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| Issue June-24 | ||
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Call Recording Tit for Tat |
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| This call may be recorded for training purposes. Like me, you have probably heard this statement at least a thousand times. Sometimes, but not always you will be asked to confirm that you agree with the call being recorded by pressing an option button. But some call centres state, "please tell our agent if you don't agree". All very well and good. Do you actually believe that the calls are recorded only for training purposes or as they sometimes state for quality control? Sucker if you do. In the past we have had the occasional problem with B&B bookings. Actually double booking by the agency. Yes let's name them: "Booking.com". No matter how obvious the error was we immediately received a warning that should it be necessary to reallocate the guest elsewhere, we could be liable for any extra costs.We have received these warnings more than once. To fill you in, you need to know that the agency uses special algorithms to create the texts you see when you choose a property you might want to book. You cannot write just any description you wish. In our case the algorithm generates: "fully equipped kitchen". In no way under any dreamt up circumstances could one believe that we have a kitchen of any sorts. Except of course if you consider a minibar sized fridge and a kettle to be fully equipped. Maybe the Dutch believe this to be the case (BDC BV)? Having requested several times to no avail on the phone and also giving them time to make the changes I rang again. "Thank you for calling BDC" and then "This call may be recorded for training purposes." was of course the recorded message we heard. In order to cover ourselves in case a guest books and on arrival demands that we upgrade the apartment to contain a fully equipped kitchen or maybe even let them use our own facilities I waited until after hearing music and a real voice came on the line. I said in a friendly tone: "I would like to inform you that I am also recording this conversation". "We do not recommend that you record calls" was the angry reply. I repeated my phrase. Even angrier "We do not recommend that you record calls". Thump: the call was ended. It seems to me that this Dutch company needs to learn some manners and civility. They should come down from their arrogant high horse and remember that it is our commission that feeds them! In future I will always politely remind people that I too am recording the call. After all what is good for the goose is good for the gander! |
| London: 3. June 2025: -pw- |
| Source: WessexTimes |
| The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect WessexTimes editorial stance. |
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