Here it's called the Florida Relay, but I think it's called TTD elsewhere. Basically, an operator calls your store and they're having a text chat with a deaf customer. You say "go ahead" (like "over" on walkie talkies) and they'll type what you say to the customer and then say back what you type. It can be VERY slow if the deaf person is a slow typist or if they have a lot to say.
I was running customer service and I get the call...
<me> Thank you for calling <city> Staples, this is <me> how can I help you?
<relay> Hello, this is a Florida Relay call, have you taken a relay call before?
<me> yes. Go Ahead.
*tapping of keys as the relay person... well... relays. This takes a few seconds*
<relay> Do you fix copiers? Go ahead.
<me> No, we don't. Go ahead.
*typetypetype again*
<relay> It's a Cannon ##### copier. You don't fix them? Go ahead.
<me> No, we don't. Sorry. Go ahead.
*typetypetype*
<relay> Do you know anyone who fixes copiers? Go ahead.
<me> No, I don't. Sorry. Go ahead.
*type type type* By this time I have customers in line. Luckily they work retail and they too have gotten relay calls
*LONG pause, which means the person on the other end is typing out something long*
<Relay> Is there anyone there who can fix my copier. It doesn't do it all the time but it only prints part of the page and then it jams. Go ahead.
<me> No, no one here knows how to fix copiers, I'm sorry. Go ahead.
*typetype*
<Relay> Customer has ended the call. Thank you for using Florida Relay.
I was getting a little frustrated. It doesn't matter what the model is, once we say we don't fix copiers you'd think they'd get it.
But then I thought about it... That poor relay person! Not only do they have to deal with SC's, but they also have to deal with the store people... and if the employees get pissed, they could be in the middle of an SC sandwich!
So next time I get a relay call, I'll have a little more compassion for the relay operator... even if he's relaying an SC.
I was running customer service and I get the call...
<me> Thank you for calling <city> Staples, this is <me> how can I help you?
<relay> Hello, this is a Florida Relay call, have you taken a relay call before?
<me> yes. Go Ahead.
*tapping of keys as the relay person... well... relays. This takes a few seconds*
<relay> Do you fix copiers? Go ahead.
<me> No, we don't. Go ahead.
*typetypetype again*
<relay> It's a Cannon ##### copier. You don't fix them? Go ahead.
<me> No, we don't. Sorry. Go ahead.
*typetypetype*
<relay> Do you know anyone who fixes copiers? Go ahead.
<me> No, I don't. Sorry. Go ahead.
*type type type* By this time I have customers in line. Luckily they work retail and they too have gotten relay calls
*LONG pause, which means the person on the other end is typing out something long*
<Relay> Is there anyone there who can fix my copier. It doesn't do it all the time but it only prints part of the page and then it jams. Go ahead.
<me> No, no one here knows how to fix copiers, I'm sorry. Go ahead.
*typetype*
<Relay> Customer has ended the call. Thank you for using Florida Relay.
I was getting a little frustrated. It doesn't matter what the model is, once we say we don't fix copiers you'd think they'd get it.
But then I thought about it... That poor relay person! Not only do they have to deal with SC's, but they also have to deal with the store people... and if the employees get pissed, they could be in the middle of an SC sandwich!
So next time I get a relay call, I'll have a little more compassion for the relay operator... even if he's relaying an SC.
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