Not entirely our fault, honest guv'!
I have worked for the switchboard/customer services/first point of contact of a medium sized store in a largish UK retail chain that used to have a stag as a logo.

Yes, we're asked to be friendly. I generally hammed it up a posh voice, it worked much better and fitted in with the buildings location and general perception.

And the reason why we talk to you like pillocks is because 98% of the people we talk do ARE pillocks, we get the odd people who arn't (like everyone here on b3ta), but the mass general public can't tell their arses from their elbows. If you act all sugary and sweet, you can tell which people are going to be utter berks as they'll shout at you without saying hello.

Although, the above mentioned about the Asian call centers "My name is x" when it's not wound me up a treat, as I had to deal with them on a daily basis for store cards (credit cards with 28% apr).

Pro tip: Never ever be angry at customer services staff in credit card companies, be nice and friendly but firm, if they seem reluctant to help or arn't sure what they can do, ask them nicely to speak to other staff or their manager, don't demand, it won't help you.
(buzzmong procrastinating since 1987, Sun 4 May 2008, 15:47, Reply)