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How to skip through corporate phone trees with GetHuman

It can be an incredible pain to reach customer service that is actually helpful, thanks to phone trees and other obstacles designed to save corporations money. GetHuman makes it simpler to bypass these impediments.

Rob Lightner
Rob Lightner is a tech and gaming writer based in Seattle. He has reviewed games, gadgets, and technical manuals, written copy for space travel gear, and composed horoscopes for cats.
Rob Lightner
2 min read

If you've ever needed to resolve a simple billing question or handle anything other than signing up for a new service, you know that you need to block out time to navigate the phone trees or other obstacles corporations throw in your way. Customer service costs them money, and the more issues they can resolve without paying a human representative, the better for their bottom line. When we need to reach someone, though, this can mean interminable waiting and frustration. GetHuman is a Web service designed to help you get the assistance you need quickly. Here's how to use it: 

  1. Point your browser here
  2. Enter the name of the company you wish to reach. The bigger, the better, as GetHuman generally only deals with large, national, or international firms. 
  3. You will likely see quite a few options, including technical support, billing, international, etc. Choose the one that seems to fit your needs the best. 
  4. Depending on the service, you should at least see the best phone number to call. More likely, you will also see a link to have customer service call you back for free and some tips for navigating the phone tree quickly and efficiently. 
    Step 4: Follow instructions on the screen.
    Step 4: Follow instructions on the screen. Rob Lightner/CNET
  5. The system depends on your feedback, so make sure to let GetHuman and the community know how well it worked for you. Some corporations change their systems from time to time, so if it doesn't work for you, your input can help the community figure out a new way to reach the right person. 

That's it! This can make your life much easier if you've got limited time to deal with technical or billing issues.