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Call Center

When Innovation Falls Short

By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD

I recently bought a laptop and included a carrying case with my order. There would be two shipments, first the case and a week later, the laptop. I was given shipping dates for both.

The case arrived a day before it was promised, which impressed me. I like to say, “Under promise and over deliver.” They did that.

Author and blogger Peter Lyle DeHaan

Two hours after the package arrived, I received an automated phone call from the shipper, telling me I would receive a delivery tomorrow and would need to be present to sign for it.

Their message came a day too late.

A week later the laptop was delivered. The day after it arrived, I received the same message from the shipper.

This time the phone call came two days late.

I applaud their intent, but laugh at their execution. I can appreciate there might be glitches in perfecting a new process, but those need to be resolved before rolling it out to customers.

This is one more reason why I don’t like receiving deliveries from this shipper.

Read more in Peter’s Sticky Series books: Sticky Leadership and Management, Sticky Sales and Marketing, and Sticky Customer Service featuring his compelling story-driven insights and tips.

Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Connections Magazine, covering the call center teleservices industry. Read his latest book, Healthcare Call Center Essentials.

By Peter Lyle DeHaan

Author Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, publishes books about business, customer service, the call center industry, and business and writing.

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