Tactical Change
Telemarketers are making it increasingly difficult to get off the phone quickly and politely while still maintaining good grammar. Until recently, I've considered myself a bit of an expert in the quick, but gracious escape. Generally it goes something like this:
Telemarketer:"Would you like to save 7% on your phone bill?"
Sam: No thanks - but thanks for the offer - have a nice day! Click.
An answer that is kind, quick and shows my command for the English language. They've asked a question and I've answered it.
Lately however, I've noticed that the scripts these marketers use have changed to no longer end with a question. Instead they use a statement aimed, I'm sure, at forcing me to use poor grammar or poor English. For example:
Telemarketer:"I have some great news for you Mr Russell, you are going to save 7% on your next phone bill!"
Sam: No thanks.
You see? You can't say "No thanks" to a statement. It doesn't make any grammatical sense, and I feel stupid saying it. But what do I do? I don't just want to hang up on them because it's rude and my only other option is to engage with their offer, which is really not an option. What to do?
I need a new strategy...
7 comments:
How about...
"No I'm not. But thanks for calling!"
I always went for the " I am happy with my current [insert bill, service, provider etc] thanks" and then hung up.
Seems to sometimes stun them that that you might not be interested in saving 7% and hence gives you the millisecond needed to end the call without cutting them off
I agree guthers, the problem is with that approach is speed - you have to wait for the end of the spiel before saying something.
It'd be nice if I didn't want to be polite, then it would be:
"Mr Russell, would you be int(Click)..."
good point MW
Try this: "Oh, that's fantastic. Please tell me all about it."
Then gently put the phone on the desk and get on with what you were doing.
I like Dave's option as most of the time they don't really need your responses - they just plow on through even if you give them.
I'm a pretty blunt (admittedly sometimes uncaring) sort of guy and I don't really I have a problem with being rude it the form of:
"No. Thanks. Bye. Click."
Do I need to be challenged on my last of courtesy to someone I've never nor will ever meet?
Kate on the other hand so greatly dislikes any forms of being "mean" and having to somehow get them off the phone that she rarely answers our phone to avoid having to be rude.
I have heard in the interest of loving other people they will be calling you should do as Dave suggested and keep them hanging, explaining, on hold etc.
I had one along the lines of "we can guarantee we'll save you on your next phone bill".. I had time and thought I'd humour them so I answered all their questions about my phone and internet and bills. At the end they said "wow! that's really cheap. um, thanks for your time." :-) It was nice to win for once and have them lost for words. I bet he went home and changed his phone provider ;-D
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