Call Center Courtesy

I'm sure you hate calling centers as much as the people who work there hate being confined to an office chair, so here are some helpful tips to make it go a little bit smoother.

1. The verification process: Many companies have verification processes, complaining about it is just going to start your call off bad. Plus, do you really want anyone to be able to call in, give your account number and name and start making changes? Seriously?
2. How may I help you? Please think beforehand of what your request really is. Saying something vague is just going to confuse the other person. Also, if you're angry, for whatever reason, don't ever start the call off by yelling. That's just going to put the person on the other end of line on defense and they're not going to want to help you.
3. I want to help you, really: It is my experience (there are always exceptions) that the person on the other end truly does want to help you, it makes their job easier if they can get things done instead of mulling around and doing nothing with you on the line. But generally in call centers the call is mapped out, if they're asking a sequence of questions, let them ask them. Listen to the other person. Call centers are designed for efficiency, if you want to get off the phone quickly the best way is to let the other person direct the call. If you have questions it's fine to ask, but don't be upset if the other person tells you they will get to it in a moment.
4. Don't complain about things the person can't help: I really can't help you if you feel I'm asking too many questions. I didn't just come up with those questions, those are questions that I have to ask in order to ensure you get proper service. The best way to get your opinion heard is through filling out customer comment surveys, people really do pay attention to those, so much so it's part of how my performance is monitored. If you tell the person you're talking to about your concerns, chances are there's really nothing they can do, nor will they pass your comment along. If you feel the process is long and drawn out, chances are they do too, complaining about it isn't going to help you get things done.
5. Don't assume anything about the other person's intelligence: I work in a call center, I got my bachelor's degree in three years. The person sitting next to me at work has a PhD. Out of all 9 people on my team everyone has had some college. Not only do we have post secondary education but we have had extensive training. People constantly treat us like idiots. I'm sure if I were face to face with you it wouldn't be that way.

Honestly, I know no one reads this, but in the event I ever pass this link onto someone, I'll take the time to get my feelings out there.