If you've been on the planet longer than a month, you've probably had to deal with at least one bad customer service agent.

--GOOD customer service can help keep a customer coming back for years.  But BAD customer service can do the opposite.  Here's a list from Inc.com of the top five phrases customers hate to hear.

#1.)  "I'm Sorry, but That's Our Policy."  It just makes you angrier and more frustrated.  And you're less likely to REMAIN a customer.  Basically, they're just trying to get rid of you, and it's obvious.

#2.)  "There's Nothing I Can Do."  It's another one that turns customers away.  Plus, it's usually not true.  At the very least, they can offer you a refund.  Or if THEY can't, their manager probably can.

#3.)  "Can You Hold for a Minute?"  Chances are, you've already BEEN on hold, so they shouldn't leave you hanging without telling you when they'll be back.

--It's much better when they get specific and say something like, "I'm putting you on hold so I can talk to my supervisor.  But I'll be back in a minute to let you know if I have an answer yet."

#4.)  "You'll Have to Go to Our Website."  It's just one more way of saying there's nothing they can do.  And if you've already checked the website, it's infuriating.

--If you really DO have to go to the website . . . and they can't help you over the phone . . . they should at least offer to email you a direct link to the page you're looking for.

#5.)  "You'll Need to Talk to the Manufacturer."  It's basically like saying they want to pass you off onto someone else.  And even though they were happy to take your money . . . they don't care if you're satisfied with what you paid for.