Spreading Hate

Last week I had two calls that I really feel were unnecessary. First, let me explain that most credit cards outsource their collections agencies...ours happens to be in India. I understand that sometimes their English is a little hard to understand and sometimes they can be rude (as most collections agencies are) but that is no excuse for the two calls that I received. One guy called in and said he was cancelling his account because he didn't want people "with dots on their heads having his information" because he feared identity theft. We also have people that answer our phones in the Philippines and I had a lady that said she would never shop in Lowe's again because we should only give jobs to Americans. Now, don't get me wrong I am thankful that I have a job, as irritating as it can be. If that is your attitude then you should never shop again! I'm sorry, but that is just plain ignorance. If you don't want someone overseas handling your information then you should never apply for a home loan or do any banking period. The bottom line is...just because someone speaks with an accent doesn't give you the right to be prejudice against them and that is just another form of spreading hate. Not to mention, we have plenty of identity theft happening right here on American soil so don't think you are in any more danger if someone outside of the US has your information.

Pet Peevs

Here are a few things that customers say that annoy me! I despise when customers say "you people" when referring to an experience they've had either in the store or with their credit card. First of all, we don't all work for the same company. I am employed by the call center not the credit card company. Second, please don't say "your records are wrong". Wow, that is like fingernails on a chalkboard! No, their not YOU are wrong! Third, if you are calling to solve a problem with your card NEVER say that we are incompetent. Trust me that will get you nowhere. Fourth, don't say "your interest is too high", HELLO you knew what is was when you opened the card. As time goes on I will certainly add to this list. I would like to leave you with a thought...please try to sound educated when you call because if you don't we laugh at you and talk about you after the call is over!

Funny Story

I just had to share this one...There was a customer that called in to ask for the mailing address so she could mail in her payment. That was an easy enough request, I thought. I gave the customer the mailing address which happens to be in Orlando, FL...Well first she asked me how to spell Orlando, OK, maybe she couldn't hear me very well and spelling it would clarify what I said. But, then she asked me how to spell Florida and I had to go through the process of explaining all she needed was the FL. I know I've said this before, but it's shocking when these are the kind of people that own a credit card! I think Jeff Foxworthy would say it best..."If you don't know how to address an envelope, you might be a redneck." Please learn how to address an envelope if you didn't learn that in elementary school!

Zip Code VS. Area Code

It's really shocking and quite disturbing that customers don't know the difference between area code and zip code. I swear I don't know how many times I have asked a customer what their area code is and they give me their zip code! WOW, and these are the type of people we give credit to. Scary, isn't it!