Asda: Hi, you're through to Asda, (name) speaking, how can I help you?
Mktg: I'm calling because I've seen something about your 'Great Bum Jeans'.
Asda: I'm sorry?
Mktg: The 'Great Bum Jeans' that Asda is making.
Asda: The 'Great Bum Jeans'?
Mktg: Yes.
Asda: I'll just have a look here. I'm just checking women's jeans. Where is it you'd seen it?
Mktg: I was told about it. My friend saw something on Facebook that said you could get involved with it, and I wanted more information, because I can't get on to Facebook at the moment.
Asda: You see there's a style-finder for the jeans, there are four separate styles of jeans, which are skinny, boot-cut, kick-flare and straight. It's not showing any more information on here.
Mktg: I was told it's a style that is coming out, which people can get involved with testing out.
Asda: OK, can you hold while I speak with our George at Asda department? (Marketing is put on hold for three minutes.) Hi, sorry to keep you, I've just spoken to the marketing team in our George department.
Unfortunately, you're only able to apply on Facebook.
Mktg: Are you able to tell me a bit more about it? It sounds quite interesting, is it possible to talk to you about it?
Asda: We can't give any more information out about it, sorry, what with it being a new range.
Mktg: So all you can say is ...
Asda: It's something that we're trialling and depending on feedback ... It's a new range that's coming out, so we can't give any information out. It's a bit top secret.
Mktg: That's exciting.
Asda: Yeah.
Mktg: So I can apply on Facebook to try to get involved?
Asda: Yeah, absolutely.
Mktg: OK, thanks. Bye.
Verdict
The call-handler was extremely unhelpful. There is a trialling initiative on Facebook for the 'Great Bum Jeans' that more than 750 women have signed up to. Asda customer service should be able to give out more informative advice than 'it's a bit top secret'. The call-handler should have been briefed on what is a high-profile initiative, but he did not seem to have even heard of the 'Great Bum Jeans' range.
Score: 1/10