What should a first time user of IB expect?

[OldTrader]

Quote from rols:

With all due respect this thread was about customer service not the TWS platform which most agree has its foibles but is generally excellent. My main gripe is that I would rather spend my time trading than wasting hours dealing with an inefficient customer service. I too thought IB was great until problems came along which require customer service to resolve.

Here's what the original post said:

I have decided open an account with IB. What should I expect in terms of user friendlyness with their stuff? Can I pick it up and make a trade first time bang bang? or will I have to fumble through it a time or two? I would also just like to say thank you to all the sharp people in here, I have learned a lot.

Where do you get customer service out of that?

OldTrader

 

[OldTrader]

Quote from Ripley:

LONG LONG LONG waits on the phone lines. 3-5-7 days max to get a reply to emails.

I closed out my account and went elsewhere.

I'd file this under "Ripley believe it or not".

OldTrader

 

[bundlemaker]

In over 4 years with IB the phone is ALWAYS picked up in less than 5 rings. I've gotten return calls when they said they would. And emails have arrived in under 24 hours. THis has been without exception.

If only I could find a data provider with similar service, I'd be in heaven.