Is it rude/unprofessional for a place of business to call your home asking for you by your first name?

Question

I've told this company several times that we're adults and would like for them to address us by our last name when they call unless we give them permission to do otherwise.They keep calling us by our first names...How to stop them?

Answer 1

Personally, I think it depends. In your case, it is rude b/c you asked them to stop. However, I'm an accountant in a small town. I call most of my clients by their first names. No complaints yet. However, if anyone wanted me to stop, it would be rude not to.

If you are this upset about the situation, I would take my business elsewhere.

Answer 2

I think it all depends on the situation. Since you asked them not to call you by your first name, then yes they are being rude. Ask them to write a note on your file.

I work in a small rental store and we address all our customers by their first name. No one has complained. However there are some people that I will only address as Mr. or Mrs. because of the vibe they give off. You can pretty much tell how people would like to be addressed when you see them face to face.

Answer 3

Some business call their clients by the first name in a corny attempt to make them feel like they are their friends. But if you have asked them to call you by your last name they should. I don't know what type of business this is but maybe if you tell them you feel disrespected and threaten to not do business with them they will call you by your last name.

Answer 4

In this case, it is rude. Because you have already asked them to call you by your full or proper name. I am in a line of sales work and I do call most of my customers by their first name, unless asked otherwise. I would write them a short note letting them know how you feel and keep a copy for your own records. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Yes, it is rude because you've told them which names you prefer to be called by and they blantantly ignored your request. That's rude.
The next time they call and ask for you by your first name, say this is Mr. Yournamehere. Ask who they are and refer to them by THEIR last name to emphasize your point.
I also agree with the posting above, to take your business where elsewhere. There are still companies out there that respect their customers, you many need to find those.

Answer 6

It is both rude and unprofessional for a place of business to presume to use your first name at all, unless you specifically ask them to. It seems that modern businesses are beginning to reverse this politeness, and it is common for people to address you in the familiar, unless you specifically request for them to address you formally.

It is offensive for a stranger to be casual about your person. It is disrespectful as well. You have the right to insist that people address you as Mr. Lastname.

When a business calls my home and asks for Lori, I respond with, "Excuse me, but I am accustomed to be being addressed as Mrs. S, by business acquaintances. Please do not contact me unless, and until you are willing to do so". I then say nothing further until they acknowledge and address me properly. Sometimes they say, "Okay, sorry", and then go on with the business at hand. I remain silent. Most of the time, they will finally say, "Mrs S"? Then I respond.

People may find this response extreme or "uppity", but if we want to be treated with respect and dignity by others, we have to insist upon it. If we allow people to treat us disrespectfully, then we have no right to complain when they repeat the behavior.

Answer 7

Yes it's rude. Next time they call correct them by saying, this is Mr or Mrs. Smith and thank you, but I'm not interested (if you really aren't) then hang up.

Answer 8

They should ask for you by full name i.e. Joe Smith. Mr. Smith might feel like a telemarketer is calling your home. If it is your company calling you they should stop. Tell them your time is your time and not their time.

Answer 9

yes