Some time ago I printed out a whole binder of phone numbers for various vendors and services that have automated systems for phone calls that drive us all mad. It listed codes to enter to get through to a person. The info came from a website called Gethuman.com. The binder is out of date and when I went to the website to print out a later version, I found that it was just as easy to use their new feature which is to type in the company you want to reach.

My most recent nightmare was reaching Amazon regarding a return of shoes that do not fit. The package did not contain any return label nor instructions for a return (other vendors do this automatically), so I went on to Amazon and clicked on my account and clicked on returns and was directed to a page where I was supposed to enter info, and the page did not allow any info to be entered.

Then I entered “customer service” into the search space and got a page that had customer service on it, but no number and no E mail, so I clicked on Customer Service again and got a similar page, that included "Returns" on it so clicked on that again and got the original page that didn't work the first time, and again did not work.

I went through the entire process another two or three times before realizing that Amazon really does not want to hear from its customers.

I went back to the confirmation E mail for the order, clicked "reply" and told them my problem. They E mailed me a form letter that said I should please go to their super duper helpful website.

Then I remembered Gethuman.com and typed in Amazon.com and got the following:

Home › Find a Phone Number › Amazon.com Phone Number

Call Amazon.com at this number for best service.

This phone number was voted the best way to contact Amazon.com out of 3 phone numbers.

• Phone Number
866-216-1072
• Talk to a Human
Don't press or say anything OR press 4

They offered some other options as well, including one where you input your info and they call you.

I called the above no., got a human in less than 30 seconds; she said she would E mail me a free shipping return label, and I thanked her -- she was very nice indeed.

Problem solved.

The site asked for a review of the process and I was happy to give it aces all the way. Of course I bookmarked the Gethuman site.

xx, Teal