Rural Businesses and their Obsession with Automated Phone Systems

jetsonx

Part of my job involves interacting with regional businesses through-out the country.

And one thing really stands out. The smaller the business, the more sophisticated their automated phone system is.

You phone up and get through to a this sophisticated sounding menu. "Dial 1 for Sales Dial 2 for accounts Dial 3 for Quality Control Dial 4 for Technical Department Dial 5 for Customer Services"

You will then invariably be put listening to on-hold music, where a quasi-American voice will come one thanking your for your patience and reassuring you that someone will be with you shortly.

You actually think you're phoning up the Shell Oil corporation when your really phoning up one or two person business that's above a Centra shop in Castlebar.

Funnily enough, Dublin businesses don't really do this trick as much as rural counterparts. Is this some sort of compensatory measure?

Can anyone explain this?

con747

Maybe because they're so small they can't afford to sit looking at the phone in the hope you might ring them and they're actually getting on with their work.

Hande hoche!

More annoying when the broadband technical support suggests you check their website for troubleshooting advice. Particularly when you are ringing as regards the inability to connect to the internet.

Ubbquittious

Part of the fake it till you make it strategy.

"Our team" on the website consisting of part timers, interns and people who have left already

Regional offices that are just the owner's cousin's apartment in Australia or a PO box

People with several bullshit job titles

Web shop with 1 in house product thats out of stock or coming soon and the rest of the products are branded merch from China

Mal-Adjusted

2/10 poor attempt op. Must try harder.