A person who responds to customer support requests and helps resolve them on behalf of the business. Support agents can be both generalists or specialists. Their job core skills can range from technical support, IT support, or business operations support, depending on the support function. If support agents are unable to resolve an issue, they escalate the request to a support manager or another specialized support agent.

Help desk software with asset management capabilities enables companies to track tickets related to hardware and software assets. By maintaining a list of assets and their impact on business operations, organizations can better address support requests that pertain to specific hardware or software components.

An internal help desk is designed to support the employees within an organization. It typically focuses on addressing technical issues, providing software support, and troubleshooting hardware problems. By offering in-house assistance, internal help desks ensure that employees have access to timely and efficient support, ultimately improving overall productivity and operational efficiency within the organization. Some examples of internal help desks are:

Their patent ran out for the projectile dart stun guns a few years ago, but they are so far ahead it’ll be a while before any real competitors catch up. One downside related to this is that both the battery and cartridges are not reusable, so firing the device with cartridges will cost you $25 – $30 per shot to replenish:

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With a high voltage shock that’ll severely incapacitate anyone in a small easy-to-grip tool, it’s easy to see why the Vipertek VTS-979 Stun Gun tops the rest.

If you mess with the wrong person that is prepared, you might be in for a shock. You can be that prepared person, just by getting a stun gun or taser for self-defense. The non-lethal weapons are small enough to carry when you are out and about and can pack an incapacitating punch. There are many brands and types of stun guns to pick from and they don’t all perform the same.

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Many help desks provide support through a dedicated phone line, allowing users to call in and speak directly with a support agent. This is often the preferred method for urgent issues or when more in-depth troubleshooting is required.

Kroll, M. (2009). Physiology and pathology of TASER® electronic control devices. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Volume 16. Issue 4. Pages 173 – 177. (Source)

In today's competitive business environment, delivering exceptional customer service is vital for a company's success. One way companies can enhance their customer service is through the use of a help desk. But what exactly is a help desk, and why is it important for businesses? In this guide, we will explore the definition of a help desk, discuss the key benefits it offers, and provide some real-world examples to highlight the significance of help desk experience.

A help desk serves as a centralized platform for managing customer or employee inquiries, allowing for quick and efficient responses to issues. This reduces the time spent on resolving problems and ensures a seamless support experience for the users.

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All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best stun guns are useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical survival experience:

External help desks, on the other hand, are dedicated to assisting customers who are facing issues or have queries about a company's products or services. These help desks play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction, as they provide timely resolutions to customer inquiries and help maintain a positive brand image. External help desks are often available through various channels, such as phone, email, live chat, and social media, making it easy for customers to get the help they need. Some examples of internal help desks are:

TASER has a wide range of models of projectile and traditional stun guns, but the Pulse 2 takes the cake. The Pulse 2 improved on the original by upgrading the durability of the housing. While the original Pulse had pretty good durability already, the improvement is welcome. It held a charge fantastically in our tests, and the battery is expected to last 50 firings.

Rubberized high-impact polymer designs do best unless you are using it daily for your job like a law enforcement officer. But at that point, you’re getting issued one that costs thousands of dollars.

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Email support enables users to send inquiries or report issues directly to the help desk team. Support agents can then reply with detailed instructions or solutions, allowing users to reference the email as needed.

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We’re always looking for new and better gear, so if you have a stun gun that you trust, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested gear annually so we can try to get it in the next roundup round and see if it will beat out our top picks.

Live chat functionality enables users to interact with support agents in real-time through a website or app. This channel allows for immediate assistance and is often preferred for its convenience and efficiency.

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A help desk can be a valuable asset for any organization, as it contributes to the enhancement of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and overall operational efficiency. Here are some key reasons why your organization needs a help desk:

Help desk software often includes tools for creating, managing, and sharing knowledge articles or FAQs. By making this information readily available to end-users, they can search for and find instant answers, reducing the load on support agents.

A ticketing system allows users to submit a support request through an online form, which then generates a unique ticket number. Users can track the progress of their request and receive updates on the resolution.

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You might think that a stun ‘gun’ shoots projectile darts with leads to electrocute the target, but you’d be mistaken. That’s TASER, a brand that held the patent on projectile stun guns up until a few years ago.

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Some of the professional TASER models can creep up in weight, but those are typically stored in their own belt holsters.

