Tags: phone, cold call, rude, random
Date: 10 June 2006 10:37:37
I've just had the following (pretty much word-for-word) sales call:
Salesman: Hello, can I speak to the homeowner please?
Me: Speaking.
SM: Hello, I'm from [large well-known double-glazing and home improvements company], and I wanted to let you know that we have a new show-home in your area.
Me: Thanks very much, but actually I replaced all my windows 2 or 3 months ago, with your company. There really is no glass left in my home that needs replacing.
SM: Ah yes, actually our records do show you've had some work done by us recently. But what about your front door, doesn't that need replacing?
Me: No, there's a communal front door, and the door to my own property is absolutely fine for the purpose and doesn't need replacing, I'm very happy with it.
SM: What about fascias or gutters, do they need replacing?
Me: This is a ground floor flat, I haven't got any. I'm really sorry, but this is probably a bit pointless isn't it?
SM: Puts phone down without another word.
You know, I really don't mind people trying to do their job - God knows I'd hate to be a cold caller. But when it's obvious that it's not going anywhere, how much does it cost them to say "OK, well, sorry to bother you, goodbye". Don't just put the bloody phone down once you've decided that as you're not going to get a penny out of me I can just go crawl back under my stone (that, may I remind you, I'd crawled out from to answer the call that YOU initiated). Gah. I had a similar experience a few years back when I was phoning round for car insurance quotes - I called my then union's helpline as they were offering discounts, they gave me a quote, I just happened to say (extremely politely) that I'd had a lower quote from somewhere else, and the guy put the phone down without another word. Hello? Stop seeing your potential customers as slabs of meat. That way, even if you can't help me this time maybe I'll call back at renewal time the next year because I remember your good service.
Or am I just too nice for my own good? Grrr.