Seriously. Part 2.

I just don’t get it. I want to get it but I don’t. I just don’t understand why customer service has declined. I feel like I am qualified to complain about customer service because I worked in the customer service industry for nearly 8 years. I have learned to not expect much in the customer service area but I do demand competence. I seriously just had this conversation with Office Depot. Well, I must begin by saying that I first had to survive the “dial this for that menu.” I hate those. I just want to talk to someone.

Customer Service Agent: Hello, thank you for calling Office Depot. Can I have your name?

Me: Cheryl Sheffield

Customer Service Agent: Okay, Shirley, how can I help you?

Me: I have a corporate account with you and I need to get a quote for custom pens.

Customer Service Agent: I will have to transfer you to our department that handles promotional products.

Me: Okay.

I get transferred after being put on hold.

Customer Service Agent #2: Hello, thank you for calling Office Depot. Can I have your name?

Me: Cheryl Sheffield

Customer Service Agent #2: Okay, Cheryl, how can I help you?

At least he got my name right this time.

Me: I have a corporate account with you and I need to get a quote for custom pens.

Customer Service Agent #2: What is your corporate number?

I give him the information.

Customer Service Agent #2: Your account is actually handled by a different department. I will give you the number and transfer you.

He proceeds to give me the number I had called originally. At this point I became disgruntled. I told him that I already called that number and they transferred me to him. But he insisted I had to talk to the other department that already wouldn’t help me. Seriously, I just need a quote on one particular pen! He assured me that when he transferred me they would help me. Yeah right.

Now, you can just re-read my first two conversations but just insert Customer Service Agent #3 in the appropriate place. I am finally asked the product number of the pen in question. Then, I am quoted the exact same price that is in the catalog before any discount is applied. I mentioned that to Customer Service Agent #3 but she just keeps quoting me the same ridiculous price. Did I mention that I ordered pens from them last year and received quite a significant discount? Let’s just say I am taking my business elsewhere.