Is there a polite way of telling someone that you do mind if he/she borrows your phone?

Question

This goes for cellphones as well as landline phones at the office.

Answer 1

"I'm sorry -- I'm not able to let other people use it."

You're not able to let other people use it because you don't want to, but you don't have to elaborate.

If you feel bad about it, keep some quarters on hand.

Answer 2

The landline phone is not yours, but the cellphone is. Just say that the cell phone is not for their use, you are responsible for all the calls made on it. But the office phone, well that's up to company policy.

Answer 3

Cellphones --you could always say "sorry--this is a prepaid plan, not a free minute set up so I can't use my time up at the moment"

landline--if its at work--say that you're not permitted to make outgoing calls that are not work related...or at all"
if it's a germ thing, redirect them to another phone in your office--but still keep them off your cell with above. good luck.

Answer 4

If someone comes into your office and wants to use the phone, just tell them you're sorry but company policy states the phone is for company use only. As for your cell phone, if it's during your working hours just tell them that you're not allowed to have your phone out while you're on the clock. When you're off the clock and someone asks, say that you wouldn't mind letting them use it but your bill last month was astronomical and you've got to use it less. That's just my idea anyway.

Answer 5

A gentleman or a lady doesn't need a reason to turn down an invitation, or a request to borrow something. Unless the request is for an emergency. Nor should you lie or make up an excuse.

Answer 6

As for cell phones; just say "sorry, I only have a few minutes left on my plan".
Landlines in the office; unless he/she also works there; just say "sorry, my employer will not allow it".

Answer 7

You need to provide a legitimate reason and an alternate solution if you refuse this simple request. Acceptable reasons would include:
-I'm low on minutes/battery.
-I'm waiting for a call.
-I need to make an important call in a few minutes.
-I'm really germaphobic.
-I need to concentrate on this urgent task, and talking distracts me.
Just say "Sorry, (insert honest reason), but you can use the phone (alternate solution: down the hall, at the reception desk, at the corner).

Answer 8

Just say sorry I need to save my minutes or I can't afford to have any long distance calls made to my phone.

Answer 9

For the cellphone...You could always just say you're out of minutes. They don't need to know you don't have pre-paid.

Answer 10

Of course, "No, I'm sorry. You may not borrow the phone. There is a pay phone on the corner."

Answer 11

Tell them your expecting a call and you need your line clear, and with the cell-minutes is always a good excuse.