(End of the American Dream)—For many of you, just reading the phrase “customer service” is enough to make your blood boil. We have all had experiences where we have been on the phone for hours trying to get help with a problem. In many cases, it can be a real adventure just trying to find a real person to speak with. I think that a lot of companies purposely try to make the customer service process as frustrating as possible so that many of us will just simply choose to give up. If they can get us to go away, that is a win. In other cases, companies are trying to pay as little as possible for customer service, and the result is complete and utter chaos. AI chatbots and call centers in India can save corporate executives a lot of money, but there is simply no replacement for speaking with a real person that can understand what you are saying and that has been properly trained.
According to the latest National Customer Rage Survey, 77 percent of U.S. consumers say that they have had a product or service problem within the last 12 months.
In the entire history of the survey, that was the highest level ever recorded…
Seventy-seven percent of customers reported experiencing a product or service problem in the previous 12 months, according to the latest National Customer Rage Survey, conducted in February.
That was a new high, surpassing 74% in 2023, when the study was last conducted, and 66% during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Only 32% told researchers they had experienced a problem in 1976, when a similar version of the study was first conducted.
Are you among the 77 percent?
I am.
Some of you might be thinking that 77 percent is an extremely high number, but other surveys have come up with similar results…
The Customer Experience and Communications Consumer Insights survey showed seventy-one percent of U.S. and Canadian respondents think most companies need to improve their customer experience, a record high, according to the seventh annual study conducted in August and published in November by fintech company Broadridge Financial Solutions.
And the research and advisory firm Forrester in June found that U.S. and Canadian consumer perceptions of the customer experience have dropped for a fourth consecutive year, with brands’ average score reaching a record low of 68.3 out of 100. The index reflects consumers’ attitudes across six metrics, including how easy a brand is to deal with and how interacting with the brand feels.
There are a lot of companies out there that are very eager to sell us stuff, but when we have problems it is an entirely different story.
When I first started working many years ago, I was taught that the customer is always right. But now dealing with “problem customers” has become a headache that is to be avoided if at all possible.
Of course there are some companies that do make an honest effort at serving their customers, but unfortunately they are hiring from a pool of low paid workers that struggle to communicate effectively.
According to the National Literacy Institute, 21 percent of U.S. adults are illiterate and 54 percent of U.S. adults read below a 6th-grade level…
- 21% of adults in the US are illiterate in 2024.
- 54% of adults have a literacy below a 6th-grade level (20% are below 5th-grade level).
- Low levels of literacy costs the US up to 2.2 trillion per year.
- 34% of adults lacking literacy proficiency were born outside the US.
- Massachusetts was the state with the highest rate of child literacy.
- New Mexico was the state with the lowest child literacy rate.
- New Hampshire was the state with the highest percentage of adults considered literate.
- The state with the lowest adult literacy rate was California.
Our system of public education is failing.
Nobody can deny that.
And that helps to explain why there is such a high level of incompetence in our society today.
Of course if you are calling a customer service number for help, you probably won’t even get to talk to a U.S. citizen.
In order to cut costs as low as possible, thousands of companies have outsourced customer service to call centers in India and other developing nations.
Once in a while, you can find a customer service representative in one of these call centers that can communicate effectively and that has been properly trained.
But that is the exception to the rule.
In an attempt to cut costs even lower, some companies are now using AI chatbots to answer customer service calls…
Many companies now are turning to artificial intelligence to field complaints, steering customers to online chatbots before they can reach human staff. Companies say the technology helps solve simple problems faster and lets representatives spend more time working on more complex issues. But most National Rage Survey respondents gave AI chatbots ambiguous or modestly unfavorable ratings as tools for complaints.
If I have a problem that is big enough that I have to contact someone about it, I sure don’t want to interact with an AI chatbot.
I am sure that most of you wouldn’t want to do that either.
But this is the future.
Companies are going to automate whatever they can, because automation saves money.
Sadly, that even includes the banking industry.
I greatly value being able to walk into my local bank and deal with a real person.
But now hundreds of local bank branches are being permanently closed all over the United States…
If you’re still banking on access to your local branch, don’t count on it.
Major US banks have announced plans to shut 311 branches since late August — a pre-Christmas wipeout that puts 2025 on track to be the worst year ever for walk-in banking.
JPMorgan Chase led the pre-Christmas cull with 66 closures, followed by TD Bank’s 51, Citizens’ 18, and Bank of America’s 15. PNC, Wells Fargo and others made up the rest, according to federal filings.
1,043 local branches were shut down in 2024, and the grand total for 2025 will be somewhere around 1,400.
I have been ranting about the banks for a very long time, but the giants in the industry are not going to change their behavior no matter how loudly we object.
That is one reason why I recommend banking with a small or mid-size bank when possible.
Just like small and mid-size companies, small and mid-size banks are often more responsive to customer needs.
If enough of us start taking a stand, eventually the customer service culture in this country could start changing.
But for now the race to the bottom continues, and that is extremely unfortunate.
Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
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I’m just happy when I’m able to talk to someone who speaks English well. If that’s the case, then sually, USUALLY, that alone is an indicator we’ll have a successful resolution.
We are NOT frustrated with customer service. To be frustrated with something, that thing has to exist. Customer service is nothing but a wonderful memory. You have to be over 40 or 50 to remember how great it was…when it existed.
I live in a semi rural area…outside the city limits and surrounded by subdivisions and small farms. We have a local Walgreens two miles away. By their horrible phone pick up, you would think they were slammed with business. Not! They want you to do everything online (which you can’t)…then even ignore the online requests. You can drive there faster than you can get someone to answer the phone. Service was never great, but it got ridiculous after they got new management of a different racial background who hired more of the same. Now it’s a nightmare.
Had a billing issue with AT&T where they kept billing me and threatening collection agency, when in fact,they owed me a refund. After dealing with circular reasoning with pitiful bimbos on the chat line, I tried to find a phone number, to no avail. I drove to the local AT&T sales office. No one could help me. I spent over 20 hours trying to resolve the problem. Finally I gave up, thinking “well let’s just go to court, then.” Eventually, I got the letter from the collection agency with a phone number that got me to a human with a brain. I explained the problem and said I am prepared for court with all the evidence that AT&T owes ME money. They took all the info. The conversation took less than 5 minutes and in less than 30 days, I got a check in the mail.
Now I am dealing with the same problem with the billing agent for my doctor’s office. They keep billing me when I have actually overpaid. I have called and waited on line for 38 minutes…no answer. I have sent two letters outlining their error. I am being ignored. I will wait for the collection agency. They ALWAYS call you.
Best article I’ve seen in a long time! If I were to list my bad customer service episodes this year I would exceed the comment box! Wish there was a way to get the population together and stop this customer (us) service abuse. Worked customer service for years back in day when you actually gave service to your customers, and I can’t believe companies have the audacity to call these departments “customer service”. Like I said I have much ranting to do! On a positive note: Rkin RO water systems had exceptional customer service. I was ticked off about having to leave message, but they called back quickly and after hours. Highly recommend.
Many of you won’t wanna hear this, but I believe AI is going to improve customer service and I mean drastically. It will be 10 times better than speaking with someone from India. This is first hand experience. 🙋🏽♂️