phone solicitor harrassment

[Pat Whatley]

I used to scream and fight it. Then I realized that even at 10 calls a day I'm losing less than 10 minutes total by just hanging up on them. Screaming at them just takes more time.

 

[d fleming]

When I see that it is a call on caller id that is obviously not a customer I always answer the phone with "Thank you for calling Dominos pizza will this be pickup or delivery" they hang up and remove my number. If it turns out to be a customer they get a kick out of it when I tell them why I answered the phone that way and then they implement the strategy themselves on their phone. Or I just say "Absolutely! Let me get the owner for you" and leave them on hold.

 

[Vinyldog]

I wish it was only a minute per call, but usually I'm in the back room, in the middle of mounting something etc. So I have to stop, run down the hall, hurdling the box of grommets I left in the floor. Then I see it's a TM, although some show up as a name and local number.
Since I’ve stopped, I figure it’s a good time for a bathroom break, then a cup of coffee, might as well knock off for lunch (check messages on Signs101) let’s get some music going too.

By the time I return to my work I’ve forgotten the measurements I was using and printer and computer have both gone to sleep.

 

[player]

^^^You might as well just call it a day.

 

[SignManiac]

I use it for therapy. As soon as they say the first word I cut them off and explain to them I need a credit card number before discussing anything with them. You have to talk faster than they do so they can't get a word in. I explain that my hourly rate is $100 per hour and I'll be happy to run their card and speak with them about anything they like. Most of them quickly say they can't do that and then I just say goodbye then. Makes me feel better for some reason...

 

[Vinyldog]

There is one that leaves a message I get a kick out of. They read their spiel from a script and end it with, I'll be at my desk all day, lets get this done!
They try to sound inspired, but it sounds more like they're reading for a part in a porno.

 

[ChaseO]

We use the caller ID and rarely ever answer a number we don't know. (aside from local numbers). Occasionally we get a telemarketer and tell them we're not interested and hang up. I figure if it's a real business person and they don't want to leave a message, I don't want to work for them anyway. I've done all the running and jumping to answer the phone I'm going to. If I'm in the middle of something, or out on a job, my answering machine works just fine.

 

[Vinyldog]

I would just be interested to know how this strategy is possibly paying off for them. I can’t imagine ever purchasing anything from a phone solicitor. It’s never happened with me. If anything I would avoid doing business with anyone doing this.

 

[Jwalk]

When I see that it is a call on caller id that is obviously not a customer I always answer the phone with "Thank you for calling Dominos pizza will this be pickup or delivery" they hang up and remove my number.

I am trying this never thought about this and I can see them wanting to get rid of the number too. All the other ways just probably put you on the call back list.

 

[Techman]

It is very distressing to see al lof us having to deal with this bullscat.. Those maggots have hijacked our phone system for their own usage and we have to change our habits to deal with it. So many have to screen the calls to make a decision. To often a good call gets ignored.

Selective call forwarding is my favorite course of action. Forward this spammer to the last spammer.

And one more thing.. Those vendors who wait until you say something before they say something are stupid. I mean just plain dumb. Imitate a spammer and get treated like a spammer. Phone etiquette used to be that a caller would say hi. Just as its good manners when one says hi when first walking into a room full of people.

 

[Johnny Best]

Used this voice....

[video=youtube;mnyCPPPjHHs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnyCPPPjHHs[/video]

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

I find it disturbing that these people can "spoof" their number to what ever they want it to be.

I got a strange one last week. I just came in for lunch, and the phone rings, and normally I don't answer, but the caller id said that it was my wife's name, and our home number, but it was my home phone ringing. I answer it, but it was a recorded call....

 

[The Hobbyist]

When I know that a telemarketer is calling, I usually answer,

"Hello! And thank you for calling! Please stay on the line to hear about a special offer chosen just for you!"

Then I hang up the phone.

 

[The Hobbyist]

or ...

answer the phone and in a low voice, say...

"It's done. but there is blood EVERYWHERE."

Then hang up the phone.

 

[Vinyldog]

Yet another reason the Yellow Pages are becoming irrelevant. It's legitimately costing people money. One class action lawsuit is all it's going to take. I'm keeping a log of the places calling me.


On the bright side, some of these ideas for dealing with them are legend!