What's a polite but firm way to deal with tele-marketing folks?

Question

We all know they irritate the life out of you, but if you think twice it's not their fault! They are doing this for money and maybe they are in a desperate situation.

They probably hate being abused and made fun off. But they keep going because they are probably in a worse situation than others. So how do you decline their offers without hurting their sentiments but without wasting your own time?

Answer 1

I used to be a telemarketer... sorry, don't throw things at me!
The very first thing you say is "Please take me off of your list"...

and that will be the last you will have to deal with that particullar one... it's the law ;-)

Answer 2

It depends on how I feel that day. If I don't have a lot of time, I look at the caller ID. If it's a number I don't know, I push the talk button then push it again, turning it off. It disconnects them without hanging up on them, since there's always a few second delay of them actually getting connected to talk to you. If I have the time, and want to put an end to getting their calls, I allow them to get through their spiel, then tell them no thank you. Yeah, they usually don't understand no, and will go into all the fine qualities of their particular product, and I'll let them. Then again, I tell them no thank you, and please take my name and phone number off your list. By law, they've got to do that. Of course, that won't stop them from selling your number to other companies, so it never ends. Being annoyed at them, cruel, short, or angry won't make that particular company stop calling you. You'll more than likely get a call from some other poor sap who's just trying to make a buck. You gotta give the phone solicitors credit for at least having a job, and not draining the state dry in welfare benefits. <*)))><

Answer 3

Don't just not answer the phone. They will continue calling. First off, register on the Do Not Call list. You can google that, and that will end most calls. But a lot of companies have their own lists *sneaky way to get around the "Do Not Call" law. Simply tell them *before they start their little spiel* that you are not interested and you want to be off of their list IMMEDIATLEY. If the company calls back after you ask this, ask to speak with a supervisor and demand that you never be called again. I've done this with all telemarketers, and I only got a rare call every few months.

Answer 4

That is the question of the ages. We don't get as many as we use to. Maybe I
should shut up as 'they sense they are being talked about' and will call again.
My husband likes to play mind games. Why not--he's 75--and it gives him soooo much pleasure. He's polite, courteous and says, "no thank you" and hangs up. I just ask why they feel they need to call at dinner time. And please don't call again. If that doesn't work, I leave the phone off the hook and go about my business. Some leave messages on our machine. Delete is a great word not only for computers but for answering machines. That is sad that we have to do what we do, but they become rude, obnoxious and refuse to hang up. One last thing. Like I said my husband loves to play games. It was a grocery survey, and they asked what he buys. He told them on my pension I
can only afford to buy 1 grapefruit and it has to last me." The person was so
stunned she hung up on him. It's not nice, but we did have a good laugh at
her expense. : }

Answer 5

I never talk to them because I have calle ID, but when I am at moms house where she doesnt have caller ID, I either just hang up on them or I ask them to hold on and put the phone down never to return. Maybe mean but I dont appriciate the interruptions either.

Answer 6

My husband did that for a while when he was having trouble finding a job in his field. He has clinical depression, and I knew it was time for him to quit when he would sit in the car and cry before he went in. He's really a good salesman, but when someone calls you a M-F and hangs up, what can you do?

I generally don't answer calls that aren't identified by name and number on the Caller I.D.; if I do answer one, I let them talk till they have to stop for a breath, and then say no thanks, as nicely as I can, and hang up.

Answer 7

hm, that reminds me of one time I picked up the phone without looking at the caller ID, and yes, it was a telemarketer. when the telemarketer started to try to sell something I quickly said "sorry wrong number!" and hung up the phone before he could get another word in. that why I always check the caller ID from now on.

Answer 8

You say (even if you have to talk over them) "I'm sorry, but I am not interested." and hang up immediately. Don't dwell on how you think they feel; they are getting paid to annoy people constantly, and they won't hold it against you personally. Millions of others do the same thing. Anyway, they usually hire people who are willing to go through that kind of rejection!

Answer 9

I let them talk non-stop for 5 minutes and then hang up on them. Or sometimes, I will just put the phone down and walk away and see how long they will keep talking.

Answer 10

properly positioned Adams Rib! My husband's father is a preacher. properly of course, he became into against him reading with the witnesses. yet you will desire to take heed to the failings he tells us after we communicate the bible. "i comprehend that's incorrect to celebrate Christmas." yet he celebrates it besides. "i've got not got faith interior the trinity". yet he teaches it. AND he would not have faith we torment continually in hell after loss of existence. Btw - he has a masters degree in theogogy. yet whilst my husband asks him why he teaches fake doctrine, all he ought to assert, with a shrug, is there is not any real evidence. in spite of! He in simple terms would not desire to lose his individuals. Like ninety% of the different preachers and clergy adult men accessible. No ask your self Jehovah's going to hold them extra suitable in charge! yet besides, I digress. answer to question: ask to be positioned on the do no longer call record. Have a good looking day.

Answer 11

Just butt right in (that would be rude except for the fact that they are the ones forcing themselves on you) and say "Thank you for the call, but I am not interested." Then hang up.