Retro Communication

[tamaranth]

As some of you know, I hate using the phone -- especially when I'm trying to make a complaint about something. (It's surprisingly difficult to get put through to someone who can actually sort it out.)

This afternoon, as part of my post-Christmas paperwork catchup, I have been chasing complaints, non-refunded payments, etc.

I have been writing letters.

This suits me much better than using the phone:
- it's more proactive, so I don't end up sitting there doing nothing and listening to ghastly hold messages;
- I can set out my complaint / argument at my own pace without interruption
- if I realise I don't have all the details to hand, I can stop to find them
- I have a record of exactly what I said
- there is a good chance of getting a written response
- and a good chance that they will actually address the issue, as opposed to parrotting a scripted reply or fobbing me off with assurances that turn out empty.
- also, I can listen to my choice of music, not theirs. (Ask me why I hate 'Dancing in the Moonlight'. Go on.)

It may have taken me slightly longer than making the phonecalls would have done, but I'm much less stressed and feel more optimistic about the various outcomes. (Refunds, change of address details, apology-and-compensation, details of long-forgotten insurance policies ...)

Comments

[d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com]

Aye, I'm not overkeen on the phone either - I also prefer letters, although it takes me just as long to get around to them ...

[lamentables.livejournal.com]

Well done on doing those things and figuring out a way to reduce the stress.