YSK: Commas can be used in phone numbers to automatically input automated menu options
For instance, I'm on Jury Duty in the US this week. Kinda a freebie but I still have to call in and input my "ID" number, birthday, and zip code before entering phone tree options to hear my summons status. So I saved a contact in my phone for the jury hotline with the main number, my Id number, birthday, zip code, and menu option numbers all separated by a comma. Now when I dial using the saved contact, it will automatically enter everything in and I don't have to fumble around and spend unneeded time to hear if I have to report.
This can easily be adapted for any automated phone system that you call frequently although you'll have the best results when you have to enter in a long account number like at a bank.
YYSK: It's a huge timesaver in the age of digital automation to use your phone to navigate phone tree menus
Caveat emptor: the commas just insert pauses - there isn't any sort of "synchronization" with the system on the other end, so if the timing is off, this may not do the right thing.
Thanks, this is kind of a huge detail that was left out.
Yeah, back in the day of dial-up connections, we used to insert two commas
Yes, you have to test it. Sometimes two or more commas work best depending on the system.
So maybe 2 or 3 commas after the phone number, so the system can pick up the phone?
How many seconds pause is a comma?
Some source suggested around 2 seconds.
I forget but you can "hear" the pause and when it dials the next number. It didn't feel especially long
Yep, you’d see this used most often with fax machines if the receiver was an IVR.