[phyrrus9]

I don't tend to really research a company. I tend to just go in and wing it. I don't do the whole refunding / replacement thing any more I prefer in person manipulation, anyone can manipulate a chat / phone rep.as.tgey can't read your mannerisms. In real life is the challenge.

Yes I totally agree with you. But you said you used to do it so I think you still have a bag of knowledge about these things. Most people come here seeking an advice, and some are pleasant to help/answer.

The amount of information you need varies by your target. If you're trying to get insider information about a company (like static mappings for their vmware server for instance), then you're going to want to know employees who are mid level but on vacation or something, that way you can call in and pose as them. For that instance you would also need to know who to call, you don't want to be on the phone with someone who knows your target, etc.