english-speaking call centre staff with accents. annoying?

Question

Firstly, even though this question is going to sound racist, Im not a racist. I know everyone says that, but Im really not. I think accents are cool and that they make english more colorful and interesting. Also, I only speak one language (english) and never succeeded at learning any other languages with any degree of success, ~ so I have a lot of respect for people who have the ability to speak english as a second language.

So thats the preamble. Now my question is, when you ring a call centre (say a telecommunications or utility provider) and you get someone on the other end with a very strong accent that is hard to understand (lets say you have to ask for clarification each time somethings said, sometimes several times). How is this for you? Obviously, this situation is exacerbated if its a bad connection to start with (staticy, quiet, or muffled). How do you feel having to repeatedly ask for clarification? What do you think of this situation?

Answer 1

Honestly I think it bites. I called the light company the other day and I couldn't understand a word of what the guy was saying . I am not a rude person but I had to tell him I couldn't understand him. I called the light company 4 times before I reached someone who I could understand. I asked what was the deal and the lady said that there answering serves wasn't in USA. The funny thing is the main office is in Dallas . I ask why do they have the service over seas and she said she couldnt reply cause she would get fired.

Answer 2

You may think accents are cool, but not when you are trying to get an answer to a technical question...ever noticed how mad they get when you keep asking them to repeat the answer???...that's when I ask to speak to a level 1 tech.

Answer 3

Hang up, call back, and tell the person to transfer you to an American speaking manager.