View Full Version : Sales calls, what is wrong with these people?
brianakell
11-05-2013, 18:02
I get calls weekly, for a variety of things. Apparently the new sales tactic is yell at/over the potential customer and be rude.
Call today:
him: can I speak to the owner?
me: you got him
him: Well Im camped outside your office right now
me: Yeah right, youre a liar
him: If I asked for a loan for 50 grand youd give it to me right?
me: Since youve shown yourself to be a liar an a scammer, I wouldnt give you the time of day
him: what if I could get your slowest paying customer to come down and write you a check for the back money they owe
me: We have no customers that owe (cuts me off)
him: Yeah yeah whatever, so Ill get
me: Take me off your call list, drink some bleach, and f-off, and hung up
Guy was still trying to talk, well yell over me.
Do they actually think this sales tactic works? Guy is talking over me everytime I answer. This is not the first call Ive received very similarly. Health insurance comparisons, collection type agencies (not collecting, just like this twerp), you name it. Heck I had a guy trying to get me to buy some oil investment somewhere, told him no, then no again and hung up. Guy was a slow learner, called back 6 times that day to get hung up on repeatedly and insulted. One call, i think it was the last or 2nd to last call from him actually went:
him: youre and a$$hole
me: yup and youre stupid enough to waste your time repeatedly calling me to get hung up on over and over, *click*
He was actually still trying to talk at that point!
Do I just bring out the best, or are other people getting these sales guys?! I just laugh about it and try to think of the next nasty thing to do. Thinking a really loud squealing something, since theyve typically got those headsets on. Something to really make their day unpleasant. Ill give em a chance every time. Tell them no, and when they dont listen, gloves come off! [ROFL1]
/sigh
There is a reason I no longer answer the phone.
sellersm
11-05-2013, 18:30
I get daily calls from the Denver Post. They talk to the machine.
Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
I got a call from the Governor this morning. Well, a recording of the Gov.
I got a call from the Governor this morning. Well, a recording of the Gov.
This morning and last night. Had to hang up on him as his recording was willing to keep chatting with my machine.
Great-Kazoo
11-05-2013, 18:42
Caller ID. it's your friend.
Circuits
11-05-2013, 18:45
I screen my calls, and will pick up or return calls from someone I know or am expecting a call from, or who leaves a coherent message with a good reason to get back to them.
If they don't say anything during the screening/voicemail segment of the call it will forever remain unanswered.
I'd like to think I'm not rude, BUT.... If I gave up everytime someone told me "no", I wouldn't sell a friggen thing
Thinking a really loud squealing something, since theyve typically got those headsets on. Something to really make their day unpleasant.
Air horn.[Awesom]
/sigh
There is a reason I no longer answer the phone.
Or the front door bell ringing.
Caller ID. it's your friend.
I'm not giving Century Stink any more then I have to. Don't leave a message, don't expect a call back. I don't answer the land line.
Hotchef181818
11-05-2013, 19:24
I make sales calls daily. I love when I get the owner that exists in a perfect world and would never need our services. I don't get upset though, it's pointless. When I call I simply explain what I do, how I can help and then i ask if they are interested. If they aren't I just move on. There's always someone out there that needs what your selling you just have to work hard trying to find them. I've definately laughed at people when I know they are lying but that's part of what I do, I call it like I see it. I'm brutally honest with people from the start and people respect that. I have a very good closing record and I'm pretty much living off referrals after just one year in sales.
People respect people that respect them!
brianakell
11-05-2013, 19:48
I make sales calls daily. I love when I get the owner that exists in a perfect world and would never need our services. I don't get upset though, it's pointless. When I call I simply explain what I do, how I can help and then i ask if they are interested. If they aren't I just move on. There's always someone out there that needs what your selling you just have to work hard trying to find them. I've definately laughed at people when I know they are lying but that's part of what I do, I call it like I see it. I'm brutally honest with people from the start and people respect that. I have a very good closing record and I'm pretty much living off referrals after just one year in sales.
People respect people that respect them!
Id actually talk to someone with that approach. I dont lie. If Im not interested in changing insurance or credit card processors Im just not. Might save $, but its typically a pita for small return. And Ive found Im very selective with the companies I will deal with. When I say I dont have outstanding debts I dont. I charge credit cards, and the handful of companies I have on net30 is very small, and all but 1 are owned by people I would consider friends, and all pay on time or sooner, and have for years. I just dont get getting told twice "non" and continuing on badgering.
Oh, and that's the second person who's recommended airhorn. Ive got 2 sitting around dusty. Getting one in the shop, and one in the office tomorrow. [Muaha]
SideShow Bob
11-05-2013, 19:49
Get a caller ID unit, plus hook up an old FAX machine to your line and program it to answer after three rings.
if you dont recognize a number with no caller ID information, let the FAX answer. ......
brianakell
11-05-2013, 19:54
Can't do caller ID. I get a number of folks calling from the sandbox periodically, and internationally, so simply ignoring any number not looking legit would block all of those guys.
