below. We took some of our favorite movie characters, stole some of their most famous lines, and put them smack dab in the middle of a bad customer service scene. Sit back, relax, and thank your lucky stars you’re not one of these customers… Enjoy!

#1. Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Location: At a Restaurant

Patron: Hey, waiter, I’ve been waiting for 15 seconds, and you still haven’t taken my drink order. What’s your problem, man?

Hannibal Lecter: Well, sir, unfortunately for you, I abide by one very critical customer service policy. “Whenever feasible, one should always try to eat the rude.” Fava beans and chianti on the side, of course.

#2. The Joker

Location: The Used Car Lot

Buyer: Hi! I’m interested in the vintage Ferrari for $100 bucks that I saw advertised on Craigslist? What an awesome deal!

The Joker: You’re 5 minutes too late. It was just snatched up. But just for coming in, why don’t you take this lovely lapel flower as a token of our appreciation?

Buyer: Wow, thanks!

The Joker: “Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight? I always ask that of all my prey. I just… like the sound of it.”

#3. Darth Vader

Location: The Wholesale Store on Sample Day

Customer: What’s in that chili? Is it chicken?

Darth Vader: It’s one-part Wookie and two-parts Jedi. Try some.

Customer: Uh… no thanks…

Darth Vader: Take it. “Your are beaten. It is useless to resist.”

Customer: No, really, that’s okay. I’m not that hungry anyway…

Darth Vader: Eat, you fool. “There is no escape. Don’t make me destroy you!”

#4. Sheriff of Nottingham

Location: The Driving School

Sheriff of Nottingham: You must pass the written test before your permit will be bestowed. Are you prepared?

Student: I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, I guess I am.

Sheriff of Nottingham: Which is it, boy? Are you prepared or ill-equipped for this exam?

Student: Um, prepared??

Sheriff of Nottingham: “If you fail, I will personally remove your lying tongue.”

#5. Dr. Evil

Location: The Bank

Account Holder: I’d like to make a deposit to my–

Dr. Evil: “Shh.”

Account Holder: –to my checking account, and–

Dr. Evil: “Shh.”

Account Holder: –Withdra–

Dr. Evil: “Shh.”

Account Holder: –Wi–

Dr. Evil: “Shh.”

Account Holder: With–

Dr. Evil: “Shh. Let me tell you a little story about a man named Shh. Even before you start, that was a preemptive Shh. Just know that I have a whole bag of Shh with your name on it.”

#6. Cyrus the Virus

Location: The Toy Store

Kid: Mommy, mommy, mommy, I want the fluffy bunny!

Mommy: I told you to wipe your hands. There is chocolate all over them! Must you destroy everything?!

Kid: But I want the fluffy bunny! I want it, I want it, I want it!! Now, now, now!! Give me the bunny, or I’ll break these LEGOS!

Cyrus the Virus: “Make a move, and the bunny gets it.”

Kid: Haha! You’re so funny, mister!

Cyrus the Virus: “I’m not plausible as a tough guy because I have an effeminate voice.”

#7. Buffalo Bill

Location: The Beauty Department

Customer: Hello. I’m running late, but I needed to quickly pick up the Young in a Jar night cream. Can you help me with that?

Buffalo Bill: The Barely Middle-Aged lotion is on sale. I would recommend that instead.

Customer: Thank  you. I’d like the Young in a Jar instead, though.

Buffalo Bill: Barely Middle-Aged lotion is better. Here’s a sample.

Customer: Look, I’m in a hurry, so I don’t really have time for-

Buffalo Bill: “It rubs the lotion on its skin. It does this whenever it is told.”

Customer: I’ll just come back later…

Buffalo Bill: “It rubs the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again.”

#8. Freddy Krueger

Location: Flower Delivery Service

Nancy: Oh, how sweet. James sent me flowers!

Freddy Krueger: No, Nancy. Those flowers are from me.

Nancy: (seeing Freddy’s face) AAAGGGH!!!!

Freddy Krueger: “Why are you screaming? I haven’t even cut you yet!”

Nancy: AAAAAGGHHH!

Freddy Krueger: “I’m your boyfriend now, Nancy.”

#9. Beetlejuice

Location: Psychic “House Cleaner” Interview

Homeowner 1: We are relatively certain that a poltergeist has possessed our refrigerator. Someone is now living in there whose name is “Zul.”

Homeowner 2: So, tell me, Mr. Juice. What makes you qualified to rid our appliance of this supernatural beast?

