"Is there anything else I can do for you today?" Grrrr...

What is the most annoying phrase that companies' telesales agents use? My vote goes to: "is there anything else I can do for you today?"

It is used by companies who want something from you, but then add this trite catchphrase at the end of their spiel to try and make out like it is they who have been doing you a favour all along (and not the other way around).

Viz:

Hello, is that Mr Weekler?
Yes.
Hello, I'm ringing to tell you that your ESB bill is now overdue.
Is it? When was it due?
It was due last week.
Oh. Okay, sorry. I'll sort it out this evening.
Fine, Mr Weekler. Is there anything else I can do for you today?
Er, no.

Hello, is that Mr Winkler?
Yes, this is Adrian Weckler.
Hello, I ringing about the collection of a Dell computer.
Yes.
Can I confirm collection tomorrow morning at 9am?
Yes.
Thank you Mr Winkler. Is there anything else I can do for you today?
No.

Hello, is that Mr Whackler?
Yes.
Hello, I'm answering your customer query regarding your domain name.
Oh yes.
What seems to be the problem?
I keep trying to log in but your site won't let me.
Ah. Have you tried the top of the page?
Yes.
And it doesn't work?
No.
Okay, we'll have a look for you.
But…
Is there anything else I can do for you today?
Hang on, I…
You're welcome. Bye.

Comments

[orlaith]

That's quite a few name variants. A few years back I used to refer to you as Adrian Veckler - you have a German looking surname so I just always assumed the German pronunciation. I was corrected by a senior PR exec at the time. Do you get people calling you Mr Veckler at all or was I the only one?

[Adrian]

Normally, it's people who fancy themselves as fairly cosmopolitan :)

(Actually, it sounds more interesting than Weckler. So I welcome it!)