posted on January 31, 2001 11:44:33 AM newHow to get off many telemarketing lists:
You can stop a lot of those annoying telemarketing calls by registering with the Direct Marketing Association's Telephone Preference Service. I've done it before and it really does cut waaaaaay down on the calls.
You may register with this do-not-call file by sending your name(s), home address, and home telephone number (including area code) and signature in a letter or on a postcard to:
Telephone Preference Service Direct Marketing Association P. O. Box 9014 Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
They also have a separate address to cut down on junk mail, and one for email, too, though I haven't tried either of those.
posted on January 31, 2001 11:47:38 AM new
I always ask for clarification as to who they are, then tell them "Hey, last time you guys called, I told you to put me on your 'Do Not Call' list!" Ususally results in massive apologies. Understandably, since (as I understand it) they can be forced to pay you $500 per instance if you did indeed ask to be placed on their do-not-call list and they call anyway. It also virtually ensures that you _will_ be on their do-not-call list.
-gaffan-
posted on January 31, 2001 05:19:30 PM new
oh-my-gawd....chococake, I was eating Cap'n Crunch as I read your post about the whistle and I laughed so hard I just about CHOKED!!! My blood would be on your hands, but luckily the crunchlet dislodged itself and I survived. I am laughing hysterically again right now thinking about it all over again!!! imagine the poor telemarketer thinking "well, I'll just try that one number again, the one that had the weird whistle" and dialling your number and then getting the whistle AGAIN. Honestly, for some bizarre reason I just LOVE that.
I was a telemarketer for two days back in 80s when I was doing a lot of temp work. Calling people I didn't know and who were predisposed to NOT like me based on my profession was not a pleasant experience. The only people who seem to like phone sales are people with the hides of alligators...or maybe you just get that way if you stick with it long enough. The money can be good if you are able to close sales.
When people call me I enjoy pointing out their marketing problems to them.
Last week someone was pitching to me about some "club" sponsored by my credit card that charged 39 dollars a year and basically all it did was send a copy of my credit report to me every three months. I said in a shocked tone "Are you aware that a person can do this themselves for 8.00 per request? It appears that you're trying to deceive people into thinking they are getting something great from you when really they could it get on their own for less!" I always act shocked and horrified that someone would try to pull one over on me and ask them if this is the kind of work they wanted to do when they grew up....I can do this in about 30 seconds per call. I consider it my public service and it's not nasty or rude, just informative. I love to inform.
posted on January 31, 2001 10:19:50 PM new
brighid - I tell ya this forum is dangerous to your health. You must be more careful with what you're eating while reading. Sure glad you're OK!
The whistle wasn't even planned it just happened to be there. It was kind of mean, but I must admit I got a laugh out of it too.
