Automated phone menus - how to skip through them, and help others do the same!

Former_MSE_Dan

What is it?

A database, compiling the right combinations of buttons to push to sail through automated phone menus that many companies now use and get to a real person.

How does it work

ivrhacks.com lists companies along with the details of which phone buttons to press to avoid listening to endless automated voices in your head.

This is great news as many lines that have these lengthy menus are hideous 0870 numbers (see Saynoto0870 for how to beat those) which means you're likely to be paying 8p/min for the privilege.

Any drawbacks?

Currently, ivrhacks deals very well with American companies, but the UK section is confined mainly to banks and other financial institutions. However, it would be fantastic if MoneySavers could help fill up the database.

If you know a shortcut through the menus for a company that isn't listed, go to the "Submit New Listing" page. Quickly fill in the details, and it'll get added to the list. With nearly 1.2 million recipients of the weekly email, I'm confident MoneySavers could extend ivrhacks to cover a wide range of major UK businesses.

If you can't find a number you want on there, you may want to try just hitting the hash key continually - this gets you through to human operators more often than you expect! Read full details.

Heinz

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=363815

Former_MSE_Dan

Hi Heinz,

Thanks for posting the link. The idea here is slightly different - hopefully a bit more precision than just bashing the buttons. Though that may still work better for some!

Dan

BritBrat

I find quite often pressing no button works best, you get a human.

I like the idea, will add to database next time I come across one.

Thanks.

gonzolagonda

http://gethuman.com/uk/ is similar

keith.mac

two things i do, one press the option for buying, then get put through to right department,and also just do not press any option buttons, this usually get one through to an operator quite quickly, not fool proof!!
but i will now use the hash key,

Surfer

I detest phoning Sky and then hanging on for ages especially if you are requesting account closure.

BexTech

Surfer wrote: »

I detest phoning Sky and then hanging on for ages especially if you are requesting account closure.

I've always used an 0800 number and got through within a few seconds to speak to someone.

Vans_101

keith.mac wrote: »

two things i do, one press the option for buying, then get put through to right department,and also just do not press any option buttons, this usually get one through to an operator quite quickly, not fool proof!!
but i will now use the hash key,

Why go through to the sales dept when you do not want to buy something? The person who answers your call will probably have a target to hit otherwise they will lose their job and commision. I know people who its happened to!

Tam_Lin

Vans_101 wrote: »

Why go through to the sales dept when you do not want to buy something? The person who answers your call will probably have a target to hit otherwise they will lose their job and commision. I know people who its happened to!

As a consumer/customer, my priority is for the company to serve me, not pay extra on the phonebill for their insane phone systems.

Iluvorkney

Re.0870 numbers. Look and see if the company offers a standard number if you are phoning from abroad, use that, with your free mobile minutes!!