The wide world of customer service and technical support

To resolve customer issues, companies have developed customer support systems that can address seemingly any issue a customer might have. These processes are accessed by customers through a variety of means; chat, SMS, phone, and even in person at brick-and-mortar stores. Of all of these methods, the phone-operated system may be the most familiar to many customers.

• Dial 1. Want to claim a rebate?

• Dial 2. Is your hardware malfunctioning?

• Dial 3. Have billing questions?

• Dial 4. Are you having a software issues?

By using such a system, companies can funnel particular issues to relevant personnel that can best help resolve a customer's issue.

Decades ago, it was common for customers to bring their devices to an independent repair outlet at a strip mall. Today, however, it is far more common for a customer to contact a manufacturer to have a product repaired or replaced. The reasons for the decline of third-party repair solutions are numerous...