Have you ever been "telemarketed" in a restaurant?

Question

My Friend and I were in a TGIF a couple weeks ago. We have had an ongoing disagreement since. Once our food was served, within 2 minutes, the waitress came and asked us if we would like to make a donation to a cause. (I don't remember the charity) I immediately said no thank you. I proceeded to tell My friend how that annoyed Me. I don't like telemarketing calls at home, I surely did not want to be telemarketed in restaurant where I sat down to enjoy a meal. Had the waitress waited until she presented the bill, I wouldn't have minded so much. I give to alot of charities, I am not cheap or selfish. I found this to be a rude intrusion, what do you think?

Answer 1

That is HORRIBLE. I would not go back there. She should not have disturbed you while you were eating. I dont like when people stand in doorways of stores asking for money, some of them can get quite pushy but this is worse. There is just no escaping being interupted during dinner by donation requests, even when you are paying to eat out.

Answer 2

I would have resented it too, and said something to the manager. I was trained as a server in a restraunt, and once the food comes to the table, within 2 minutes you check with the customer to see if they need anything. You don't ask for a donation to charity then. They're still making their decision on how much they plan on tipping you at that point. You're right, they should have waited until you gave a response as to whether or not you wanted dessert, or left flyers on the tables so that you could read it at your leisure.

Answer 3

I dont know if you consider this telemarketing but it definitely annoyed the heck out of me. I was shopping at the mall and all of a sudden the woman comes over and says,"Wow you have beautiful skin what products do you use?" I gave her a look like wtf. So anyway she continued on and on about how would you like to be a Mary Kay consultant. I said no thank you, and she begin to say how about purchasing the products. Ugh! at this point I am outraged and tell her I would like to continue my shopping in peace. So if you are ever in a store, mall, etc... and someone comes to up to you and says, "oh my you have beautiful skin, just stop them and ask "Are you trying to sell Mary Kay?".

Answer 4

hmmm this is a tough one. I don't think that would have bothered me so much, but it does make you feel like crap when you want to say no. That's why target stores removed the salvation army bell ringers from outside their stores--they didn't want customers to feel obligated to donate or hassled at the store. But I still think it's a free country, and we definitely don't need more laws telling us what we can and cannot do. i'd much rather deal w/ the solicitation.

Answer 5

in case you went there, you recognize what you're dealing with and the reality a well-being government board is respiratory down their back and can be extra helpful opportunities to have a sanitary kitchen than many restraunts which you do not comprehend. you would be stunned on the uncleanliness of many restraunts that have not been caught. bugs and bugs can incredibly get into something, yet while rats and cockroaches stay in restraunt kitchens and you knew, you may probable in no way have faith ingesting in any restruant back.

Answer 6

I definitely understand your resentment. If the restaurant industry is starting to get into begging for charity, they need to time it better.

Answer 7

I would definitely resent the inappropriate soliciting; you're there to have a meal and not be bothered ! I would have complained to the manager.

Answer 8

I def think that was out of line. You should speak to the manager...you came to eat & relax...not be to harassed for donations.

Answer 9

Tell her that if she wants you to donate to charity, it will reduce her tip.

Answer 10

Was she doing this for herself, or on behalf of the restaurant?