I'm getting hammered with sales calls too, I turn off the ringer and let the message machine catch it. I do not answer the phone for a number I don't know. I'm thinking one of my mortgage companies sold my information to a less-than-reputable 3rd party.
Inconel710
11-06-2013, 12:51
I have family members that call with their number blocked, so I have to answer as well. Occasionally, I have fun with it. Last year, we were getting constant robo-calls from some credit card lower your rate, blah, blah place. After a few days of it, I pressed "1" to talk to a person and said, "Look, I don't any credit cards..", CLICK. They hung up on me. OOOOKKKKAAAYYY. I can play that game. Next time they called, pressed "1" and let out a primal scream as soon as a person picked up. I think the neighbors heard me...across the street.
It worked. Five minutes later, a blocked number calls the house and a woman's voice says "You're an asshole" and hangs up. But they didn't call back...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED BEOTCH!
Another fun one was the tech support scammers that call and tell you your computer has a virus. I wasted twenty minutes of that jerkoff's time playing the "dumb PC user" before telling him he was a crook and to never call back.
SuperiorDG
11-06-2013, 13:04
Guys calls me Monday morning and I'm slammed getting the week ready.
him: asked me what the weather is like in Denver.
me: you call on a Monday morning and ask about the fucking weather.
him: well you might as well hing up then.
me: Click
Another fun one was the tech support scammers that call and tell you your computer has a virus. I wasted twenty minutes of my time playing the "dumb PC user" before telling him he was a crook and to never call back.
FIFY..[Neene1]
PugnacAutMortem
11-06-2013, 13:24
FIFY..[Neene1]
It's not a waste of time if it's entertaining [Beer]
I like to say "oh tell me all about it" then leave the phone on my desk, still on the call.
Usually they've hung up themselves when i get back to my desk in 5 minutes, but i've had some salespeople go on for 12-13 minutes without any feedback from me.
We recently received a politely worded letter offering to buy our property. Does that count?
I love taking marketing calls I always do the same thing. Put them on speaker and ask them to "Hold on for a moment", then I just continue on as if they never called, if they start to get fidgety, I say "Hold on a moment I will be right with you!" and then go searching for that elusive booger or naval lint... Well I find it amusing anyway, I wish one would call me now...
Cameron
BPTactical
11-06-2013, 15:07
What I really like to do: they start their spiel and I act all interested and I'm a buyer! I really play in and get them on the hook, then I put the phone down quietly and walk away.
They can talk to the cat.....
I have listened to them go on for over 10 minutes before...
tmleadr03
11-06-2013, 15:45
I have had multiple calls from sales guys asking if I take credit cards at my business because they want to get to me to change CC processing companies. I tell them all I accept at my shop is gold bullion. Most have no clue what that is.
brianakell
11-06-2013, 15:50
I have had multiple calls from sales guys asking if I take credit cards at my business because they want to get to me to change CC processing companies. I tell them all I accept at my shop is gold bullion. Most have no clue what that is.
[ROFL1] Nice.
Just got one for insurance. Told him no, and I won't discuss private information to some random person over the phone. Send me a letter in writing, what you have, and maybe Ill call. "Well sir do you currently have health insurance" Well, I told you no discussion politely once, the next thing is going to be very loud and annoying, and I reached for the air horn. But I was nice and just hung up before blasting him.
spqrzilla
11-06-2013, 16:12
My receptionist is fairly good at screening out the salemen, but every so often one fools her by claiming to be a potential client. They then try to sell me advertising. And when I politely say "no", they then shout at me "So you are so busy, you can turn away clients?"
Morons.
tmleadr03
11-06-2013, 16:18
My receptionist is fairly good at screening out the salemen, but every so often one fools her by claiming to be a potential client. They then try to sell me advertising. And when I politely say "no", they then shout at me "So you are so busy, you can turn away clients?"
Morons.
Had someone ask me if I wanted more people coming to my shop. I said no I was too busy as is I don't need anymore then what I already have.
spqrzilla
11-06-2013, 16:46
Well, I've been tempted to say that, Chris. Next time, I'm going to say something like: "Are you going to give my money back if I don't get Y clients from your advertising?"
tmleadr03
11-06-2013, 16:49
Well, I've been tempted to say that, Chris. Next time, I'm going to say something like: "Are you going to give my money back if I don't get Y clients from your advertising?"
