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03/17/2006 01:11:07 PM · #26 |
I have been extremely frustrated when dealing with someone who I cannot understand. I don't care if they are Bob, Sally, Joan, Rajnish or Meena, but I find it so frustrating when SERVICE isn't service simply because of the accent barrier.
What I hate even more is (even with the American CS reps), the canned "oh I am so sorry you are having this problem." One time I actualy said "can you just talk to me and not use your canned speech?"
They didn't know what to say. |
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03/17/2006 01:32:30 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
i had Earthlink for a while, and there customer service was like
helllllo houuu maaaiii iii hellpp you, (7-11 voice), and anyway to make a story short, i told them i cannot understand what you are saying, i want someone who speaks clear english, they transfered me back to the states and i got a texan, which was fine wiht me,
but what do you think happens when you get an asain, calling an arabic, thats got to be really confusing |
Now imagine if someone of Indian origin were to read this, particulary the "7-11" bit...and the entire thread really...and not come away highly offended...just imagine...
Could someone from SC please move this thread to rant?
Message edited by author 2006-03-17 13:34:44. |
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03/17/2006 01:33:13 PM · #28 |
edit to avoid moving to Rant
Message edited by author 2006-03-17 13:43:34. |
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03/17/2006 01:36:12 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by RKT:
Now imagine if someone of Indian origin were to read this, particulary the "7-11" bit...and the entire thread really...and not come away highly offended...just imagine... |
I'm not blaming the Indians... Hell, they're just doing what's best for THEM. I actually admire their desire to make a better lifestyle for themselves... My sights are on corporate America/UK/pick a country... While the Indians are doing what's best for THEM, WE are NOT doing what's best for US!!!! |
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03/17/2006 01:36:38 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by RKT:
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
i had Earthlink for a while, and there customer service was [heavily accented] and anyway to make a story short, i told them i cannot understand what you are saying, i want someone who speaks clear english, they transfered me back to the states and i got a texan, which was fine wiht me,
but what do you think happens when you get an asain, calling an arabic, thats got to be really confusing |
Now imagine if someone of Indian origin were to read this, particulary the "7-11" bit...and the entire thread really...and not come away highly offended...just imagine...
Could someone from SC please move this thread to rant? |
there is no ranting here, this is an open disscussen on customer service and how we are un happy with what we get, when we pay money for a servie and they provide us with substandard help.
Message edited by frisca - fix quote. |
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03/17/2006 01:39:27 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
Originally posted by RKT:
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
i had Earthlink for a while, and there customer service was [heavily accented] and anyway to make a story short, i told them i cannot understand what you are saying, i want someone who speaks clear english, they transfered me back to the states and i got a texan, which was fine wiht me,
but what do you think happens when you get an asain, calling an arabic, thats got to be really confusing |
Now imagine if someone of Indian origin were to read this, particulary the "7-11" bit...and the entire thread really...and not come away highly offended...just imagine...
Could someone from SC please move this thread to rant? |
there is no ranting here, this is an open disscussen on customer service and how we are un happy with what we get, when we pay money for a servie and they provide us with substandard help. |
YOUR "7-11" comment is clearly offensive...at least to me...perhaps you should have said "Indian dialect" or "Hindi accent"...
Message edited by frisca - fixing quotes. |
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03/17/2006 01:42:49 PM · #32 |
dont attack me in the forum, if you have a problem PM me, my comment was straight forward and went right along with the rest of the post.
