50 Cycles: London telephone number!

[tillson]

I agree, contacting a local branch from a bank can be a similar challenge.

However, I am banking with First Direct, so not really an issue for me! I can talk to someone empowered to resolve most issues or do most operations, 24 hours a day (typically a human being answers within 10 seconds)...

If the switchboard staff have access to repair logs/records, spec of bikes etc, then it could be useful (particularly out of hours), but they are just getting in the way otherwise.

I find that First Direct are the exception to the rule. They tend to put you through to someone who can quickly sort out whatever problem you may have. They speak English too, which is always a welcome bonus.

 

[flecc]

I find that First Direct are the exception to the rule. They tend to put you through to someone who can quickly sort out whatever problem you may have. They speak English too, which is always a welcome bonus.

Yes, and they've been like it since day one some 25 years ago.

Internet ISP Zen is another, impeccable service from knowledgeable English staff.
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[Izzyekerslike]

In my experience even when there is a phone number, when the phone is in eventually answered( if your lucky) the person on the other end doesn't have a clue and he/she will get somebody who may have a clue to call you back. NEVER yet have I received that call. So I do what I Should have done in the first place which is do my research online read up on excellent forums like this and then buy from the cheapest.

 

[Croxden]

But when did you last have a number for your local bank branch? Most companies seem do this sort of thing now.

You have a bank branch? You lucky devil.

 

[Tomtomato]

Well, I didn't buy a Kalkhoff to get the cheapest, obviously. The bikes are very well made, have top components and large battery capacity (compared to Bosch systems for instance), and I do get a lot of comfort knowing that there is a physical shop nearby I can visit in case of issues (even if in this case, they were hard to contact on the phone due to specific circumstances).

 

[shambolic]

With big companies it's all about staffing levels. Emails etc can be dealt with in great numbers by one person. A 15 minute one on one phone call is seen as time lost. It's up to customers to go elsewhere if they want this to change but research shows customers have other priorities. My bank, the Co-op used to be so easy to get through to a human being on the phone now they have been advised to follow 'modern business practice' I have to wade through automated options and answers. The only way to get through to a person is to belligerently ignore all the options and wait. eventually the phone rings and you get through. There is nothing to tell you this however. then they cut staff and make a bigger profit...and we know what happened to their profit last time