Hands up who would love some ways to deal with automated phone menus? When I happened on this subject recently on the BBC news website I was elated. To me one of the very worst things that modern technology has brought us is those god-damned awful automated phone answering services. You have to listen to more menu options that your brain can deal with, there’s often no way of going back if you make a mistake, the voice recognition software can’t deal with regional accents and when you finally get through, you are talking to someone with an unfathomable accent in a country on the other side of the world! Rant over and now let’s get down to the serious business of how to deal with automated phone menus and remain sane.
It is always bothersome to wait for the “press 1 for...”, “press 2 for...” every time you reach the next part of an automated menu, but thankfully you can tap in a sequence, e.g. “1,1,2” instead of tapping in a single digit and waiting for the next prompt. One of the simplest ways to deal with automated phone menus is to save time by remembering the sequence for the service you need. A little-known fact and very useful! Chances are you use the same automated phone service with a select number of services. Note the sequence somewhere for the service that you need and keep it handy.
Automated phone menus are usually not the only way of getting through to a company. Check online for instant messaging services (these are commonly provided with smaller companies), and search for service apps. With the technological age in full swing, there is a good chance you can get what you need without using automated phone menus at all. But remember: all contact options will have drawbacks, and in certain cases the dreaded automated phone menu will still be your best bet.
We all know the difference between toll-free (1-800) and premium (1-900) numbers. Both can rack up charges when you are dealing with lengthy automated phone menus, and this is especially the case for expensive premium numbers. Premium numbers are thankfully rare, but don’t forget that the 800’s will still charge you at the local rate. Always make sure you check the number before you dial and this is how to deal with automated phone menus and save you money.
So you’ve navigated the tedious automated menu and made all the right options, only to be placed in a queue. What do you do? Multitask! There is no point in sitting there waiting for your turn. Put the phone on loudspeaker nearby and get other things done while you wait. Just as clever is to wait until off-peak service hours to make your call. Another option for dealing with telephone queues are apps – there are some apps now available which holds your place in the telephone queue, and then calls you back when a customer service rep becomes available.
Automated phone menus can be very annoying - especially when you aren’t in the mood – but some are better than others. If you have had to deal with an especially aggravating automated menu, it is a good idea to leave feedback and let them know to improve the service. Automated phone menus are there mainly to help the business run more efficiently, but any good business will always try to improve the services that they provide to the customer. Don’t just wallow in anger; let them know and be a good citizen!
Another tip for how to deal with automated phone menus, especially if you have to use a particular one regularly, is to ask them for any other possible ways of getting through to them instead of using the automated menu. They might even provide you with a direct number.
Automated phone menus are not out to destroy the world (at least we hope so). Larger businesses use them to filter the large numbers of calls that they receive, and to ensure that customers are directed to the most suitable employee for the job. Sometimes smaller businesses use them to appear more professional, which is quite funny because in this case most options will take you through to the same person. Either way, it is a fact that if you don’t get annoyed, you will get what you need faster. Stay happy and don’t let them drag you down!
I do hope that if you have ever reached the end of your tether, you will give some of these ways to deal with automated phone menus a try. Do let me know if they are successful for you. Do you have any automated phone call horror stories?