Tips for Better Customer Service + $50 Gift Card Giveaway

I wrote this post as part of the Discover Preferred Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.

There is nothing more frustrating than contacting customer service about an issue with a product or service only to be given less-than-stellar service. I have had this happen one too many times. My biggest complaints would be long wait times, being transferred from one representative to another and still not getting the right help, and having a language barrier with the representative. It can be very frustrating to deal with, especially if you’ve had to call or email multiple times about the same issue.

If you’ve ever called a customer service line and had a bad experience, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the 2013 Customer Rage Survey conducted by Customer Care Measurement and Consulting with Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, 50 percent of people experienced customer service problems in 2013. While there are many reasons why the service may not have been the best, there are ways to overcome it.

Here are some tips to help you have a better customer service experience:

• Before you call, try social media. Most service providers or retailers have a social media page, and many of them answer questions from customers through Facebook or Twitter. Log on to see if customers are getting answers, and try posting or tweeting right to the company – they may respond and put you through to the right customer service group.
• Document the problem and keep your records handy. The best strategy for working with customer service is having all the documents you need ready – this might include receipts, letters, and identification, to name a few. Organization is key, and it typically speeds up the process on both sides!
• Credit card customer service can be pleasant! Discover has been recognized for friendly and helpful customer service, and for leading the industry in customer loyalty for 17 straight years according to the 2013 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. Whenever Discover cardmembers need to speak with customer service, they are always connected with a live, U.S.-based representative who’s there to provide great service.

While I have had way too many negative customer service experiences to count, I would say that more often than not I am happy with the service I receive. I have had companies go above and beyond to make me satisfied. Most of the time this involves a refund or credit, but sometimes it’s as simple as a speaking with a friendly and understanding representative. Kindness really does go a long way!

Have you had a representative go completely above and beyond for you in the past? Share your positive experience to spread the word about great service to others!

$50 Discover Gift Card Giveaway

One lucky PennyWiseMama reader is going to WIN a $50 Discover Gift Card! The card can be used anywhere Discover is accepted.

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends on 2/12. Open to U.S. residents, 18+. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway