posted on September 13, 2001 10:34:26 AM new
Today I received a telephone call from one of the the 3 major long distance carriers where I live. (Florida)
The woman on the phone, said that they wanted to help "all Americans in this great time of need" to get in touch with loved ones. Sign up with them and not only get their "great rates" but also get free long distance to a specific # that you supply in NY or Washington.
I was stunned and asked the woman to repeat herself, because I didn't believe what I was hearing. She did and elaborated with stories of her family who lived in the areas attacked.
I did manage to get her first name and initial. What I wondering is if this is a marketing plan on behalf of the company, or just lady trying to make an extra sale? I've tried this long distance 800 #, but I can't manage to get a person to help me with this information.
Has anyone else received a call like this? Any suggestions on who to talk to? I really want this company to know what I think of these tactics.
posted on September 13, 2001 12:57:21 PM new
I'm repulsed.
Help me out with this, though.
It's a bit off on a tangent but perhaps not.
I went shopping today to try and get my head together. (my cure all is a bargain)
I saw a bunch of "American" stuff (flags, plaques, etc) at a super price and bought a ton for myself as well as friends, family, and neighbors.
I was tempted to get some to list but didn't feel right about it.
As much as we are trying to stand behind the US and show our support, I wanted to get the goods to those who want them, but was disgusted at myself for thinking of eBay.
posted on September 13, 2001 01:00:32 PM new
Zoomin, dont feel disgusted. Your thoughts were in the right place, methinks.
Ive been thinking about listing some stuff on Monday, and saying that a percentage of all sales goes to the Red Cross, or the Firemen, or whatever thing someone has going for financial assistance. Being on the west coast, there isnt alot we can do physically. But maybe we can financially?
posted on September 13, 2001 01:08:24 PM new
MrsSantaClaus - I am not trying to argue - I just want to understand for sure - is your point that there should be no normal business activity for a period of mourning? If so what kind of businesses and for how long?
I went out and had breakfast out and went grocery shopping and banking. I was not upset with any of them for being open. Perhaps the breakfast was not neccesary but if you tried to ask most businesses if they are neccesay most would tell you they are needed even though we could do without a lot of them for days or even weeks.
It is pretty hard to ask people to shut down and stop making their living without someone in authority asking for an across the board shut down.
posted on September 13, 2001 01:10:10 PM new
zoomin
>"Very Mixed Feelings"<
I do understand how you feel, but after all is said and done, life must go on. Don't feel disgusted with yourself.
I did list auctions on Tuesday. I had to because Ebay is 2/3 of our income and finances have been a bit tight lately. It has been really hard to get any work done for the last few days, including today.
posted on September 13, 2001 01:24:03 PM new
{{{Hep}}}
I'd love to get some Patriotism going, so many areas are short on flags and the like.
I can't fathom making a profit on it, though.
I've listed "regular" auctions to try to keep a sense of normalcy.
Mebbe I'll run back and grab more stuff, donating any proceeds to the XX.
Hmmm...firefighters?
Red Cross? to who???
OutOfTheBlue:
Thanks. I agree with listing auctions right now. Maybe there aren't as many bidders right now, but I refuse to let the SOB terrorists infiltrate my life any more than they already have.
JMHO.
I understand those who are unable/unwilling/or choose not to transact at this time.
posted on September 13, 2001 01:27:41 PM new
Zoomon, maybe sell the flags, but all the proceeds go to whatever place they need to go to in NY? That way, your raising money for them, and helping those out who cant find flags.
posted on September 13, 2001 01:29:01 PM new
Zoomin'....I can relate....I went out yesterday to get a newspaper (we stopped home delivery cause I never had the time to read it) and when I got to the store I decided to buy each paper & even a few copies of each. I save papers of major events, so I got some for myself & for my kids to put away. The clerks were lookin' at me weird as they rang up each one. I wasn't doin' a darn thing wrong, but I felt so guilty. I would really like to put together a collection of newspapers from all across the world report this event, but wouldn't even dare think about actually doing it!
posted on September 13, 2001 01:33:35 PM new
You're right, Hep.
I'm so incredibly stunned by all of this.
What a perfectly rational solution.
thanks, Hep.
One Nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE, with liberty and Justice for All.
posted on September 13, 2001 07:31:47 PM new
Gravid ~
I didn't find your post at all arguementative.
The fax was one from a company that had sent me the same fax at least five times before. I don't mean that normal life shouldn't go on. I do, however, think it is a bit tacky to do cold calls to drum up business, especially when they are sending the same fax over and over. Actually, I might not have gotten so mad if they had at least added a flag onto the fax to acknowledge the pain this country is now enduring.
I have advised my Sales Manager not to make any sales calls until Monday, even to customers that we have a working relationship with. We are, however, filling orders that were waiting to be printed.
Listing auctions really is a bit different. People have a choice to go onto eBay and search for those auctions ... they can avoid the computer if they feel the need to.
Personally, I will be trying to list items this weekend.
Each one of us will know when it feels right to go back to life as it was before 911. The sad truth is life will never again be the same
Take care, all of you.
BECKY
[ edited by MrsSantaClaus on Sep 13, 2001 07:33 PM ]
posted on September 13, 2001 07:45:00 PM new
I keep my answering machine on always as a filter. Today, I've gotten more hang-ups than I have in ages. I can only wonder if this is a coincidence.
I don't know when this event will be considered historical and selling its memorabilia not considered exploitive. For me it will be a very long time.
When I was in my twenties, I saw a great exhibit of Egyptian relics including mummies of humans and cats. It didn't affect me at all. In my forties, I saw one mummy at a museum, and I silently apologized to it because I suddenly realized that no matter how old it was, this person's grave had been disturbed and unearthed in the name of science.
Edited to add: I don't think selling flags is exploitive.
