Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Actual Conversations With Real People, Vol. 4

Welcome to another installment of Actual Conversations With Real People! As always, this is an actual conversation I had with a real person. Today's real person is an AT&T customer service representative.

Me: "Hi. I lost my phone bill and I wonder if you could send me a new one."

AT&T Flunky: "Certainly, sir. I'll need to ask you a few questions to verify your identity. First I'll need your home phone number."


Me: "Sure. XXX-XXX-XXXX"


AT&T Flunky: "Thank you. Next I need the name on the account."


Me: "Of course. Words Words Words."


AT&T Flunky: "Thank you. Now last I just need your customer code. You can find it on the upper right hand side of your bill."


Me: (Looks at camera bemusedly like Tim/Jim in The Office)

- FIN -


Ed. Note: The first time I called I got hung up on, and they also CHARGED ME FIVE DOLLARS to send a replacement bill. I was told I could avoid the charge by viewing and paying my bill online, but setting up an online account requires...wait for it...the customer code number! And since this is my first phone bill, I can't fish out an old bill and look it up. The lesson? Don't lose your phone bill.

17 metawords:

Mr London Street said...

That Tim/Jim expression is one I seem to have adopted permanently. Nice blog.

Anonymous said...

Gosh, how inconsiderate of you to ask them for something it should take them five seconds to retrieve on their computer with a small piece of information like YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER. Shame on you for thinking such monumental hard work should come for FREE! Tsh!

MJenks said...

Oh, so, I just dialed your phone number: 999-999-9999. I got nothing.

Oh, wait. I forgot to dial 9 first so that I can call off campus.

9-999-999-9999.

It's ringing.

Yes. Hi.

What?

No. No, I don't want to learn about Jesus. I already know him.

No. No thank you.

No.

Yes, I know Jesus saves. Especially on double-coupon Tuesday.

No. No.

I think I'm going to hang up now.

Words Words Words...what kind of racket are you running here?

BeckEye said...

Everyone knows phone company employees are morons. I mainly just want to comment that I like your new look and title, and I'm glad you finally put the ellipses in between the "Words." It makes much more sense. If you had done this from the beginning, I would have instantly known it was a B&B reference.

Girl Interrupted said...

Note to Self: Use "Fin" in blog posts more

Red said...

I love that you shout out to Jim and Tim. You are so international.

Gwen said...

Too funny! As a test of my endurance yesterday I sat at my desk for a while and fought with AT&T over my bill and was equally nonplussed by their inability to understand that THEY lost my payment, not me.

Anonymous said...

You have no idea how much I needed that laugh!

Cora said...

I love these Actual Conversations with Real People, Words. Cripes, real people are STUPID!!

Soda and Candy said...

Heh. I hate customer service phone people. I haven't had problems with AT&T yet *knocks on wood* but I had to argue with DirecTV every month.

The Diva on a Diet said...

This ... is comedy gold ... if you weren't forced to actually live it. Priceless!

Fancy Schmancy said...

That was funny, I hate dealing with utility companies!

Anonymous said...

Or the lesson could be Patience With Idiots, which I get a healthy dose of daily.

~E said...

... did you actually get the bill?

sista #2 said...

Surprised she didnt ask you if you wanted fried with that.


peace
#2

sista #2 said...

Speaking of idiot....I could learn how to spell.

peace
#2

reb wins said...

No wonder you avoid conversing with real people.