Was at my mothers place. This telemarker calls and ask too speak too my mother. I asked if she was a salesperson or telemarketer. This person said she has no interest in selling anything. That she wanted too speak too my mother because of a important issue. Next thing i know this person is trying too sell my mother mutual funds. My mother was furious and i explained too her what has happened. Grrr just wanted too get this off my chest. There are some other telemarketing experiences i have but it requires too much time too type.
Telemarketers
- Thread starter LittleAsianGuy
- Start date
Vancouverman is right!
The only way to get back is to tell them to wait a second and then put the phone down. I know this works because I did this, and then picked the phone back up 5 minutes later, and they were still waiting. They were probably harrassing someone else on another line, but there were still waiting on mine!
The only way to get back is to tell them to wait a second and then put the phone down. I know this works because I did this, and then picked the phone back up 5 minutes later, and they were still waiting. They were probably harrassing someone else on another line, but there were still waiting on mine!
You could also ask the telemarketer for her/his home phone number and ask when it would be an inconvenient time to call. 
The other pain the a** is the survey takers.
The other pain the a** is the survey takers.
Yes sushiman, every time I get one, I do the Seinfeld routine:
ME: "Well I'm just a bit busy right now, how about you give me your home number and I'll call you back?"
THEM: "Uh, we're not allowed to give out our phone numbers."
ME: "Oh, I guess you don't want people calling you at home. Now you know how I feel."
*click*
(or I say stupid things to break the monotony like "no, I've never read a newspaper" or "no, I don't believe in vaccums")
ME: "Well I'm just a bit busy right now, how about you give me your home number and I'll call you back?"
THEM: "Uh, we're not allowed to give out our phone numbers."
ME: "Oh, I guess you don't want people calling you at home. Now you know how I feel."
*click*
(or I say stupid things to break the monotony like "no, I've never read a newspaper" or "no, I don't believe in vaccums")
Vancouverman,
I'm surprised that you actually admitted to hiring telemarketers. Any local business that solicits me on the phone ends up on my "Do not patronize" list. Canada needs a law that enforces a "do not call" list. And do for good measure, anyone employed as or employing a telemarketer should be required to pay an annual nuisance tax.
rickoshadows
I'm surprised that you actually admitted to hiring telemarketers. Any local business that solicits me on the phone ends up on my "Do not patronize" list. Canada needs a law that enforces a "do not call" list. And do for good measure, anyone employed as or employing a telemarketer should be required to pay an annual nuisance tax.
rickoshadows
Here are some tips culled from the web for having fun with pesky telemarketers:
- Three effective words are: “Hold on, please.” Put down the receiver and walk off, instead of hanging up immediately. It makes the call more time consuming for the telemarketer. Return to hang up the receiver when you hear the dial tone.
Hit the “#,” “6” and “7” keys repeatedly.
Talk really fast.
Make up your own language and use it.
Make up a one-word language.
Put the television on a channel that only catches static. Crank up the volume.
Pretend you are a hostage negotiator. Try to get the telemarketer to release the hostages.
Order a large pepperoni pizza, garlic bread and a meatball sub.
Repeatedly dial the phone. Mutter that it isn’t ringing.
Try to sell the telemarketer something.
Pretend to be an escaped mental patient. Mutter things like, “They’ll never catch me again” and “No! Not the jacket!” Mutter incoherently.
Make the telemarketer sing the pitch to get the sale.
Say nothing until the telemarketer hangs up.
Ask the telemarketer for their home phone number. Claim you need time to think about the pitch. Say you’ll get back to them at a more convenient time.
LMAO HiFi and Makhno!
Personally I'm not trying to break the system and I do not have the time to deal with them at all and I have found that their script does only works if you listen to it.
My process:
Caller ID: If I do not recognize the caller or number or it is out of area I do not asnwer. I also have some other service that will not allow callers to ring through with a blocked number.
If I do answer and I do not hear a reply to my hello within a beat or two, I hang up instantly as I know the caller is on an automated system, meaning calls are their business.
In the event I answer and someone replies but refers to me by my last name I hang up instantly, sometimes after I fire off a quick, "F*ck you very much!".