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03/17/2006 01:50:47 PM · #33 |
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
dont attack me in the forum, if you have a problem PM me, my comment was straight forward and went right along with the rest of the post. |
I'm not attacking "you" personally, just something you have said...part of my family is Indian and I know how hurt they would be if they saw some of the things said here...particulary the "7-11" mention. |
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03/17/2006 01:54:17 PM · #34 |
| RKT, im not saying my comment was alright, it wasnt, but stereotypes are a part of everyday life anywhere you go, so much even the littelst comment could be considered stereotyped, if you think about it, look at the simpsons quik mart guy, thats just a example, there are lots more our there, just watch tv, or read the newspaper, |
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03/17/2006 01:56:54 PM · #35 |
Originally posted by RKT:
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
dont attack me in the forum, if you have a problem PM me, my comment was straight forward and went right along with the rest of the post. |
I'm not attacking "you" personally, just something you have said...part of my family is Indian and I know how hurt they would be if they saw some of the things said here...particulary the "7-11" mention. |
I probably shouldn't post this because I don't want to end up in trouble. But, I live in NJ and have numerous 7-11's nearby. Every one with no exceptions is owned and operated by Indians. It's not a bad thing. They do ALL have the accents. If you don't want to deal with the accents, you go to WaWa. I personally get along great with the guys and gals at 7-11. I think his point was, we know the accents best from going to places like 7-11. It didn't sound like he was trying to be offensive in any way. |
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03/17/2006 02:04:06 PM · #36 |
Originally posted by TroyMosley:
RKT, im not saying my comment was alright, it wasnt, but stereotypes are a part of everyday life anywhere you go, so much even the littelst comment could be considered stereotyped, if you think about it, look at the simpsons quik mart guy, thats just a example, there are lots more our there, just watch tv, or read the newspaper, |
I know how upset I get sometimes when I hear other countries ragging on the U.S. I really wonder how upset I might get if someone were making jokes about American stereotypes. Perhaps, just a little more thought before making such jokes.
Ofcourse, saying this now makes me a hypocrite, since I'm sure I've made the same jokes or at least laughed at them. |
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03/17/2006 02:11:31 PM · #37 |
Im gonna get creamed for this but,
why get upset, why do people care what other poeople think about them,
he's american ,he must be rich, he american he is stupid westerner,
who cares,
if you have ever spent an extended period of time in another country you get over it really quick,
even the people from india, pakistan, iran, they laugh at their own stereo types that have been put upon them
as do white people, have you ever listend to dave chapells stereotype of a whit man, its hilarious
Message edited by author 2006-03-17 14:12:11.
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03/17/2006 02:14:05 PM · #38 |
Shame.
People should put themselves in the shoes of others at times.
I have issues at times like everyone else, when I cannot communicate with people, especially in the native language of the land. I have always been at odds as to why major companies put difficult to understand people in positions to deal with the public, such as a drive-thru window at a fast food place, but then I remember the bigger picture.
My perception is that a lot people of different ethnic backgrounds, are far more humble and happy to have a job than many locals. Rising costs to be in business have seen to it that companies need to cut costs to stay in business, and from first-hand accounts, I have to raise my rates every year to compensate for the rising costs around my business.
The rising costs to live here San Diego for instance, have made nearly impossible for a single-income family anymore. Many jobs have been lost to those willing to cross the border and be grateful to have a job.
We live in a society of a double-edge sword, needing more to survive, and in turn it cuts our own throats.
I firmly believe that we the American people want more and are willing to do less for it, and the domino effect multiplies in layoffs, sending manufacturing and productions overseas, and as in this case, IT jobs elsewhere.
To put down any ethnic group because they speak different than us or are taking our jobs is so out of line. Time for more to look at their lives, what they are willing to do to make a living, escaping poverty-striken countries in hopes to make a better life for themselves.
Would you do any different if in their shoes?
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03/17/2006 02:21:51 PM · #39 |
wow, seriously one of the most veiled and offensive threads I've read here in a while. Yeah, CS from india have accents. yeah, its ok to talk about that, and yeah they give names that are easier for western customers to understand.
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03/17/2006 02:34:36 PM · #40 |
| Having your calls off-shored is not always so bad... The last two times mine have (one for Linksys and another for Earthlink -- when I was trying to get my daughters' iMac online), I spoke with a girl in the Philippines and then a girl in Romania. Both were very friendly and talkative, silky voices, and light accents -- and they helped me resolve my problem. I almost wished I would have another problem :) but like someone else mentioned, I've only had to call Earthlink about 5 times in 5 years. |
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03/17/2006 02:36:25 PM · #41 |
Originally posted by BradP:
I have always been at odds as to why major companies put difficult to understand people in positions to deal with the public, such as a drive-thru window at a fast food place, but then I remember the bigger picture. |
And the bigger picture is the company is trying to save a buck. It's okay to complain if you get a bad product or service because a company is cutting back. Part of customer service is being able to speak the language understandably.
