UK call centres failing customers

Nobody likes them, and they don't care

Written by Clement James

A recent YouGov survey has revealed that just four per cent of people in the UK have had a 'positive' call centre experience.

The poll also found that more than a third of respondents get so frustrated that they resort to shouting and swearing at customer service representatives.

A newly launched service, EasyCallRecording, is targeting consumers with an offering that can record and store important calls to use as evidence in support of complaints or in the event of dispute.

In one example, Montague Kobbe, a 26 year-old legal editor from London, successfully used EasyCallRecording to settle a dispute with his bank.

Kobbe emailed the recording to his bank's customer service department, proving that he had declined an insurance offer for which he was subsequently charged.

EasyCallRecording directors Ben Fry and Paul Sherwood were inspired to develop the service after several bad customer service experiences.

"Poor customer service is so widespread that I am surprised as much as four per cent of the population have had a good experience," said Fry.

"Every time I mention that I am recording the call, the response I get is amazing. Not only am I able to hold the representative accountable for what they say, but how they say it.

"The mere threat of a recording being emailed to management is enough to remind them that I am the customer and should be treated with a little respect. "

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