Yelp, by the way only offers 12 month contracts for advertising with no guarantee of return and no short trial for their service to see any results first. And yes, the shortest contract was 12 months. I quite literally laughed in the phone on that one since I currently have something like 5 reviews there 4 or which are being blocked by them for what ever reason. All are 5 stars. But only one gets shown... And you want me to pay for that?
I was once working with my Boss's Boss's Boss (follow that) for a "sales blitz". I had tried to get an appointment with this guy for months was was continuously stopped by his gatekeeper. Always being told he wasn't in, or in a meeting, etc
So I'm telling my boss's boss's boss the story, and that this guy is a big prospect and having no luck getting to him. So my partner in crime bets me the lunch bill that he will get the guy to come out and talk to us
So we get to the front desk and I ask for the guy, and sure enough I'm told that he was out. The big boss says....
"I'm flying back out of town tonight and I wanted to give him that money I owe him".
In less than 45 seconds a guy comes out and asks if they know each other. The boss hands him $20, his business card explains "the story"and invites him to lunch (that I had to pay for). He became a customer of mine for 10 years, taking me as sales rep when he changed jobs twice.
generalmeow
11-06-2013, 17:57
I had someone call last week and say "Uh, yes sir, I'm from (so and so charity) and (your boss) made a donation last week...let me double check the amount (papers shuffling).....yes sir, he made a donation but he forgot to put his social security number on the paperwork and if he wants to write that off I'm going to need that from him."
GOOD LORD. Why would I know my bosses social security number? Did they expect me to ask my boss and then give it him? It was so ridiculous.
I said "dude, why don't you get a fucking life?" He said "Sir, I don't understand". "Yeah you do". "Uh, ok.....thanks for your time."
Be careful guys. Don't fall prey to this scam.
If I get one more fucking robocall to "update my free google listing", I'm goin to track down the owner of the machine that makes the calls and proceed to kick him in the nuts until I wear out the toe of my shoe...
I have had multiple calls from sales guys asking if I take credit cards at my business because they want to get to me to change CC processing companies. I tell them all I accept at my shop is gold bullion. Most have no clue what that is.
I get these too. I told them I was on the no-call list, they just kept on yakkin' so I said adieu.
tmleadr03
11-06-2013, 18:57
If I get one more fucking robocall to "update my free google listing", I'm goin to track down the owner of the machine that makes the calls and proceed to kick him in the nuts until I wear out the toe of my shoe...
Good lord I hate that one. Or did till I got someone to answer the phones for me...
Jeffrey Lebowski
11-06-2013, 19:17
I was once working with my Boss's Boss's Boss (follow that) for a "sales blitz". I had tried to get an appointment with this guy for months was was continuously stopped by his gatekeeper. Always being told he wasn't in, or in a meeting, etc
So I'm telling my boss's boss's boss the story, and that this guy is a big prospect and having no luck getting to him. So my partner in crime bets me the lunch bill that he will get the guy to come out and talk to us
So we get to the front desk and I ask for the guy, and sure enough I'm told that he was out. The big boss says....
"I'm flying back out of town tonight and I wanted to give him that money I owe him".
In less than 45 seconds a guy comes out and asks if they know each other. The boss hands him $20, his business card explains "the story"and invites him to lunch (that I had to pay for). He became a customer of mine for 10 years, taking me as sales rep when he changed jobs twice.
Great thread, love all the stories, but this one is excellent!
I have a personal creed that I now live by.
I WILL NEVER buy anything from anybody that comes to me. Ever.
If you have a great product or service, good for you. Hang up a shingle, take out a craigslist ad, or get an established distributor to carry your product. When the time comes that I want it, it better be easy to find using Google, be competitively priced, and have good reviews.
A good sales guy answers the phone or returns an email after I contact them. Cold calling me? Fuck you.
totally agree
I have a personal creed that I now live by.
I WILL NEVER buy anything from anybody that comes to me. Ever.
If you have a great product or service, good for you. Hang up a shingle, take out a craigslist ad, or get an established distributor to carry your product. When the time comes that I want it, it better be easy to find using Google, be competitively priced, and have good reviews.
A good sales guy answers the phone or returns an email after I contact them. Cold calling me? Fuck you.
brianakell
11-06-2013, 22:55
If I get one more fucking robocall to "update my free google listing", I'm goin to track down the owner of the machine that makes the calls and proceed to kick him in the nuts until I wear out the toe of my shoe...
Video on youtube and Ill buy you another pair of shoes! [ROFL1][ROFL1]
brianakell
11-06-2013, 22:56
I have a personal creed that I now live by.
I WILL NEVER buy anything from anybody that comes to me. Ever.
If you have a great product or service, good for you. Hang up a shingle, take out a craigslist ad, or get an established distributor to carry your product. When the time comes that I want it, it better be easy to find using Google, be competitively priced, and have good reviews.
