Calling customer service can be a huge pain, but calling to ask for discounts and other benefits can save you lots of money. Here are some tips to make picking up the phone a little easier:

1. Always have the necessary information in front of you. This includes your account number and any information the customer service rep (CSR) might ask for.
2. Always have pen and paper at hand and take notes. I usually write directly on the bill or relevant paper if there is one. Be sure to write down the date, the name of the CSR, and the important details of your conversation. It’s okay to ask the CSR to speak more slowly or hold on a moment because you’re writing things down (in fact, they may provide better service because they know you’re documenting the call).
3. Make sure you can find the paper you wrote on when you follow up. This actually goes along with tip #1. If you have to make a follow up call, it’s best to have your notes from the previous call in front of you. That way you can start off by saying, “On September 6, I spoke to Mary, who said that she would give me a credit but it hasn’t appeared on my statement yet.” You’ll be able to answer the CSR’s questions about your prior conversations and make it clear that you are on the ball.
4. Be polite. I’ve had the best results when I’ve stayed calm and polite, even if at the same time, I’m stomping my feet because I’m so frustrated. It helps to call when you’re in a relatively good mood and not pressed for time. Which leads into the next tip . . .
5. Do something else that can be interrupted when you call. I hate being on hold, so I make sure that I’m doing something else that can be easily interrupted when I call. This can include going through posts on Google Reader, writing thank-you notes, or simply flipping through a magazine.
6. If you do snap, apologize. I’ve done this when my frustration has gotten the best of me. I say something like, “I’m very sorry for speaking harshly. This is very frustrating and I’d really like to get this resolved.” If appropriate, I mention the prior, ineffective calls that I made. This is also a good time to ask to speak to a supervisor.

Follow these tips and I think you’ll find calling customer service a little less dreadful.

Share your tips for calling customer service over at the Blissfully Domestic forum.

And find more articles like this at Chief Family Officer, where Cathy writes about family finances, parenting, and cooking.