Beetljuice: “Ah. Well…I attended Julliard… I’m a graduate of the Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plague and had a pretty good time during that. I’ve seen the EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES, AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVER SINGLE TIME I SEE IT… NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT YOU’RE TALKING TO A DEAD GUY… NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK? You think I’m qualified?”

Homeowner 1: Thank you, Mr. Juice. We’ll let you know one way or another.

Beetlejuice: “Ah, come on! You’re workin’ with a professional, here!”

#10. The Wicked Witch of the West

Location: The Pet Store

Customer: Hi, can you help me? I’m looking for a muzzle for my puppy. He’s teething, and-

The Wicked Witch of the West: Ouch!! “You cursed brat! Look what you’ve done!”

Customer: No, no. It was an accident. He didn’t mean to bite anybody!

The Wicked Witch of the West: “Just try and stay out of my way. Just try! I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!”

#11. Cruella de Vil

Location: The Fast Food Counter

Customer: I’d like a number one, with cheese. Hold the pickles, extra onions.

Cruella de Vil: “Dead and meaty and red. No friends, no family, no pulse. Just slapped between two buns, smothered in onions, with fries on the side.” Would you like a Coke with that?

#12. Ursula

Location: The Matchmaker’s

Ursula: “Come in. Come in, my child. We mustn’t lurk in doorways, it’s rude. One might question your upbringing.”

Man: Hi, Ursula. I’m so lonely. I just want to meet the girl of my dreams, fall in love, and get married.

Ursula: “My dear, sweet child. That’s what I do. It’s what I live for, to help unfortunate souls, like yourself, with no one else to turn to.”

Man: Do you really think you can help me?

Ursula: “Yes. And I fortunately know a little magic. It’s a talent that I always have possessed… I use it on behalf of the miserable, the lonely and depressed!”

Man: Thank you, Ursula. I don’t know where I’d be without you.

Ursula: “Oh, and there is one more thing. We haven’t discussed the subject of payment. You can’t get something for nothing, you know.”

Man: Sure, I’ll write you a check. What is your fee?

Ursula: “I’m not asking much. Just a token really, a trifle. You’ll never even miss it. What I want from you is your voice.”

Man: But, how will I talk to her?

Ursula: Trust me, sweetcakes. It’s better if you don’t.

#13. Colonel Nathan R. Jessup

Location: The Hardware Store

Customer: Excuse me, sir. I am looking for carpeting for my bedroom that doesn’t shed. Can  you answer that question for me?

Colonel Nathan R. Jessup: “Absolutely. My answer is I don’t have the first damn clue.”

Customer: But sir, you work here, and I spend a lot of money in this place. I feel as though I’m entitled to a little assistance, or at the very least, more courteous service.

Colonel Nathan R. Jessup: “I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very [service] that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said ‘thank you’ and went on your way… Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to.”

Customer: I’m going to speak with your manager about this. He should know the truth about his employees!

Colonel Nathan R. Jessup: “You can’t handle the truth!”

#14. Gollum

Location: The Jewelry Store

Customer: Hi. I’m hoping you can help me. My fiancée’s wedding ring is set to be engraved today, but-

Gollum: Always we are helping you. What does master need?

Customer: Well, she broke up with me. So, I need the ring back before it is engraved.

Gollum: “He wants the Precious. Always he is looking for it. And the Precious is wanting to go back to him… But we mustn’t let him have it.”

Customer: What do you mean I can’t have it? It is bought and paid for! Isn’t it bad enough that she dumped me? Come on, man. Be a friend!

Gollum: “You don’t have any friends! Nobody likes you!”

#15. Dark Helmet

Location: The Arcade

Man on a Date: Hey, dude. I’m on a first date with that amazing girl over there, and I’m trying to impress her. Can you help me out? I need to play a game that’s a guaranteed winner.

Dark Helmet: Before I help you, “there is something you should know about us.”

Man on a Date: What?

Dark Helmet: “I am your father’s brother’s nephew’s cousin’s former roommate.”

Man on a Date: What’s that make us?

Dark Helmet: “Absolutely nothing.” What I would recommend is that you spend your quarters on the claw machine. Only a fool can lose at that game.

Man on a Date: Thanks, I owe you one!

A few minutes later…

Man on a Date: You lied! You knew I was trying to make myself look good, but now I just look like a total idiot. No one could win the claw game! It’s like trying to pick up Jell-O with a feather!!

Dark Helmet: “I can’t believe you fell for it, man. That’s the oldest trick in the book! What a goof! What’s with you man? Come on!”

