Avoid 40 minutes on hold

Herbalus

I spent over 40 minutes on hold the other evening trying to speak to somebody. I tried again today and spent another 10 minutes on hold before I gave up.

I then found their "dial from abroad" number, and after it first rejected the call because I'm in the UK, withheld my number and got straight through to a person on the second ring without that stupid talking options list! Magical :rotfl:

meer53

Would be even more magical if you said who you were calling ?

Herbalus

A government organisation. I won't say anymore: I don't want them to close down the option! But I bet it works in a lot of cases.

fierystormcloud

Are you talking about the tax credits line?

shaun_from_Africa

There is a similar way to get to speak with a customer service advisor from insurance companies.


last year, I had to phone Direct line to claim for window damage, so I called their claims hotline. This went unanswered for quite a while, and when it was finally picked up, I was put in the queue.


In desperation I phoned their Freephone number for new quotes and surprise surprise, this was answered immediately.
I simply told them that I must have called the wrong number and asked if they could transfer me, which they did and the call went straight through to a human.


I wouldn't be surprised if most, if not all of the large insurers are like this. Lots of people answering phones to get new customers but not as many dealing with the customers that they already have.

bod1467

I had exactly the same a couple of years ago with the AA renewal line; I couldn't get through (at all) on the stated number so I called the sales line - Hey presto! Straight through.

geerex

Oh, come on people.

It's hardly brand new information that companies man their sales lines more than the lines which cost them money.

LadyDee

http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php

Try this website for alternative numbers.