Getting the Best out of Expedia Customer Service

We all know that when a company gets bigger, customer service often takes a back seat. It’s like they don’t care anymore. This is true for many big brands, including Expedia. Their customer service has received a lot of criticism for being below par. But they’re not the only ones.

Companies see customer service as a cost, not something that brings in money. They don’t realize that taking care of customers leads to loyalty. Some companies understand this, but they’re the exception, not the rule.

Now, how can you make the most of customer service? Let’s look at Expedia as an example. No matter what your issue is, there’s a way to get the best service from them.

Gather your information

Before reaching out to customer service, write down all the details of your issue. Include any steps you’ve already taken, evidence to support your claim, and what you want the company to do. This will help you stay focused during the call and make sure you don’t forget anything important.

Having a written list also prevents emotions from clouding your judgment or leaving out crucial information.

State your case

We’ve all seen those frustrating calls on YouTube, where customers argue with unhelpful agents. Don’t be one of those. Stay calm, professional, and friendly while making your case. Being nice to people will always get you further, even if you’re biting your tongue in the process.

Remember, customer service agents can end a call if it becomes abusive or involves swearing. Don’t give them a reason to cut you off. Both of you want a positive outcome, so work together towards that goal.

Be reasonable

Being demanding, angry, or pushy won’t get you far with customer service, whether it’s Expedia or any other company. Instead, be reasonable. Set achievable expectations and explain them clearly to the agent. Give the company a proper amount of time to resolve the issue.

Be Mindful of Your Communication Style

When using third-party communication methods such as telephone, instant messaging, social media, or email, it’s crucial to consider not just what you say, but also how you say it. Even if your argument seems reasonable in your mind, the impact it has may surprise you if you’re not mindful of your tone. Always be aware of how you come across and think about how your language and word choice could be interpreted by the customer service agent.

The last thing you want is to unintentionally appear arrogant or entitled, especially if that’s not how you truly feel. Approaching the situation with the wrong tone makes it less likely for the agent to view your case favorably and gives off a completely false impression. Neither of these outcomes will lead to the best resolution.

Give the Company Adequate Time

While some customer service calls can be resolved in a single conversation, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, companies genuinely need time to review records, consult with distributors, or navigate their internal processes. It’s important to give them a reasonable amount of time to complete these tasks.

However, this doesn’t mean you should give them unlimited time. Find out how long they anticipate needing and pin the agent down to a specific date and time for a callback or follow-up call. If they fail to reach out to you, take the initiative to give them a call instead.

Dealing with Dissatisfaction

Although every company desires customer satisfaction, it doesn’t always mean you’ll get exactly what you want. If you’re not receiving the answers or response you were hoping for, it’s essential to remain calm. It’s not the fault of the agent, who is likely a low-paid employee working in a call center without much authority to assist you.

If you’re not satisfied with the level of service you’re receiving, escalate the issue. Request to speak with a supervisor, team leader, or someone higher up in the chain of command. Clearly explain the situation in a composed manner and state your desired outcome. Then, allow them to handle the matter accordingly.

Choose how you want to reach out

Not too long ago, the only way to contact a customer service center was to call or email them. But now we have social media too. You can use all the available channels to get a response, just make sure to follow the rules: be reasonable, be polite, and be mindful of your behavior. If you’re always stuck in a never-ending phone queue, turn to Twitter or Facebook to contact the company through social media.

Even though many companies see customer service as an expense, they consider public relations to be crucial. Even a tiny threat to their reputation will make them quickly respond to prevent any potential bad press. So, be reasonable and polite, but make sure your message gets through.

What to do next

If you don’t get any help from customer service, try taking your complaint elsewhere. Starting with the company’s Facebook page or Twitter account is always a good idea. As mentioned before, using social media often gets you a quicker response than making a phone call anyway. And don’t forget about the good old-fashioned snail mail or reaching out directly to the corporate headquarters.

In the case of Expedia customer service, their corporate headquarters is located at:

• Expedia Corporate Office Headquarters HQ
• 3150 139th Ave. SE
• Bellevue, WA 98005 USA
• Corporate Phone Number: 1-425-679-7200
• Corporate Fax Number: 1-425-702-2722
• Corporate Email: info@expedia.com
• Tier 3 Customer Service: 866-510-9715

To make the most of any customer service center, you need to plan ahead, be reasonable, and be polite. Even if you’re feeling frustrated, the only way to get what you want is by playing the game. With proper planning and execution, you can definitely come out on top.