PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
As a journalist covering the UK tech channel, it goes without saying you spend a lot of the time on the phone.
After a while you grow accustomed to what it’s like calling up each major distributor, system builder or vendor PR agency – and you get used to both how they answer the phone along with their general demeanor.
With larger companies that have several departments, you are going to be put on hold, of course. But one distributor/IT provider stands out when it comes to this, with its mix of energetic, feel-good and fun music that never fails to put a smile on my face.
That company is Centerprise International.
I’m pretty sure it has played such classics as ‘I’m So Excited’ by The Pointer Sisters, Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and some of Madonna’s hits.
And either Centerprise has a long track list, or it changes its playlist regularly.
In fact, when I called them up just before Christmas and asked them to put me on hold (possibly the weirdest request I’ve made in my eight years working as a journalist), they had updated their track list in time for Christmas, as my ears were greeted with Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’.
Unfortunately I only heard it for a few seconds, as they declined my request because I’d be blocking the phone line from other callers, but I was content enough with that.
So props to Simon Williams and his team for the cracking playlist – you all have a fine taste in music.
A special mention must also be given to games-focused distributor Koch Media for its energetic German-style trance ditties. One minute you’re on hold waiting to speak to someone, the next you’re all fired up, energised and more than ready to do business.
It’s a good thing I’m not a customer of Koch’s because that music would make me feel happy spending more money on products – even if that wasn’t the purpose of my call.
So, Centerprise and Koch, I salute you. Your efforts in keeping your customers happy, focusing on making the little things count and providing us all with fantastic on-hold music have not gone unnoticed.
Perhaps other tech businesses could learn a thing or two from your playlists, and I look forward to having more amazing on-hold experiences in 2015.
Image source: Shutterstock (businessman in suit holding a phone)
