Of telephones and salespersons....

Of telephones and salespersons....

Didn't find your answer?

OK, I'm getting sick of them now. I've registered with the don't-call-this-number-to-sell-me-things scheme, but still I find some afternoons ruined by salespersons. Being a sole practitioner without (yet) the benefit of a bulldog-like secretary, it's me that has to waste time on them. I could tell them about the TPS registration, but that's still costing me time.

I'm seriously considering blocking all incoming calls that withhold their numbers.

Can anyone see a downside to this? I'm not aware of any clients who block their numbers. With new clients I could include the info in a quote confirmation letter.

In short, will doing this solve my problem, or create new ones? Advice appreciated.

Andy.
Andy

Replies (6)

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By AnonymousUser
16th Dec 2004 18:52

PBX
a lot of corporates with 'older tele systems' have their nos withheld - guess a programming thing, and also the automated call spammers means you should always answer on third or fourth ring - + you won't get a response

i too am spending too much time receiving these calls, which is why earlier in the week i had a post on 0870 nos -so that such callers - who can obtain my no- can pay to call you whilst i make a coffee !!!

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By andyhyland
15th Dec 2004 22:57

Nice idea...
Chancer, I've decided to go with your hanging up in 4 seconds idea. I think the problem I've had is in thinking of them as 'real people' and not just machine-like diallers doing a job. Looks like the blocking numbers idea is just going to cause too much hassle. Never mind.

The nastiest ones I've had lately have been charities ringing to thank me for past donations (which I have made), only to receive a call a few minutes later asking me to confirm the order I made for advertising in the previous phone call. Devious swine...

Nice to know I'm not the only one suffering from them (misery loves company).

Thanks for all your help.
Andy.

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By User deleted
15th Dec 2004 21:02

Very easy...
...as soon as you detect a sales spiel (usually 3-4 seconds max) say 'I'm sorry i'm not interested' and hang up. Do not wait for them to say anything else, do not feel the need to explain anything - just say the phrase and hang up.

The people on the other end will not be upset - they'll just move on and call the next number (it's probably being dialled by computer).

Other options if you're not busy and looking for a lift/laugh is to get their company details and then say ' This is an advice line, I charge $25 per minute for advice on your sales techniques - please continue to talk if you want me to assess you';

Invent your own ways of having fun with these interruptions eg pretend to speak very bad english, try to sell them something back, convert them to your religion (or one that you make up), kill them with love, heavy breathe, hum, sing, pretend to be an ansamachine, get really excited and refuse to calm down, deliberately misunderstand them, agree to everything and say you want to sign up for everything then right at the end explain you're only 15, ....

use you imagination!!!

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By Abacjm
16th Dec 2004 01:41

Unwanted Calls
I just start a conversation in Gaelic or say , "Is that you Murdo/Annie? How's the wife/bodach?"

But I am getting really annoyed at the "Congratulations, I am glad I have finally got you at long last. You have won.... You can write to me at (address whizzed by you), but as the closing date is tomorrow, you may be better ringing me at 0905 etc etc etc."

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By David Hancock
16th Dec 2004 08:37

3 strikes and....
1. As soon as you detect the sales call, say "I'm sorry but I'm not interested"
2. If the cold caller persists with some additional b*****ks, just repeat yourself politely.
3. If the caller continues, simply put the phone gently on your desk and continue with your work. My phone has an indicator showing when the call has ended. Quite amusing to see how long they last.
As an alternative, go straight to step 3.

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By AnonymousUser
15th Dec 2004 23:52

What I normally say is..
If it's a call for double-glazing etc., I say I'll have to speak to the landlord. I don't even have time to hang-up. They normally hang up without so much as another word.

Another one I use, is that I ask them for their home telephone number so that I can ring them later and have a chat with them about the matter. They say I don't take calls at home, I say I am exactly the same...or words to that effect.
The only exception I make, is if it sounds like a nice bit of crumpet, then I am happy to chat for a little while.

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