A person within an organization who configures and manages the help desk processes, workflows, and tools required for the team to successfully deliver a great customer experience

Usually a subject matter expert and person responsible for meeting service level agreements and managing the customer support process. A support manager supervises a team of support agents. They ensure work is proportionately distributed among support agents and leads up to a great support experience for customers. In a small business, the support team or IT team usually has only one support manager, while in a large call center setup, there would be more than one support manager.

Many help desks now offer support through social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Users can send direct messages or mention the company in their posts to receive assistance.

A ticket (also sometimes referred to as a case) is a term used to describe a specific customer request, issue, or complaint. Ticket Management is the process of managing the life cycle of a ticket from its initial submission to resolution.

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Help desksoftware examples

There are various types of help desks designed to cater to different needs and requirements. There are four main types of help desks: internal, external, outsourced, and hybrid. Each type serves a unique purpose and offers specific advantages to the organizations that utilize them.

Help desk ticketing systems are commonly integrated with sales CRM, eCommerce platforms, telephony systems, and remote desktop management solutions such as Salesforce, Shopify, Ringcentral, Logmein Rescue, and more.

When you are in self-defense situations, things can get pretty hairy. You don’t want your gear to break on you as you are about to use it or pull it out of your bag just to find it inoperable.

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TASERs stick to the main self-defense function typically, but have the reach advantage and can pierce clothing more effectively than traditional stun guns.

Stun guns are an ideal choice for anyone looking for non-lethal protection. The merits of pepper spray versus a stun gun have been debated, but they are very different solutions. A stun gun is much more painful and immediately incapacitating than pepper spray, but the pain also subsides quickly.

A help desk is a centralized platform that provides support, information, and solutions to customers, employees, or both. It acts as a single point of contact, streamlining the communication process between users and support teams. Help desks are commonly used for managing customer inquiries, troubleshooting technical issues, and resolving problems related to a company's products or services. Help desks can be either physical, with dedicated staff working at a specific location, or virtual, in which support agents are remotely available through various channels such as phone, email, live chat, or social media. The most advanced help desks employ advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation to provide quick, accurate, and efficient assistance.

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I'm Sean Gold, the founder of TruePrepper. I am also an engineer, Air Force veteran, emergency manager, husband, dad, and avid prepper. I developed emergency and disaster plans around the globe and responded to many attacks and accidents as a HAZMAT technician. Sharing practical preparedness is my passion.

We considered a wide range of stun guns ranging from tactical-duty ranged TASERs to tiny disguised flashlights and pens.

If you need to set some self-protection without breaking your budget, the Vipertek VTS-880 Mini Stun Gun is what you’re looking for.

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This is where we come in. We’ve researched the best TASERs and stun guns, tested them, and now the results are in: the overall best, a budget option, and an upgrade pick. If you need a non-lethal self-defense solution, one of our suggestions will bring the power.

Help Desk software offers a variety of exclusive features that are designed to streamline support processes and enhance the overall user experience. Some popular features found exclusively in HappyFox help desk software include:

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Levine, S., et al. (2007). Cardiac Monitoring of Human Subjects Exposed to the Taser®. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. Volume 33. Issue 2. Pages 113 -117 (Source)

Our research narrowed the field down to a few brands and types of stun guns that we compared: TASER, Vipertek, SABRE, Guard Dog, Streetwise, Tiger-USA, Police Force, and more.

Not much point to a stun gun if it’s not powerful enough to stop anyone. Mostly, this is measured in volts, but as anyone familiar with electricity knows- amperage and the time applied affect the stunning effect.

An outsourced help desk is when a company delegates its support operations to a third-party service provider. This allows businesses to tap into the expertise and resources of external partners, enabling them to deliver high-quality customer service without having to invest in building an in-house help desk team. Outsourcing help desk functions can be cost-effective and time-saving, as it allows organizations to focus on their core competencies while benefiting from the specialized skills and knowledge of the outsourcing provider.

A service desk is an IT support solution designed to act as a single point of contact for managing and delivering all IT-related services within an organization. It handles not only incident management (which is often also done in help desk software) but also integrates various IT service management (ITSM) processes, such as change management, problem management, and configuration management. The primary goal of a service desk is to ensure that all IT functions work seamlessly and efficiently, aligning with the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) guidelines to deliver value to the organization and its users.

Up-to-the-minute reports are essential for evaluating support performance and making data-driven improvements to operations. Real-time reporting features in help desk software allow organizations to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and assess their progress towards meeting their goals.

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These examples showcase how different help desk types can be employed to address various support needs, tailored to an organization's unique requirements and resource constraints. By choosing the right type of help desk, companies can deliver excellent support to both customers and employees, improving satisfaction, help desk experience, and productivity levels.