A good sales guy answers the phone or returns an email after I contact them. Cold calling me? Fuck you.
Yup. Even told a few that. "you're calling me because you think I need what you have? If I need what you have, I'll find you. In the meantime, go find the end of the closest pier" All I got a was a "huh?" than I hung up.
centrarchidae
11-07-2013, 15:15
What I really like to do: they start their spiel and I act all interested and I'm a buyer! I really play in and get them on the hook, then I put the phone down quietly and walk away.
They can talk to the cat.....
That's a horrible thing to do to the cat. Even if your cats are like every other cat in their ability to completely ignore you, the phone, and anything else that's not a laser pointer it's still cruel.
I do that too, thought. I save the rudeness for people who come to my door in person. Had a girl from CEA come by to talk about Amendment 66 (my house has one registered Republican, but also one CEA member who's behind on her dues). I let her go on for a few minutess and pretended to care. Then I asked if she liked buttsechs. While she was trying to figure out if I'd really asked that, I told her that if she didn't do anal she was wasting both of our times.
Hey, I had to do something. "Smithers, release the hounds!" doesn't work nearly as well when they hounds are lazy elderly golden retrievers who are far nicer than their owner or daddy or food bringer or whatever my title is this week.
That's a horrible thing to do to the cat. Even if your cats are like every other cat in their ability to completely ignore you, the phone, and anything else that's not a laser pointer it's still cruel.
I do that too, thought. I save the rudeness for people who come to my door in person. Had a girl from CEA come by to talk about Amendment 66 (my house has one registered Republican, but also one CEA member who's behind on her dues). I let her go on for a few minutess and pretended to care. Then I asked if she liked buttsechs. While she was trying to figure out if I'd really asked that, I told her that if she didn't do anal she was wasting both of our times.
Hey, I had to do something. "Smithers, release the hounds!" doesn't work nearly as well when they hounds are lazy elderly golden retrievers who are far nicer than their owner or daddy or food bringer or whatever my title is this week.
[Score][Bow]
sellersm
11-07-2013, 17:01
Guy walks up to my front door, which is opened (screen door is closed, but it has a "No Soliciting" sign on it), while I point to the "No Soliciting" sign, I ask him what he wants:
Him: "I want to know if you're interested in..."
Me: "Can't you read the No Soliciting sign?"
Him: "I'm not soliciting, I'm asking questions."
Me: "Wrong, you're soliciting answers so I'm not interested"
Him: starts arguing with me about some stupid use of words and defends himself
Me: "Perhaps you didn't understand me, I'm not interested, so I'm asking you to leave my property NOW."
He walks away still arguing, by this point it's more of mumbling to himself...
Aloha_Shooter
11-07-2013, 18:31
Guy walks up to my front door, which is opened (screen door is closed, but it has a "No Soliciting" sign on it)
We were told during the Morse recall that "No Soliciting" applies to salesmen but not to polltakers or people distributing political handouts. I still tended to give houses with "No Soliciting" signs a wide berth since I think most people think it means "don't bug me" but legally he was correct.
I've seen people supplement their "No Soliciting" signs with hand-drawn additions reading "No Handbills" and "Don't Bug Me".
Jeffrey Lebowski
11-07-2013, 22:02
That's a horrible thing to do to the cat. Even if your cats are like every other cat in their ability to completely ignore you, the phone, and anything else that's not a laser pointer it's still cruel.
I do that too, thought. I save the rudeness for people who come to my door in person. Had a girl from CEA come by to talk about Amendment 66 (my house has one registered Republican, but also one CEA member who's behind on her dues). I let her go on for a few minutess and pretended to care. Then I asked if she liked buttsechs. While she was trying to figure out if I'd really asked that, I told her that if she didn't do anal she was wasting both of our times.
Hey, I had to do something. "Smithers, release the hounds!" doesn't work nearly as well when they hounds are lazy elderly golden retrievers who are far nicer than their owner or daddy or food bringer or whatever my title is this week.
OMG, this is hilarious.
spqrzilla
11-08-2013, 01:00
I hate people who come to my door uninvited. (Except for the 8 year old who comes over to beg "chores" from my wife to make soda money - at least I hope he's buying soda with it)
A process server showed up at my door some months ago around 11PM, and asks for a person who does not live at my address. I told him "You are lost. No one lives here by that name." He demanded to know where that person was living to which I answered "NO idea. Beat it." He then starts trying to tell me that I "have" to answer his questions etc. I told him that he does not give orders on my property and that if he wasn't off it in seconds, that I would have local PD arrest him.
I hate process servers. Lying scum the lot of them.
hghclsswhitetrsh
11-08-2013, 07:50
Calls are easy to ignore. It's the damn solicitors talking to me with a 'no solicitor' sign at eye height that drives me crazy.
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