business client, takes too much time on phone?

Question

I am a salesperson, and have this client, who calls me and takes up too much of my time. How should I handle him?

I know he is not free from 5PM to 6PM every evening, so try to schedule our conversations for 4.45PM or so. But is there some other subtle way of handling things? Anything short of telling him in the face that he rambles on too much.

Any small practical tip would be appreciated.

Answer 1

when he calls, say something like "i'm so glad you called, but i have to leave/have an appointment etc in 15/20 mins,,, when that time comes,,,, apologize and say goodbye,,,,, tell him when you will call him back,,,,, short of that, an answering machine /or receptionist to screen your calls,,,,,,, so that you only talk to him when you have time to listen to the ramble

Answer 2

It's "Sales" so you must be assertive without giving him the "Bums rush" off the phone, go for about 10 to 15 minutes, get the details (you keep on him, don't stray) then say "Ya know it's crazy here "FIRST NAME" can I speak with you tomorrow, or call him early in the AM when things have not gotten busy yet, or better yet return his call at 5:15, or get his order done fast, throw him an extra "Something" and say " I appreciate the fast order, it's nutty here with clients, so I threw you a bone".

Answer 3

Tell him you're busy.

Answer 4

hang up