Setting and background:
Meet me...I am a Customer Service Representative for the Provo City Utility Department.
I take payments.
I offer assistance.
I explain to people why their power got shut off.
I explain bills.
I occasionally want to throat punch some people through the phone.
I provide city wide information...such as:
What the Post Office Phone number is.
Where the dump is.
How to get your neighbors dog to stop deucing on your lawn.
The justice courts phone number and any other phone number within city...or county limits.
I begin each phone call with a pleasant "Provo City Helpline, this is Tara, how can I help you?" Very friendly right?
Ok: so I get many calls per diem from unpleasant people whose power has been terminated for one simple reason...THEY FORGOT TO PAY THEIR BILL.
So this is how one of the calls went after the initial greeting and information and all that stuff:
Me: Your power has been shut off for non-payment.
Provoite: Well I need to get in on....like now. It's FREEEEEEEZING in here. I'm so cold.
Me: I do appologize for that, but once you make the payment I can schedule a reconnect.
Provoite: Fine- take the payment.
(I take the payment and create the reconnect.)
Provoite: When will it be back on? (In a snappy tone.) I'm freezing.
Me: We will get it on as soon as we can. It just depends on what time the service techs get back in your area.
Provoite: Well, ALL MY FOOD IN MY REFRIGERATOR IS GOING TO GO BAD!!!!
Me: I thought you said it is FREEZING in your house? Your food should be fine. (smiling) Is there anything else I can help you with?
Provoite: No...and hangs up the phone ever so gently....no- my bad- I'm pretty sure she slammed it down.
Seriously: so funny. Perhaps my tone was a little too sarcastic.
*Maybe in the words of my brother I should have said, "YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH"
We are so kind.
PS. Provoite? Provoian?...either or.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
I think too fast sometimes...
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12 comments:
You totally know she is LDS that is the funny part! I try and be really nice to you folks so they will pump my due date back a few days until payday! Ohh and don't wait until its shut off to call! Late fees!
Hahaha! I love you. That made my day.
YOu are hilarious. You probably could get fired for that. haha That was so funny though. Only you would think to say something like that. Most people take their utilities being shut off pretty seriously...FYI.
Tara seriously you are very funny.. I love that conversation I want to work with you please... And I am glad we got to see you and the brodster yesterday I was sad he was sad but he stuff happens maybe we try it again soon ok...
LOL Now that line works if you live in the valley in the summer and they say "Your food will stay in your refrigerator for 24 hours if you refrain from opening it. Purchasing a block of ice or dry ice will help maintain it until your service is restored". We lose power a few times a year due to wind or lightening storm knocking over power poles. Went three days one August and ice kept it fine. So you are right her stuff will be fine. Teele has an ongoing "WAR" with the water company here. He literally waits until minutes before the disconnect deadline to walk in their office and place the check on the counter and walk out. I know they are lying in wait to disconnect us the moment he is one minute past the 12 noon deadline!
hahahahaha! I love it! Your the person I call about how ridiculously high my bill is. jk. I never call and I'm never late...payment wise that is. I am proud to call you my sister!
That is funny, and so you. That is why I love you dearly. And miss you like crazy... can we please be friends again (come back)??:)
HI TARA,
That is so funny I am sure you are always so polite on the phone. I was wondering what is the website that you got your necklace from that says BRODY on it. I want to check them out. I hope all is well in UT and good luck with school. It was so fun to meet your little boy is SO funny.
Thats an awesome story! I wish I had your quick thinking for times when I have worked in an insurance office man people can be so rude about their problems sometimes! One time I had this Lady cuss me out and I just laghed and told her I am sorry you feel that way But I so wish I could have said something better. Your never around when I need you anymore! haha
Good job! When I worked in customer service I turned quite sarcastic also. People are soooo dumb sometimes and I just felt like it was my duty to let them know.
HA HA HA!!
so so true!
I miss you guys!
and oddley enough I MISS WORK!
Tell everyone hi!
:)
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