Technical assistance guide: how to open a ticket correctly
written September 27 2024
Communicating effectively with technical support is essential for quick problem resolution and good collaboration.
The key to getting effective support is opening a ticket correctly, providing all the necessary information, and, most importantly, visual aids like screenshots or videos of the issue. A well-filled ticket reduces response times and allows the technical team to address the issue directly without needing to request additional details.
1. When to open a support ticket
- Identify the issue: before opening a ticket, try to solve the problem independently by using available guides or support.
- Read error messages carefully: if they are written correctly, they often contain a suggestion for the solution.
- Check available resources: make sure to review the FAQs or documentation before requesting assistance; there may already be a ready-made solution.
2. Essential data to include in a ticket
The content of a ticket is crucial, but what can truly speed up problem resolution is the inclusion of screenshots or, even better, a video. Here's what to include:
- Clear description of the issue: provide a detailed description. Avoid vague phrases like "it doesn’t work" and explain what happens or doesn’t happen, and which specific functions are involved.
- Screenshot or video: screenshots and videos are your best allies. Always include a screenshot of the error message or visible issue. If possible, record a short video showing the exact steps leading to the problem. This allows the technical team to immediately understand the situation, saving time on clarification questions.
- Tip: use screen capture tools to create clear and concise videos. Show the entire process, from when you start the action to when the error occurs.
- Tip: use screen capture tools to create clear and concise videos. Show the entire process, from when you start the action to when the error occurs.
- Steps to reproduce the error: if you can't provide a video, make sure to describe the steps to reproduce the error in detail.
- System and version in use: specify the operating system, browser, or software, and their version. These details help narrow down the possible causes.
- Ticket priority: it’s crucial to be realistic here. When assigning priority to a ticket, avoid exaggerating and creating a "cry wolf" situation, where you always signal maximum urgency even for minor issues. Reserve top priority only for critical problems that completely block work or compromise vital system functions. Labeling a minor problem as critical may lead to a loss of credibility or delay in handling real emergencies.
3. Avoiding common mistakes in ticket submission
- Lack of visual aids: one of the most frequent mistakes is not including screenshots or videos. Remember that an image (or video) is worth a thousand words. Without these, the support team may struggle to understand exactly what you are facing.
- Too vague descriptions: tickets like "it doesn’t work" without explanations or visual proof are almost useless. The more details you provide, the less time will be needed to receive assistance.
- Reporting irrelevant issues: Avoid including multiple unrelated issues in the same ticket. Create one for each specific problem.
4. Monitoring and updating the ticket
- Respond promptly to the technical team's requests: if the team asks for more information, don’t leave the ticket hanging. Often a ticket is put on hold due to a lack of feedback, prolonging the resolution time.
- Update the ticket with new details: if you gain new information or the problem evolves, update the ticket, perhaps with new screenshots or a second video showing the changes.
5. Closing the ticket
- Confirm the issue resolution: before closing the ticket, make sure the issue is fully resolved and everything is functioning as it should.
- Leave feedback: your feedback is valuable. Evaluating the support received helps the technical team continuously improve the service.