When a consumer/customer calls a company that provides that consumer with a good or a service, why does that company have a customer service department that does not speak the language of that company or its customer?

For example, a call to XYZ Corp hires a person who speaks fluent Tagalog, or Sanscrit, or Spanish or even pidgin English, but never standard English as spoken in English-speaking countries throughout the world. I do not count India as an English-speaking country.

I understand that workers in foreign lands can be hired at lower cost than English-speakers but is that not a false economy? One that will eventually backfire on the company in loss of business?

Here is a great marketing technique for corporations - hire workers who speak your language.

My experience: When I call customer service, especially if the person has an accent, I always ask that person where he/she is sitting. Usually the answer I get is the Philippines or sometimes a Central American country. I rarely have trouble understanding what they are saying.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

My experience: When I call customer service, especially if the person has an accent, I always ask that person where he/she is sitting. Usually the answer I get is the Philippines or sometimes a Central American country. I rarely have trouble understanding what they are saying.

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I congratulate you on having miracle ears that translate foreign languages. I suggest you contact the Mayo Clinic so they can examine your ears and make copies for the rest of us.

In any case, I can't wait for my ear transplant, so I am moving tonight to The Philippines with a summer place in India so I can talk to my ear's content to all the wonderful customer service people in those countries.

SAYONARA!!!

Hope you don't use drugs... they execute dealers and users in the Philippines... no trails necessary. I have been using "Chat with a live rep" for most of my customer services needs. My ears aren't that great either with some accents.