The few times I speak to a telemarketer I rudely stop their spiel and demand I be removed from their list. Then I ask where they got my number (normally from M.F. Telus, to whom I had requested my information be removed from all marketing lists on the day I moved here and opened an account and a few times there after).
Finally, I never enter my real phone number on anything at retailers or on the internet and I always ask all my services remove me from their marketing lists (phone, util, cable, etc.). I rarely enter my real address for retailers (only if I need something delivered and usually only then to work). I also only use a junk Yahoo email account for anyting I need to have a real email address for.
I have perfected my system so I only get 3 or 4 hangup telemarketer attempts a month and only actually hear a voice once every 3 or 4 months...
Personally I'm not trying to break the system and I do not have the time to deal with them at all and I have found that their script does only works if you listen to it.
My process:
Caller ID: If I do not recognize the caller or number or it is out of area I do not asnwer. I also have some other service that will not allow callers to ring through with a blocked number.
If I do answer and I do not hear a reply to my hello within a beat or two, I hang up instantly as I know the caller is on an automated system, meaning calls are their business.
In the event I answer and someone replies but refers to me by my last name I hang up instantly, sometimes after I fire off a quick, "F*ck you very much!".
The few times I speak to a telemarketer I rudely stop their spiel and demand I be removed from their list. Then I ask where they got my number (normally from M.F. Telus, to whom I had requested my information be removed from all marketing lists on the day I moved here and opened an account and a few times there after).
Finally, I never enter my real phone number on anything at retailers or on the internet and I always ask all my services remove me from their marketing lists (phone, util, cable, etc.). I rarely enter my real address for retailers (only if I need something delivered and usually only then to work). I also only use a junk Yahoo email account for anyting I need to have a real email address for.
I have perfected my system so I only get 3 or 4 hangup telemarketer attempts a month and only actually hear a voice once every 3 or 4 months...
Reducing your junk calls/mail
The Canadian Marketing Association has a "Do Not Contact Service" which is free of charge. If you wish to have your name removed from their member's contact lists follow the registration instructions here .
CMA members account for about 80 percent of direct response sales (translation: telemarketers, junk fax/mail) in Canada, so registering should have a dramatic impact on the number of call/junk you get. It worked for me.
The Canadian Marketing Association has a "Do Not Contact Service" which is free of charge. If you wish to have your name removed from their member's contact lists follow the registration instructions here .
CMA members account for about 80 percent of direct response sales (translation: telemarketers, junk fax/mail) in Canada, so registering should have a dramatic impact on the number of call/junk you get. It worked for me.
Is the The Canadian Marketing Association an industry self-regulated watch group? Is this a proven & trustworthy organization (any org with 'marketing' in the name is automatically suspect in my book)?
It occurred to me a false Do Not Call list would be the perfect way to get millions of free contacts, which could then be given or sold to every marketer in the world...
It occurred to me a false Do Not Call list would be the perfect way to get millions of free contacts, which could then be given or sold to every marketer in the world...
okay...before you use one of the methods used above make sure the person calling you is indeed a TELEMARKETER and NOT a MARKET RESEARCHER.
A MARKET RESEARCH is only doing a survey, they are NOT trying to sell you anything at all. They are NOT trying to con you, they are NOT lying to you, it is their job to record the publics opinion on a variety of topics.
I currently do some MARKET RESEARCH and some of the rudeness surprises me, people cursing, people just laying down the phone and walking away, etc.
There are a number of ways to distinguish a TELEMARKETING call from a MARKET RESEARCH call.
1) The MARKET RESEARCHER will be happy to provide you with a way to confirm the validity of the survey. Whether it be the clients contact number (depending on the survey and the amount of bias it may contain the MARKET RESEARCH may not have the information on who the client is). At the very least they can provide you with the study number and contact number for the department at the CRTC that can validate the survey.
2) MARKET RESEARCHERS are NOT pushy. They genuinely want your opinions. They WILL take a polite "no" as an answer. The MARKET RESEARCH MAY clarify that all your answers are completely confindential and the like but they are just trying to reassure you. Just be polite and say "no I am not interested" they will not call you back on that study. We do not get paid by commission so if you don't want to do the survey that is fine with us.
