Son of a Bich

A man came into my office last week to get a quote for insurance. He handed me his current policy, & I told him I would quote it while he waited. I went to my desk & began to put the information into my rating system. Suddenly, my eyes were riveted to the name of the man's wife "BICH!" Nervously, I wondered if it could be a typo or if her name really is BICH? How, I wondered, do I ask? Assuming the pronunciation of bich would be the same as rich with a "B," I speculated about asking the birthdate & social security number for what seemed to be "bitch." Tactfully, I asked the man if his wife's name was spelled "B-I-C-H." He assured me that it was. Then, I proceeded to ask for "his wife's" information without using her name. He never did say her name, nor did I, but I still wonder if she really is referred to as "Bitch." I can only imagine the scenarios that would result from this name . . . "I need to get home now or "Bitch" will be furious" or "I would like you to meet my wife, "Bitch" or their son, who could actually be a "son of a bitch!"

Phone Rage

I work in an insurance office with two other agents. We all answer the phone, and at least 25% of our calls are stupid!

Our number is similar to a local car dealership, Urse Dodge, & we get a number of calls for them. However, it's odd that by answering the phone "Smith-Carpenter Agency," one would think it would be clue that they have the wrong number.

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "Is this Urse Dodge?"
Me: "No, it's Smith-Carpenter Agency."
Caller: "Is this 366-9200?"
Me: "No, this is 363-9200."
Caller: "I'm calling Urse Dodge." (Duh!)

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "Service Department, please."
Me: "Did you mean to call Urse Dodge?"

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "Is my car ready?"

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "Could I speak to someone in parts?"

The ever popular conversation starters from callers who do not identify themselves:

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "You called me."
Me: "May I have your name?"
Caller: "John Watson"
Me: "I'm afraid I did not call you today, Mr. Watson. Did you receive a message to call me?"
Caller: "No, your number was on my caller ID."

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "You sent me some papers.
Me: "May I have your name?"
Caller: "Marlene Jackson"

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "How much is my bill?"
Me: "May I have your name?"

Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "How much would it cost to add a 2003 Honda to my policy?"
Me: "May I have your name . . .

What's in a name:
Me: "Smith-Carpenter Agency"
Caller: "Could I speak with Mary?
Me: "No one with that name works in this office."
Caller: "Is there a Cathy?"
Me: "No, we don't have a Cathy either."
Caller: "Nancy?"
Me: "Yes, we do have a Nancy."
Caller: "Ok. I'll talk to her."

And those who are seeking information of any kind:
"Could you tell me the name of the store next door?"
"Could you tell me the number of the store next door?"
"Could you give me the number for State Farm (a competitor)?"
"How much does it cost to license a vehicle?"
"Do you have the number for Urse Dodge?"

And so it goes . . . .