just a simple answer

[Gerianne]

from time to time when I call a business to ask a question, they give me an elaborate answer.
the question I am asking requires only a yes or no answer.
the rep on the phone proceeds to give me lengthy information. I am more confused by the time I get the yes or no answer.
"all I asked was_____" they answer. I say "thank you. goodbye."

[betlynjua]

Oh I know, that is just so annoying.  By the time they get through all of their garbage, I have to start all over again. 

Of late, I would preface my question with the request for a simple yes or no.  I've been doing this in person with individuals and, if need be, on the phone as well.

Sometimes I feel the need to elaborate on my request just to make sure they get it.  Of course that in itself takes time as well but when all is said and done, I make my point, I ask the question, I get a yes or no and all is right with the world. 

Try it and see if it works for you.   

[vickysue]

A simple yes or no is usually about all it needs on most questions unless a person is wanting a tec. question. When working in retail on factory orders my customers always expected a simple answer. But sometimes what I would get was a long winded person who knew it all. Took up a lot of my time. I would finally but in and just ask is it a yes or no answer. Then they would shut up.

[heypeg]

Crazy isn't it, just a waste of time

[sherryfan]

We got simple brain and just need simple answer

[hitch0403]

Why dont you touch on before you actually speak to somebody!!And whats even more frustrating is finally when someone gets on the phone....you get disconnected or you arent speaking to the right person that can help you!

[LaTashaS28]

I agree that it can be annoying at times when that happens

[luvh8tragedy87]

That can be irritating. I wonder if they're made to give a more elaborate answer. Either that or they're just trying to be as helpful as possible.

[lvstephanie]

I know what you mean... Sometimes I think the customer rep. has been so trained to try to up-sell that it's almost second nature. When you ask a question, they use that as a chance to "advertise" to you and try to get you to buy more or upgrade your service.

There is this satire blog that I visit every once in awhile... The whole premise of the site is that this guy writes letters (as in slow-mail) to companies either to complain or compliment the company (and in the process, hopefully to score some free merchandise).  Although a few of the letters were really directed at his questions / comments that he made in his letter, more often than not he'll get back a boilerplate latter that reads more like a generic ad. Something like:

"Thank you for your interest in OurStuff. Here at OurStuff, we pride ourselves in being a leader in the industry using only the best ingredients available. If you have not heard, we now have Improved OurStuff -- the same as OurStuff but only better! We hope you will continue to take an interest in OurStuff as we strive to please our customers like you." (groan)

[wendyr19]

I am literally dealing with this right now!! I recently purchased an item that in the description it said salt and pepper mill  set.. Well to me *SET* means two of them. So I wanted matching sets for the breakfast table and dining table. I only received two canisters an when I contacted customer service, they just kept giving me the run around that I received my package and that it was delivered. All I am asking them is what the quantity of a single order and they keep telling me to recheck the box.

[candylvr6907]

Sometimes folks just need to make sure their understood and they elaborate more than they should. I do agree it is annoying

[jcalexis]

That happened to me before. It is one of the reasons that I prefer to google anything first.