How to Prepare for a Customer Service or Tech Support Call

Make a customer service representative's job easier by being prepared.

In order to get help from a company's customer service representatives, you may have to help them help you. Before you pick up the phone to call customer service or tech support, take a few minutes to prepare. By having vital information about the product or service in question, the call will likely go more smoothly for both you and the customer service or tech support rep on the other end.

Things You'll Need

• Product serial number(s)
• Bar code number(s)
• Receipt(s)
• User Name
• Account Number(s) or Name(s)

Instructions

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, such as the representative's name, confirmation numbers or instructions.

3. If you are calling about electronics, 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 representative.

6. Be polite when you call. After all the person who answers your call did not cause your problem.

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.