'Bear with me please'

Madam, - Having been a customer services representative for a number of companies I would like to offer my response to the subject…

Madam, - Having been a customer services representative for a number of companies I would like to offer my response to the subject "Bear with me please" (Sonia Lanigan, July 30th).

In my experience the majority of customers if left in silence on the phone for longer than five seconds tend to think you must have gone on your lunch!

While the phrase "Bear with me please" may not win any prizes for originality it does, however, reassure the customer that you are still there without drawing your attention away from the matter at hand.

In a world where the representative you are dealing with has to cope with system problems and irate customers, and all this while trying to remain friendly and polite to everyone, I don't think it's too much to ask Ms Lanigan to extend her patience to this phrase. - Yours, etc.,

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ELAINE HAYES,

Carrigaline,

Co Cork.