Man on a Date: Yeah, thanks a lot, buddy. She left. Are you happy now?

Dark Helmet: It’s your own fault. “Now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb.”

#16. Miranda Priestly

Location: The Doctor’s Office

Patient: Good morning. I’m supposed to have a 10:00 AM with Dr. Carlson. Are you filling in for the doctor’s first assistant, April?

Miranda Priestly: “Only when the first assistant has decided to become an incubus of viral plague.”

Patient: Oh. Well, I didn’t call to confirm the appointment. I hope he hasn’t fill the time slot already.

Miranda Priestly: “I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to confirm an appointment.”

Patient: I meant to call, but I dropped my phone in the toilet. I have it in rice to try to absorb the mess.

Miranda Priestly: “Details of your incompetence do not interest me.” Here, fill these out.

Patient: Wow, this is a lot of paperwork.

Miranda Priestly: “By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.”

Patient: On page seven, what does it mean when it asks for the-

Miranda Priestly: “Please bore someone else with your… questions.”

#17. Tommy DeVito

Location: The Auto Body Shop

Tommy DeVito: For the oil change, brake realignment and tire rotation, that’s gonna be $620 even. Cash only.

Customer: I’m sorry, did you say $620, in cash?? You’ve got to be kidding me! There’s no way I can afford… Oh, oh, wait. Hahahaha. I get it. That’s funny. You really had me goin’ for a second there!

Tommy DeVito: “You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it’s me, I’m a little messed up maybe, but I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I’m here to stinkin’ amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny??”

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Anatomy of an Amazing CSR. https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/anatomy-of-an-amazing-csr/ Tue, 19 Apr 2016 16:18:32 +0000 https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/?p=8123 Did you know CSRs answer over 5 million calls annually? And you thought you got a lot of calls. Yeah. No. In the infographic below, we’ll pick apart the noggin of an awesome call

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Did you know CSRs answer over 5 million calls annually? And you thought you got a lot of calls. Yeah. No. In the infographic below, we’ll pick apart the noggin of an awesome call center agent so you can see the the anatomical functions behind just how she (or he) is able to take your call from start to finish with ease!

Call Center History Infographic

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<img title=”Anatomy of a Customer Service Representative” alt=”Anatomy of a Customer Service Representative” src=”https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/wp-content/uploads/anatomy-of-an-amazing-csr/anatomy-of-call-center-representative.jpg” width=”710″ height=”5884″ />
<pre><em>Image originally posted on <a href=”https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/anatomy-of-an-amazing-csr/”>The SAS Blog</a></em>
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Bad customer service video clips. https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/bad-customer-service-video-clips/ Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:23:19 +0000 https://www.specialtyansweringservice.net/?p=5750 At some point or another, everyone has a bad customer service experience. It may be offensive, embarrassing, or upsetting, and has the ability to turn an otherwise peaceful day into a disaster.

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At some point or another, everyone has a bad customer service experience. It may be offensive, embarrassing, or upsetting, and has the ability to turn an otherwise peaceful day into a disaster. And anyone who’s been on the receiving end of an employee’s rude or lackadaisical service knows how much it stinks. Unless you are an insult comic, it is your job to ensure that customers are served promptly and efficiently, all while maintaining a polite, professional demeanor. Here are 30 great customer service videos of everything you shouldn’t do when it comes to customer care and on the job performance.

TAMPERING WITH FOOD

Problem – Acting out in anger towards the customer with deliberate, destructive behavior

Resolution – If something a customer said has upset you and you don’t feel as though you can assist them without bias or incident, then address the issue professionally by bringing in your supervisor. That’s what you would want a service representative or waiter to do, rather than wondering what might be hiding in your tuna salad.

Road Trip: French Toast Scene

It Could Happen to You: Dinner Scene

No Reservations: Rare Steak Scene

EXAMPLES OF PRICE GAUGING

Problem – Taking advantage of the customer by price gouging or changing previously agreed upon rates

Resolution – Discuss your rates with customers up front, before performing the service, and give customers ample notice of rate increases. It is dishonest and unprofessional to upcharge at the last minute, unless there is a significant unforeseen issue that complicated the job. Every customer should be billed fairly and consistently so that there will be no surprises on their bill once service is complete.