Task Management Create and manage all the tasks involved in resolving a ticket.

Canned Actions Respond faster using templated responses and actions.

For organizations with an internal help desk, employees can quickly receive assistance with technical issues, software, and hardware problems. This minimizes downtime and enhances overall productivity, enabling employees to focus on their core tasks.

Viperteks’ flagship model packs a big punch with a relatively small profile. The flashlight makes it even more useful for carrying on your walks or just having it by your side every day. 51M volts is more than enough to go through clothes, so you don’t even have to be very accurate with the VTS-979.

TASERs can sidestep some of these with the darts they shoot. While a stun gun only hits with a shock when applied, and can stun between 5-15 seconds- the TASER model we suggest applies a shock for a whopping 30 seconds, incapacitating someone for several minutes, if not longer.

By addressing these questions before you start looking for a helpdesk solution, you can identify your organization's unique needs and find a solution that best aligns with those requirements, ultimately leading to more efficient support operations and enhanced customer satisfaction. When selecting help desk software, it's crucial to keep in mind the key features that can enhance your support operations. Features such as ticket management, multi-channel support, automation, knowledge base management, and reporting capabilities are essential for streamlining processes, improving response times, and providing a seamless user experience. Additionally, consider integrations with other tools used within your organization, customization options, security, and scalability to ensure the solution aligns with your specific needs. While evaluating potential help desk software, take into account factors such as budget, team size, and any unique requirements your organization might have. Engage in product demos, request trial periods, and gather feedback from your support team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the software's usability and suitability for your organization. It's essential to select a help desk solution that not only addresses your current needs but can also adapt and grow as your organization evolves. HappyFox Help Desk management software stands out as a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly option for businesses of all sizes. HappyFox offers an extensive range of features, including advanced automation, easy integrations, and a robust knowledge base management system. Its focus on providing a seamless and efficient support experience makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to optimize their help desk operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive long-term growth.

Many stun guns have additional features and alternate functions. Stun batons can give you a bit of length and can double as a blunt instrument as well. Most stun guns include a flashlight, which can turn out to be quite useful.

A hybrid help desk combines elements of both internal and external help desks, often involving a mix of in-house and outsourced support agents. This model allows organizations to strike a balance between maintaining direct control over their support operations while still benefiting from the cost savings and expertise of outsourcing partners. A hybrid help desk can be an ideal solution for businesses that want to maintain a certain level of in-house support but also need external assistance to handle increased support demands or specific technical expertise. What are some examples of internal and external help desk?

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The most common channels for help desks enable users to seek assistance through a variety of communication methods, ensuring that customers and employees have multiple avenues to obtain support. Here are some of the most common help desk channels:

When customers receive timely, effective support, their satisfaction levels increase. A help desk enables businesses to deliver high-quality assistance to their customers, fostering long-term loyalty and maintaining a positive brand image.

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Custom fields are a popular help desk software feature that allows organizations to capture specific information that may not be available through the default fields provided by the software. These fields can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of an organization's support process or to collect additional information that is relevant to their business or industry.By adding custom fields to support tickets, organizations can gather data that is crucial for understanding, categorizing, and prioritizing support requests more effectively. Custom fields can also help support agents identify patterns, trends, or common issues within the collected data, which can be used to optimize support processes and better address customer needs. In addition to ticket forms, custom fields can be applied to user profiles, assets, or other objects within the help desk software, providing more granular control and organization of information. Overall, custom fields enhance the flexibility of a help desk system, allowing organizations to tailor the software to their specific needs and streamline their support operations.

Choosing the perfect customer service software isn't easy. A typical help desk includes a ticket management system, a self-service portal, reports, and community forums. To help you narrow down on the ideal customer service tool, we at HappyFox have curated this handy scorecard.

Vipertek isn’t done yet, they have their micro version that stands about half the weight and size. It packs enough punch to be felt, with 15M volts that you can apply straight to your attacker. It’s a lot of voltage, but the effectiveness can drop through clothes so you’ll want to target exposed skin.

Before you start searching for a helpdesk solution, asking yourself the following questions can help you identify your organization's needs and requirements, ensuring you select the right solution:

A help desk ensures that every support request is dealt with following the same protocols and procedures, providing a consistent experience for users. This standardization makes it easier for the organization to maintain and improve the quality of support over time.

Asset Management Track hardware and software assets in one place.

You will need a license to own a stun gun in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. A handful of states require a permit if you conceal carry a TASER.

