MAL Goodwin asked whether his experiences of incompetence could be beaten (January 25). No problem - in fact he is just a beginner.

Three years ago I attempted to phone my household insurers in Norwich. I phoned every day for 23 days, I couldn't get through. I wrote two letters which were unanswered, then finally did get through to be given a London number which cut out every time I tried to speak to someone.

Naturally I abandoned the attempt and changed my insurance company.

Two years ago I arranged for holiday insurance through a company in Scotland, and, despite many phone calls and letters, the documents came after I had returned from holiday.

I thought I would give the company another chance, but this time the phone was answered by a girl who did nothing but giggle all the time. I tried again, and was pleased when the documents arrived before my holiday - alas they were for the wrong date and the wrong year.

Recently my printer malfunctioned. PC World gave me a number to ring. Success! I spoke to a charming girl in Bangalore who asked me to describe the fault. Within less than a minute she told me the wastage tank was full and the printer needed servicing.

Contacting Canon here in Britain, I was told that the total cost for servicing and collection would be about £90, so I threw the printer away and bought a new one for half the price.

The same thing is happening at the moment. After two days of continually phoning Powergen and writing a letter with no response, I suggested it transferred its business to India.

The only success and courtesy I have received so far is when dealing with people in the sub-continent, and I don't find it difficult to understand them.

G A Ware,

Knapton Lane,

York.

Updated: 10:11 Thursday, February 02, 2006