Problems with Directory Assistance

Calling 411 or directory assistance from your cell phone can be costly, not to mention a hassle. Here are some problems that you may run into when calling directory assistance that you may be able to avoid by contacting mobile concierge services.

1) Automated phone systems can be a real hassle. The radio, passengers speaking, motor or wind noise, and even your accent can make it hard for an automated system to understand what you are asking for. This commonly causes people to be given the wrong information and still be charged for the call.

2) A live operator can help you to get the exact information that you’re looking for by using their experience to narrow down your search. For example, if you want to call the courthouse, they may know to key in “county clerk” or “traffic court” instead of simply looking for a generic courthouse number that doesn’t exist.

3) Mobile concierge service representatives are often judged on their level of service, not their call times. A regular directory assistance employee is incented to have short call times, getting you off the phone as quickly as possible. Mobile concierge services pride themselves on providing information above and beyond the call of duty. For example, if you ask for the number to the airport, a regular directory assistance person will give you the number. A mobile concierge service representative will ask you if you would like for them to check on flight information for you, make an airline reservation on your behalf, or if you need directions to the airport. The level of service goes above and beyond what you would expect by calling 411.

4) Directory assistance operators generally have a limited amount of information that they can give you over the phone. If you don’t know the exact name of a restaurant, then they simply can’t help you. If you’re looking for China King Restaurant and ask for “China King” they may not come up with any results. A mobile concierge service will pull up all restaurants in the area, can narrow it down by Chinese restaurants, and provide results for all restaurants containing the words “China” or “King”.

5) You can usually only get addresses and phone numbers from a 411 operator. A concierge service can give you restaurant reviews, turn by turn directions, movie times, sold out movie ticket status, pay for your movie tickets online for you, make hotel reservations, and much more. It’s similar to having a personal assistant at your disposal 24/7.

Using mobile concierge services is inexpensive, often under $10/month. The amount of money that you spend on 411 directory assistance is often wasted with dropped calls, wrong information, or automated systems that don’t deliver. The next time you need help while driving or while you’re away from your computer, try a mobile concierge service instead.

About the Author: Joe Smith is a Marketing Associate of OnCall, a leading online source of mobile concierge services that goes above and beyond traditional directory assistance. Get international personalized assistance with phone direcory information, turn by turn directions, movie times, stock quotes, sports scores, and more at http://www.askoncall.com.