How to Prepare for a Customer Service or Tech Support Call

Before you pick up the phone to call customer service or tech support, take a few minutes to prepare. By having a few simple things ready, the call with go much smoother for both you and the customer service or tech support rep on the other end. Also, by taking a couple minutes to ready yourself, you might calm yourself down instead of calling in a frenzy! Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Serial Number(s)
• Bar Code Number(s)
• Receipt(s)
• User Name
• Account Number(s) or Name(s)
• Pen or Pencil
• Paper

How to Prepare for a Customer Service or Tech Support Call

1. Locate all serial numbers, receipts, account names or account numbers you might need. If there are multiple numbers, make sure you know which number is for which item.

2. Make sure you have a pen and paper handy to write down any important information like the rep's name, confirmation numbers or instructions.

3. If you are calling about electronics, try to have access to all the cords and wall outlets for testing purposes.

4. Write down the issues you're having. Read through them and make sure you didn't miss anything.

5. If you've tried to fix the problem yourself, jot down the remedies you've tried so you can report that to the rep.

6. Take a few deep breaths before you call. The person you are about to talk to didn't cause the problem and starting the call angry will only put the person on the other end on the defensive!

Tips & Warnings

• Although these tips are helpful in making for a productive and easy phone call, there are always reps out there that will make your life miserable. Be sure to ask for their name when you call so if you have a problem in the future you know who you talked to.