And for the record, I don't hear most Indian accents at 7-11s. I hear them from my coworkers.
It's interesting that this thread is blowing up on St. Patrick's Day. People used to talk like this about Irish accents. |
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03/17/2006 02:36:37 PM · #42 |
Brad, I agree with you for the most part. I agree that the reason we have outsourcing is because of the ever-increasing cost of living and manufacturing in developed countries. I also agree that there is nothing wrong with people in underdeveloped countries wanting/working to make a better life for themselves. My beef is what is ultimately going to happen to our country (specifically the US, but can be applied to any developed countries that outsource). I personally am willing to pay just a little bit extra to make sure that the job STAYS in our country. Actually Dell offers this service. It just saddens me to see that many of our fellow citizens are losing jobs every day because corporate America has decided that it is easier on the bottom line to send "Bob's" job to India. What does this mean?!?! The CEO can now have TWO houses in Fiji instead of one!!! Greed will ultimately be the demise of developed countries. The most unfortunate thing about the entire scenario is that it's your regular everyday "Bob" that ultimately pays the price for corporate greed.
Again, I have NO problem with underdeveloped countries taking advantage of the situation and I harbor no ill will toward them for doing what's best for their country. I simply think we need to do what's best for our country and put an end to outsourcing. I realize this would have negative ramifications in underdeveloped countries that rely on outsourcing as a source of income, but honestly (not meaning to sound callous)... that's not my problem!
My problem is feeding MY child, putting a roof over MY family and enjoying the fruits of MY labor. If MY job is taken away because of an outsource underbidding contract, then MY life has just gotten much more difficult. Selfish?!? Yes!!! But when you boil it all down to brass tacks, isn't that the driving force behind all of this? |
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03/17/2006 02:51:14 PM · #43 |
People... the problem is NOT the accents... the problem is the REASON you're talking to someone with an accent!!!
The OP said the problem was with Dell right? Well, last time I ordered from Dell, they gave me two different service options. Standard (talk to someone from India). Upgrade (talk to someone from the United States). Yes, it costs more, but in the end, is it worth the extra to you to protect our jobs? It is to me!!!
I don't think we should turn this into a ethnic bashing thread because honestly all the Indians I have met are very pleasant, HARD WORKING individuals. Here in the south, many of them own 7-11's, but many others own hotels, and still many others are Physicians!!! And guess what!?! The DOCTORS have ACCENTS!!! Let's not be quick to stereotype or look down on others simply because they speak the language a little differently from us. Hell, I'm a southern boy and most of you would probably have a difficult time understanding my accent. We can not fault a person for trying to better themselves. We can however voice an opinion that NEEDS to be heard on the greater problem. Sending our jobs overseas is the REAL problem.
Damn, how did that soapbox get back under my feet... Sorry... stepping down now... I'm off to smash my stupid soapbox.
Edit: Ooooops - didn't mean to get this thrown into Rant... Sorry, I'm just pretty passionate about this particular subject. I do sincerely apologize if my little side tangent is what got this thrown into Rant
Message edited by author 2006-03-17 15:04:08. |
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03/17/2006 03:58:17 PM · #44 |
I think and hope people are just reacting differently. I don't see any offense towards a particular people. I've lived extensively in places like Australia, England, Germany, Korea, Egypt, Phillipeans, Turkey, and visited on fairly long term another 50 countries or more. I enjoy myself the best when I get away from the American or British influence and visit with the locals. When I moved to Australia (lived there 6 years) I also had to learn to listen, yup they do have a very strange accent also, and the Brits, well stuffy and hard to understand many times, and well the Yanks, no one can understand them, or at least not until talky movies from Hollywood went world wide. The real issue is most everyone in every country is more comforatable talking to tech support from their own country in their own native language without having to interpret meanings.
