The worst part about calling customer service may be navigating the myriad prompts and then being placed on hold to speak with a live person. A new mobile app called FastCustomer does the navigating and holding for you. At no cost.
Here’s how it works: After downloading the program from the Android Market or Apple App Store, simply select the company you’d like to call from the program’s directory. That’s all you have to do. When FastCustomer’s automated phone system reaches a live service representative, it asks them to press 1 to speak with their next customer. If the rep does so, the app calls you back. Once you answer, you’re speaking directly with that person.
I tested the service on four companies, and it worked flawlessly with three and took a second try with the fourth. I connected with live reps from Costco, Verizon Wireless and DirecTV within five minutes. I received a call from Frontier Airlines on the second try, about 45 minutes after making the first attempt. It says about 2,500 companies are listed, including banks, airlines, utilities and others.