3) MARKET RESEARCHERS do not buy 'telemarketing lists' 90% of our calls are using computer generated numbers. The other are lists obtained from our clients who are reputable companies all over the world (anyone from Microsoft to Safeway). These lists are customers or clients of theirs and chances are have signed something stating that we can call them regarding surveys. (read what you sign people, like those card agreements)
4) MARKET RESEARCHERS are selective on who they can speak to. Most surveys have age quotas, industry quotas and quotas based on use of certain products.
Example: If in the introduction the person on the phone asks to speak to 'the person 19 years of age or older and who has the next birthday' chances are they are a MARKET RESEARCHER. The birthday question allows us to randomize the person we talk to within the household.
The ONLY time we ask for someone by name is when a client provides us with a client list OR we have previously called and someone at the household has provided us with the correct name of the respondent.
5) MARKET RESEARCHS DO NOT want your personal information. The most we ask are a couple demographic related questions. For example, age/age range, first three digits of postal code, marital status, things like that. We will NOT ask you for any financial information or anything like that.
6) MARKET RESEARCHS don't mind when you refuse to answer a particular question. It is your opinions we are after and your choice if you wish to answer a question or not.
---
I ask again, please ensure that you know the person who is calling you is indeed a TELEMARKETER BEFORE you decide to play tricks on them or tell them to F**K off.
Kendo
A MARKET RESEARCH is only doing a survey, they are NOT trying to sell you anything at all. They are NOT trying to con you, they are NOT lying to you, it is their job to record the publics opinion on a variety of topics.
I currently do some MARKET RESEARCH and some of the rudeness surprises me, people cursing, people just laying down the phone and walking away, etc.
There are a number of ways to distinguish a TELEMARKETING call from a MARKET RESEARCH call.
1) The MARKET RESEARCHER will be happy to provide you with a way to confirm the validity of the survey. Whether it be the clients contact number (depending on the survey and the amount of bias it may contain the MARKET RESEARCH may not have the information on who the client is). At the very least they can provide you with the study number and contact number for the department at the CRTC that can validate the survey.
2) MARKET RESEARCHERS are NOT pushy. They genuinely want your opinions. They WILL take a polite "no" as an answer. The MARKET RESEARCH MAY clarify that all your answers are completely confindential and the like but they are just trying to reassure you. Just be polite and say "no I am not interested" they will not call you back on that study. We do not get paid by commission so if you don't want to do the survey that is fine with us.
3) MARKET RESEARCHERS do not buy 'telemarketing lists' 90% of our calls are using computer generated numbers. The other are lists obtained from our clients who are reputable companies all over the world (anyone from Microsoft to Safeway). These lists are customers or clients of theirs and chances are have signed something stating that we can call them regarding surveys. (read what you sign people, like those card agreements)
4) MARKET RESEARCHERS are selective on who they can speak to. Most surveys have age quotas, industry quotas and quotas based on use of certain products.
Example: If in the introduction the person on the phone asks to speak to 'the person 19 years of age or older and who has the next birthday' chances are they are a MARKET RESEARCHER. The birthday question allows us to randomize the person we talk to within the household.
The ONLY time we ask for someone by name is when a client provides us with a client list OR we have previously called and someone at the household has provided us with the correct name of the respondent.
5) MARKET RESEARCHS DO NOT want your personal information. The most we ask are a couple demographic related questions. For example, age/age range, first three digits of postal code, marital status, things like that. We will NOT ask you for any financial information or anything like that.
6) MARKET RESEARCHS don't mind when you refuse to answer a particular question. It is your opinions we are after and your choice if you wish to answer a question or not.
---
I ask again, please ensure that you know the person who is calling you is indeed a TELEMARKETER BEFORE you decide to play tricks on them or tell them to F**K off.
Kendo
They appear to be legit. I used to get dozens of telemarketer calls every month. I signed up on their Do Not Call list and it was like the taps turned off (once it kicked in after the initial registration delay period).zlmmm said:
I find market researchers to be equally, if not more, offensive than telemarketers. What they are trying to do is to ask you for your time, without compensation. And usually at one of the least convienient times of days to do so.
Then what they do is to take the information which they have gleened from your time (provided to them at no charge) and sell it to their customer. (Do you think they are a nonprofit organization?) So what they are in fact doing is using you to work for them, for free. Fair deal?--I don't think so.