Automation Reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.

The amount of money you spend on something like a non-lethal self-defense tool shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. There is a wide range of prices depending on the features you are looking for, so it shouldn’t be too problematic if you just stick to a plan. There isn’t much recreational or practical use beyond self-defense, so you’re typically just looking to buy one and not a collection.

Without cartridges, you can always use the contact stun method, but you’ll just have the range of a much cheaper device. Still, if you want both reach and stopping power, this entry-model TASER is proven and effective. With great range, power, and dependability, the TASER Pulse 2 is up for any self-defense task.

By offering multiple help desk channels, organizations can cater to the diverse preferences and needs of their customers and employees. This ensures that users receive prompt, effective support, resulting in higher satisfaction levels and an enhanced overall experience.

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Using a TASER or a stun gun in a self-defense situation is no trivial task. It takes courage to stand up to an attacker, and proper training and preparation can help. Having the right gear is a step in the right direction, but nothing beats training- especially when it comes to how you react in fight-or-flight moments.

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As your organization grows, so does the volume of support requests. A help desk allows you to effectively manage an increasing number of inquiries without compromising the quality of support, ensuring that your organization remains efficient and customer-focused.

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Help Desk A robust ticketing system for customer service, IT and internal help desk needs.

Turning incoming requests into help desk tickets is a fundamental feature that enables the organization, assignment, and resolution of support inquiries. It provides a structured approach to managing user inquiries and ensures that no issue goes unaddressed.

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You never want to spend too much money on one resource when it comes to self-defense. It’s better to diversify your spending to make sure you are covered for a wide range of situations.

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Help desk software is a tool that helps you collate all support requests in a single place and allows your team to respond to each of the issues in an organized and timely fashion. Most companies that are starting their support team rely on a shared inbox or even spreadsheets to manage support requests. Help desk software is also often referred to as a support ticketing system or customer support software.

How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We have vast prepping and survival experience and bring in outside experts when needed. Hours on end are spent testing gear in stressful conditions and using specialized testing gear to verify claims. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. Learn more about how we test.

Automation features like auto-assignment, canned responses, business rules, and workflows can significantly enhance ticket management efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks and processes, support agents can focus on providing more personalized and effective assistance.

Besides the Pulse itself, it comes with plenty of accessories, including a neoprene holster, two cartridges, a practice target, a Plano Gun Guard case, and a handy quick start guide.

Help desks often come with built-in analytics and reporting capabilities, providing valuable data on user inquiries and support interactions. This data can be used to identify trends, make informed decisions, and improve the support process, ultimately leading to an enhanced user experience.

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Workflows Ensure speedy resolution of tickets with end-to-end process automation

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The rubberized grip, lanyard disable pin, and safety switch all make it so you can stay in control regardless of conditions or your situation.

We presented quite a lot of information, but as always: if you have any questions let us know and we would be happy to help. Our testing found the Vipertek VTS-979 Stun Gun to be the best option given its value, stopping power, durability, size/weight, and versatility.

A self-service portal is an online platform that provides users with access to a knowledge base, FAQ section, or troubleshooting guides. Users can find answers to their questions or resolve issues independently, reducing the load on support agents and enabling faster resolution.

IT Services Provide the best IT support

Help desks can be used to build and maintain a knowledge base that contains solutions to common issues and frequently asked questions. This resource empowers users to find answers themselves, reducing the load on support agents and enabling customers to resolve issues faster.

Since most stun guns are meant to be on you every day, they have small designs and low weight so they can fit in your hand easily without being an everyday burden.

When you get the right blend of these, you can find a non-lethal self-defense weapon that will help you stand your ground. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the TASERs and stun guns that truly set themselves apart.

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Help desk software often includes tools for managing and tracking service level agreements (SLAs). These tools help companies monitor their performance against customer expectations, ensure timely resolution of issues, and receive alerts when tickets are at risk of breaching their SLA.

Warning: While stun guns are called non-lethal, they still can be lethal in rare cases or when applied to people with pre-existing conditions.

Goudswaard, M., et al. (2020). Tasered: medical consequences of the use of electric stun guns. Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde. Page 164. (Source)

Some help desks offer community forums where users can post questions or discuss issues with other customers or support agents. This channel enables users to benefit from the collective knowledge of the community, often providing quicker solutions to common problems.

In the United States, stun guns (and TASERs) are illegal in Rhode Island, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. They are legal in all other states when they are used only for self-defense by someone 18 and up and without a felony record.