Automated Greetings

I'm referring to the recorded message that you get when you pull up to a McDonald's or any of the other fast food chains that are now "streamlining" their drive-thrus. Is anyone buying this? I know this isn't exactly a "foodie" kind of topic, but it's irritating me. The reason for that is that I always seem to have the same conversation with the drive-thru speaker.

Speaker: "Welcome to McDonald's. Would you like to try whatever we're pushing today?"

Me: "No thanks. I'd like a number #3, no pickle, with a coke to drink."

<long pause>

Speaker: "Go ahead with your order."

Me: "GRRRR"


I remember that 20 years ago when I worked in a Rally's drive-thru, we all prayed for a recording that would keep us from having to say the same stupid crap every other minute. Now that it's here, I hate it.

I remember reading a few months ago that McD's was starting to sub out their drive through ordering via VoIP to people working at home. They would take the orders, enter them into a computer connected to the appropriate McDonalds, and your order was done. I know the McDonalds in Sellersburg (sorry, sometimes you just need a quick breakfast) uses this system. I noticed it the first time when a very well spoken female took my order with a distinct North-Eastern accent. When I went through the two windows, both were being worked by two male slobs that could never have pulled that voice off.

I remember reading a few months ago that McD's was starting to sub out their drive through ordering via VoIP to people working at home. They would take the orders, enter them into a computer connected to the appropriate McDonalds, and your order was done. I know the McDonalds in Sellersburg (sorry, sometimes you just need a quick breakfast) uses this system. I noticed it the first time when a very well spoken female took my order with a distinct North-Eastern accent. When I went through the two windows, both were being worked by two male slobs that could never have pulled that voice off.

I saw a thing on TV about Wendy's doing this last night. The main Wendy's call center is based in Lexington.

How long before McDonald's out-sources the order taking to India?

Outsourcing is actually becoming a problem in certain areas. I read a couple articles a while back in relation to it and it stated something like " Large companies essentially slash and burn any job they can ". Once they find another place to operate they will relocate. Whether or not this brings the entire company; it leaves a good percentage behind of people no longer employed in a previously booming area.Almost like an outsourcing Gold Rush; you'll have far more suffer than before the company even set foot into the area.

These messages don't irritate me at all. I can't remember the last time I went to a drive-thru. Guess I'm not so busy, or disorganized, that I can't actually get out of my car to eat, drink or pick up food to go.
Bill

Went through a drive-in late last night, heard the opening message "Would you like to try...." and waited until I thought I'd get a live person on the mike. Instead I heard, "Ummm... hello? I said, ' would you like to try...'"
Ooopps!

I hate McD's, but tend to go about once a week due to kiddos. I HATE the recordings. Really? How much more time would it take for a REAL person ON LOCATION to ask me and take my order? Doesn't it seem a bit complicated to have a recording done and paid for or a person off site taking my order?