Backstage

What'd He Say?...

So I was over at Parkway Reststop reading about the frustrations of dealing with tech support that had a) no clue and b) an impossible accent to overcome. I have faced this myself on occasion, and it caused me to decide I will never, and I mean never call tech services, for any reason. I have actually purchased a new computer rather than sit through that nightmare again. (it’s a Dell, so you can bet I’ll never bother to call them either after reading about Jim’s struggles) Fortunately, over the years, I’ve gotten quite good at solving any of the issues that come up with a computer, or the internet. Mostly, I attribute that to keeping the same ISP for many years now… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… I’m getting up to speed on my DSL provider at my office now too, and have had very few problems I couldn’t handle there…

This, however is not what I’m writing about….

I deal with a graphic production company periodically to make large graphics, banners, and signs. They are absolutely excellent at their business, and deal well with the insane time frame I throw at them now and again… My sales rep was a very nice woman originally from Norway, and though she had an accent, it was never a major hindrance to communication. Well unfortunately for me, she decided to move to another company, which I believe is back over in Europe someplace, so I have a new sales rep. Now, when I call for a quote, I deal with a very nice fellow (lets call him W) that happens to be from India I believe. W’s accent is so heavy that it makes him almost unintelligible. I can tell that he knows his capabilities, and equipment, but the fact is I have to spend outrageous amounts of time just trying to communicate basic things to and from him. This is not good. When things get hectic, I don’t have time to play that game. My clients make changes so frequently that it makes my head spin, so I need suppliers that can handle my lack of sanity at those times. As I said, W knows his job, but since it is impossible to communicate with him, what good is that?... I have asked to speak to a different sales rep, and I have now gone through every single one of them, finding that W is the best one available. (hello?... I know there are great graphic arts programs at lots of US universities with tons of qualified people coming out of them with little or no accent… what the hell is going on?...) The thought is now running through my mind to find a different supplier, but developing the kind of trust I have for this company is kinda rough… I suppose I’m left with little to no choice, but damn if I’m not going to sweat over using someone else…