Sorry, but I do not provide phone support or live online consultations.

First of all, I don't have the time to speak with everyone on the phone. There are only so many hours in the day, and I don't have enough of them to spend on the phone. If I did, I wouldn't have any time to make new videos. 

Second, I personally find talking on the phone to be an inefficient use of time. I can usually do a much better job of helping you via email. If your question needs more explaining, I can even record a video for you.

Third, I don't have the staff to personally call everyone back. Computer Learning Zone is an Internet-only business, and I sometimes get hundreds, if not thousands of inquiries a week. I'm a one-man band. I don't have a secretary. I don't have any support staff*. I did offer free phone support when I first opened, and I was swamped with calls. I just don't have the staff to handle it, nor the budget to hire more staff (unless I raise my prices significantly, which I'd rather not do). Plus, I don't want staff. I'd rather answer your questions myself, but I like using Email.

Fourth, I spent many years in phone sales and support. I hate, HATE, talking on the phone. I won't even talk to my own mother on the phone. Or my wife. If I can help it. I don't even like ordering takeout or making dinner reservations on the phone. If I can't do it online, I'll move on to the next restaurant.

Fifth, having spent so many years (decades!) in sales and consulting, I learned that it's best to communicate in writing (perferably email) because then there's no "I said this," "No you said that" back and forth. Everything each party wants is clearly communicated. I don't want to have to record calls and then go back and listen to them to prove a point. So... again... email.

No, sir, you didn't say you wanted the button on the customer form to play the Star Trek transporter sound. Here's the email with all the specs...

You can read more about my disdain for phone calls in my Captain's Log.

So... If you need assistance, I prefer you contact me via my Customer Service page. I usually check it several times a day, and I will get back to you by email as quickly as I can. Please see my Customer Service Policy for more information.

Forums

* I do have an awesome group of volunteer moderators who help me tremendously by answering questions in the Forums, so if you can post your question there, you'll probably get an answer faster than waiting for me to get back to you. Just sayin'.

Voicemail, Text (SMS) Number

If you don't like to type, or you are physically challenged and have difficulty typing, I do have a voicemail number you can use. This number is for customer service and sales calls only. I do NOT provide technical support at this number.

Here is the number. Please make sure you've read and understand everything on this page BEFORE calling.

Here are the rules for calling or texting this number:

• Remember... This is a voicemail / SMS number.
• You will NOT reach a live person.
• Yes, you can send me a text message at that number.
• I will NOT respond via text to international numbers.
• Leave me your Email address when you call
• I will NOT return your phone call.
• Please remember to speak slowly and clearly, and to spell out any names or email addresses.
• I don't check voicemail often - maybe once a week or so
• For the fastest possible response, contact me via my Customer Service page

Thanks for your understanding.

Help With Your Database

If you need help with your Access database, I don't provide one-on-one consulting, but I have a network of consultants I work with who are available to assist you. See my Access Developer Network page for contact info.

Support Links

• Customer Service - Cust Serv Bot - Contact Richard - Email - Phone - US Mail - Fax - Customer Service Policy
• Technical Support - Access Video Bot - TechHelp - Forums - Developer Network - Database Support Policy
• Web Site Tour - FAQs

Best Ways to Contact Me, Ranked

1. Customer Service Form
2. Email
3. Forums
4. Text
5. Mail
...
95. Fax
96. Skywriting
97. Smoke Signals
98. Gondor Signal Fires
99. Starfleet Subspace Radio
100. Vulcan Mind Meld
101. Phone