(I work for my university during the mornings of open days. I take tours and answer any questions visitors have. If you do everything available to you, it’s normally a full day. A mother who has been sitting down with her son for a while approaches me. It’s around 12:30.)
Me: “Hi, is there something that I can help you with?”
Mother: “Yeah, my son has this letter that says he has a meeting this afternoon. Will we be missing anything if we don’t go?”
Me: “Oh, well there is the general introductory talk at 1:00. It is just some information about student life and life in Swansea. But it’s not necessary to attend. I can give you a print out of the talk if you like.”
Mother: “Oh, that would be nice. But this thing this afternoon–is that important?”
Me: “You mean your departmental visit? Well, that’s what most people come to see. You meet lecturers and find out a lot more about the course in the afternoon. Is there some reason that you need to leave now?”
Me: “Hello, you’re through to [phone company]. How can I help?”
Customer: “I’ve just tried to top up my phone and it won’t work. Can you put it back on?”
Me: “Sorry, that number is now cancelled. It cannot be reactivated as it has been recycled.”
Customer:*horrified* “How dare you! That number belongs to me! It is absolutely vital I get that number back. It is my business number! You people are costing me money and putting my livelihood at risk! I’ll sue! This is a disgrace!”
Me: “Madam, that number has been disconnected from your account for seven years. It has been used by two other customers since you last had it.”
Customer:*click*
This story is part of the Very Wrong Customers roundup!
