IrishOboe

I just had another hilarious encounter with customer service, but unlike usual, I wasn’t talking to someone in India, she actually addressed my needs, and was even pleasant while doing so.  There are enough customer service horror stories so I thought I’d put out an experience that’s the polar opposite.

While I was off gallivanting in Switzerland I missed a credit card payment (that never happens!) because the website was down and I was doing it at the last minute before our trip to France so I didn’t have another chance to use internet until the payment was past due.  I hate the phone.  I didn’t want to call and beg for mercy to get my $54.72 back.  Yes, I’d rather pay $54.72 than make a phone call.  (Next time, you order the pizza.)  This was back in April and you might have noticed that it’s almost October.  No, I didn’t finally get around to it, I had to call to change my address and after I’d dialed I realized that I might as well find the info on the charge and ask for a refund.  Things are better if I don’t have time to get nervous about them.  I had to go through a few levels of managers because one could only back out the late fee and not the finance charge.  I had to wait some for the second manager, but she was the most pleasant person to talk to.  I think I’ve had more awkward conversations with my own friends!

After working on the situation a little he asked if I played harp because it was part of my email address.  I said yes and she starting talking about music and Switzerland and wishing me the best of luck.  While she did this she backed out the fee, but the wrong one!  I told her the other man had already backed out the $39 fee and it was only the $15.72 that I needed her to do.  She said she didn’t see that he’d backed anything out but went ahead and backed out the $15.72 finance fee.  After more checking and fun conversation she said “Oops, yes, he already did so you get the $39 credit twice.  That’s the way it goes.”  That’s the way it goes!  I was told that when gateway messed up my computer order and sold me a computer that didn’t exist and didn't bother to tell me so I had to go to college without having dad around to help me set up my new computer - and they didn’t even care that they’d made such a mistake!  I know, it’s dirty money from the evil credit card companies that suck the life out of people with debt, but since when did you hear of an evil corporation being generous with its own money toward its customers?  Well, the credits haven’t hit yet, but even if they don’t all go through, I’m happy to have had a pleasant customer service experience!  Thank you Valarie!