Chevy Commercial: The Babysitter

Seinfeld: The Soup Nazi

National Lampoon’s Vacation: The Car Mechanic Scene

Ghostbusters: Hotel Ballroom Scene

INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE & HARRASSMENT

Problem – Making unwelcome verbal advances towards the customer, creating a physically hostile environment, or giving preferred treatment to customers based on appearance

Resolution – It’s not only ethically wrong to violate a customer’s personal space or speak to them in a derogatory manner, but it could also get you sued. Always observe The Golden Rule when conducting business: do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Money Pit: Sleazy Carpenter Scene

Airplane: Hysterical Passenger Slapping Scene

Mad TV: Club Mystique Scene

PERSONAL CALLS AT WORK

Problem – Conducting personal business while on the clock

Resolution – It’s a simple rule. Keep your work life and professional life separate. If you need to make or take phone calls during your shift, try to do this on break time. Otherwise, limit call time and ensure that there is adequate coverage so as not to inconvenience the customer. In the event you need to cancel an appointment with a client, provide sufficient notice and attempt to reschedule immediately. Patrons are entitled to high quality service, and positive experiences encourage repeat business.

Mad TV: King Burger Scene

Planes Trains and Automobiles: Car rental Scene

Because I Said So: Therapy Scene

The American President: Flower Shop Scene

DISCRIMINATION & INSULTS

Problem – Discriminating against clients based on appearance or perceived flaw, and exhibiting rude, condescending behavior or language

Resolution – Discrimination is offensive no matter what the situation. All people deserve to be treated with the same level of respect and dignity regardless of appearance, race, color, creed, or disability. So adopt a non-judgmental attitude in your dealings with customers, and monitor your words, tone of voice, and your facial expressions do, too.

Billy Madison: Dumber Scene

Freaky Friday: Therapy Scene

Pretty Woman: Shopping Scene

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Abe Froman Restaurant Scene

POOR LISTENING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Problem – Producing confusion and difficulty for the customer by not listening closely to their needs, ignoring their wishes entirely, or not being able to communicate easily in their primary language

Resolution – Practice attentive listening skills. Communication is just as much, if not more, about listening as speaking. What a customer says is important, but you can also infer a great deal by paying attention to their tone of voice (via phone, this is all you have to go on), facial expressions, and body language. In addition, when employing a call center to manage your phones, choose a U.S.-based service. Outsourcing overseas is just one more barrier to fluid communication.

Seinfeld: Car Reservation Scene

Seinfeld: Chinese Restaurant Scene

Knocked Up: Giving Birth Scene

Apple: Mac vs. PC Commercial

1st Bank: Outsourcing Commercial

DEVALUING YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE

Problem – Diminishing the quality of your product or service

Resolution – When you slight your own abilities or try to push products and services onto customers, it says two things: either your service is substandard or your product is, and you’re desperate to move it. Learn how to market your product. Instead, discuss your strengths, and tell potential customers what sets you apart from competitors. Explain the pros of working with your business, and give prospects your undivided attention, whether you make the sale or not.

The Princess Bride: Miracle Max Scene

Analyze This: Car Salesman Scene

POOR WORK ETHIC

Problem – Unwillingness to assist with the customer complaint resolution process, focusing on speed rather than quality of service, blatant disregard for responsibilities and procedures

Resolution – You may not like your job, but you need it, or you wouldn’t be there. Put your best foot forward no matter the task. If there is a fast, easy way to resolve a complaint and it won’t inconvenience you, then do it. There is no room for laziness when it comes to customer care, so whenever possible, try to accommodate the customer’s request. Conversely, don’t sacrifice topnotch service for excessive speed. Attention to detail is essential to produce the best product or service possible. Take pride in your work.

Seinfeld: How to Look Busy Scene

You’ve Got Mail: Grocery Store Scene

Better Off Dead: Paperboy Scene

Better Off Dead: Mailman Scene

JUST ABOUT EVERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE EXAMPLE IN ONE CALL

Problem – Long wait times, cutting the caller off mid-sentence, poor listening skills in communication, using offensive language, insulting the customer, passing the buck on complaint resolution, inciting an argument instead of de-escalating the disgruntled caller

Resolution – There are a few tips on good customer service here, but aside from that, this is a “how-to” advertisement for the worst customer care ever. In any communication with your customers, remember to say please, thank you, and you’re welcome. And do the opposite of practically everything in this clip.

Mad TV: Cable TV Scene

While we can’t add face-to-face interaction to our service roster, the SAS team is dedicated to making each interaction an example of the best customer service experience. When you are ready to talk about outsourcing customer service, give us a buzz. It’s way better than taking your chances with employees like the ones portrayed above.

If we missed any bad customer service video clips, please leave a comment below!

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