So what I have done is to explain this to the telephone person, then tell them that I don't work for free; but let them them know that I'll work for my usual hourly rate, if they provide a visa number to which I can charge my services. The never give me a number, and that usually ends the call.
Then what they do is to take the information which they have gleened from your time (provided to them at no charge) and sell it to their customer. (Do you think they are a nonprofit organization?) So what they are in fact doing is using you to work for them, for free. Fair deal?--I don't think so.
So what I have done is to explain this to the telephone person, then tell them that I don't work for free; but let them them know that I'll work for my usual hourly rate, if they provide a visa number to which I can charge my services. The never give me a number, and that usually ends the call.
Do you like those double stuffed oreos? Do you like that new beer from your favorite microbrew? Do you like that commercial with the cheerleaders with the huuuuuuge.....tracks of land? Do you think companies just throw these products/ideas out in the market place and hope they work?
Market Research isn't about people trying to screw you out of your hard earned 5-20+ minutes. Companies hire market research firms to either test advertising/new product ideas/general feedback on their policies. Market Research is the perfect time for YOU the consumer to give your views on what you buy, what you see, what you like, etc.
So to you...a person calling you up...to ask you your opinions and views about some important issues is more offensive than someone calling you up and trying to con you, your grandmother, etc out of their money?
Sorry if this seems harsh...I don't mean to be...this is just a big pet peeve ofmine.
Market Research isn't about people trying to screw you out of your hard earned 5-20+ minutes. Companies hire market research firms to either test advertising/new product ideas/general feedback on their policies. Market Research is the perfect time for YOU the consumer to give your views on what you buy, what you see, what you like, etc.
So to you...a person calling you up...to ask you your opinions and views about some important issues is more offensive than someone calling you up and trying to con you, your grandmother, etc out of their money?
Sorry if this seems harsh...I don't mean to be...this is just a big pet peeve ofmine.
Thanks Makhno for that link, I removed myself and I plan to do everyone I know starting with my 89 year old aunt.
Lately it's been the Times Colonist or Globe and mail and I just say sweetly "I don't read the paper, would you be a doll and remove me from your list?" then I wait for them to say yes before I say "thanks and have a great day" because I believe most of them just had a crappy guidance coundsellor or are doing it temporarily and it's such a rotten job that I don't want to take out my annoyance on them.
But I hate being bothered over a phone line that I pay for. And I suspect telus is the one selling the lists.
However spam email is just as much of a problem, except it doesn't wake me up at 9 am. I recently had some unauthorized charges on my credit card and the name that came up is shareitinfo.com so when I went to their site, there is no contact info, just a simple page that says...enter your email address and the last 4 digits of your credit card and we'll let you know the latest transactions to your account. Well stupid me, I entered the info, it said no matches found and now guess who gets 5+ junk email a day? So that is the second part of the scam, now that my CC company is disputing the charges (and I don't have to pay) they still got me by the balls!.
Lately it's been the Times Colonist or Globe and mail and I just say sweetly "I don't read the paper, would you be a doll and remove me from your list?" then I wait for them to say yes before I say "thanks and have a great day" because I believe most of them just had a crappy guidance coundsellor or are doing it temporarily and it's such a rotten job that I don't want to take out my annoyance on them.
But I hate being bothered over a phone line that I pay for. And I suspect telus is the one selling the lists.
However spam email is just as much of a problem, except it doesn't wake me up at 9 am. I recently had some unauthorized charges on my credit card and the name that came up is shareitinfo.com so when I went to their site, there is no contact info, just a simple page that says...enter your email address and the last 4 digits of your credit card and we'll let you know the latest transactions to your account. Well stupid me, I entered the info, it said no matches found and now guess who gets 5+ junk email a day? So that is the second part of the scam, now that my CC company is disputing the charges (and I don't have to pay) they still got me by the balls!.
Sometimes it's a tad difficult to tell the 'legitimate' market researchers from the telemarketers masquerading as market researchers. And why do I suspect that providing a 'market researchers' with all my personal preferences could lead to a deluge of unwanted junk mail (if they have my phone number...) or worse, targeted telemarketing calls? I mean, if I said I was considering buying a cell phone in the next six months...
