on a related note, if you were to interview an indian call center rep who recieved calls from international customers you would find that the most language barriers occur among people from india. they have dozens of languages in that country and apparently become even more frustrated than americans because they know they are speaking to someone from their own country yet they still cannot understand each other. that being said, i have very little tolerance for rudeness from the customer end. i have worked call center customer service for 2 separate fortune 500 companies among other smaller outfits and i have to tell you the customers create more problems than anyone. i know customers like to think they are just the center of the rep's world but the fact is you are really just the 12th person today to degrade the rep for something someone else screwed up last week. that rep is as replacable as a breath of air and he could give two shits if your mother gets raped by aliens. he's not going to fold himself in half to kiss your ass if you're going to act like a prick. there's just no incentive. the way to handle that situation is to try to appeal to the rep's humanity in a polite way. the customer is only entitled to so much "service". anything beyond that is a favor and should be viewed as such. also, when speaking to someone with a heavy accent, ask them to speak a little slower, and do the same if they are having a hard time understanding you. anunciate each syllable. your personal beliefs should not affect your ability to conduct business in a professional manner. get a grip sir.
cheer up buttercup
