[plug] telemarketers

[Mark Dixon]

One thing I try to take into account when dealing with Telemarketers is 
that there is a human being on the other end.  I don't want to talk to 
them but I also want to be humane.  So, my telemarketing counterscript 
is short and sweet and goes like this:

Telemarketer: "Hello Mr Dixon. ..."
[no one calls me that except sales people and they all do it]

Me: "Hello.  I take it this is a telemarketing call?"

Telemarketer: [begins following script - dead giveaway.]

Me: Sorry, this is a bad time for me to take a call.  If you would like 
to send your literature I'd be happy to have a look at it.  Bye." 
[brief pause ... hang up].


I also like the script that goes like this:

Telemarketer: "Hello Mr Dixon. ..."
[must be a telemarketing call with that opening]

Me: "Hi, I'm sorry this is a bad time for me to take a call can I have 
your number and call you back?"

Telemarketer: [no telemarketer will give their number, they will usually 
just start reading their script]

Me: [interrupting] "Well, if I can't return hour call I guess I'll just 
have to fore-go the offer you're calling about.  Bye."
[brief pause ... hang up].



W.Kenworthy wrote:
> In the interest of recent discussions on telemarketing, I came across
> the following link on /. - could provide some light entertainment if you
> have the time.
> 
> http://www.xs4all.nl/~egbg/counterscript.html
> 
> BillK