I've talked to many Dell tech support people in India, guys and gals, all have been very friendly, in-fact over the edge friendly when all I wanted was to get down to business and fix the issue. One lady in particular had a Master Degree and was there answering telephones and giving Dell tech support. She was making a few dollars an hour versus the same qualification here in the USA would be at least 10 times more. We all want cheaper goods. My goodness a top of the line Dell from 10 years ago was $4500 now a better system is only $500.
So overseas to save money ... yup. Does it hurt many Americans ... yup. Just look at history. 20 years ago Japan was kicking the worls butt with cars made in Japan. Now a big part if not majority of Toyotas are made in the USA. This summer Toyota will open a Billion Dollar Toyota truck plant here in San Antonio Texas instead of importing here. What a change, it's now cheaper to do it here. History will tell and things will swing. I can only hope that other "third world" (please don't take offence) will develop so that poor living conditions worldwide will improve.
So back to the subject ... Where's Bob today? |
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03/17/2006 04:24:14 PM · #45 |
Excuse my ignorance but what is ''7-11'' ?
Anyway 0 outsourcing. the company I work for has outsourced it's I.T. help desk to India. I work in the I.T. dept and in the early days we had some problems - for example if one of the Lotus Notes team rang the help desk to tell them they were taking down a server or such the help desk operator would ask them for their pc item number, employee number and what exactly was the problem - err the problem is we are taking the server down - you will get a lot of calls, we are telling you so you can deal with it - reply came back - what is your pc item number.....
anyway since we went Indian back of last year things are much better now. They are much more proficient after training and experience.
Funny thing is we were forced to do this by our parent company, which is American, to save money etc. However the U.S. office refused to outsource their own Help desk...
A lot of banks, insurance companies in the UK have gone this route and some have had to revert back to UK call centres and make a big deal of it with their advertising.
I have had more trouble trying to understand the people at a certain Telecoms company who has a help desk in Holland and seems to be staffed by every nationality under the sun, Greek, German, Dutch, Spainish, French...of course they all speak English but accents are difficult...off course I can only speak English...and these people probably speak at least half a dozen languages, i am not worthy....
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03/17/2006 04:27:41 PM · #46 |
Originally posted by MikeOwens:
Excuse my ignorance but what is ''7-11'' ?
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A mini shopping market there is one on every corner in the US.( Not really but it seems like it) :) |
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03/17/2006 04:37:23 PM · #47 |
Ok thanks - we have them here but we call them ''corner shops'' and boy do they provide a very important service to the communities. We would be lost without them
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03/18/2006 01:13:07 AM · #48 |
Yeah, Indians are tech masters. I've got a friend from Bombay who lives in GaoXiong taking his PhD in electrical engineering.
What that guy carries around in his brain frightens me.
Oh yeah, not to mention 6 languages, just because... nothing special to him.
I'm working on #3 and 4 myself for languages... And I'm in pretty serious need of a brush-up on #2...
My goal is 6 languages, but this guy learned 4 before he was 6 years old. And so did everyone else he knows.
Bright bunch. I'm not surprised in the slightest that tech issues become significantly rarer under the Indian's watchful eye.
In Vancouver, they are taxi drivers, in Kowloon they are tailors, in Taipei, they are cooks. One day soon, we will all just stereotype them as tech's.
The question is, what will they stereotype us as? We who quibble about trivialities such as accents in our single mother tongue. |
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03/18/2006 06:32:35 AM · #49 |
After reading this thread, I have come up with a insight.
Bob actually is a Canadian, whom is offensively using an Hindi accent to throw off the stupid American consumer.
Doing this shields Canada, and lays blame to all regional countries that even sound Hindi.
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03/18/2006 06:34:26 AM · #50 |
| Put the bottle down, A.H., and crawl into bed and close your eyes. Those big, mean conspiring Canadians will magically disappear when you awake. ;-) |
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