Telemarketers have become part of everyday life. For some reason, they seem to always pick the perfect time to give us a call — when you are having a meal, in the bathroom, feeling cranky, or have just woken up.
Many of us have had bad experiences with telemarketers, but some of those who have called me really drove me mad. Until recently, I never thought some telemarketers would be this persistent. (Or should I call it aggressive?)
One day the phone rang and I picked it up. The person on the other end of the line was calling on behalf of the local phone company. She asked for the person responsible for the phone bill. Even though I AM the one paying the phone bill, I thought I could avoid any sales pitch by saying that he was not there at the time. Then she asked when would the one paying the phone bill be available. I replied by saying that I am not sure. This conversation ended and I thought this matter was over. How wrong I was.
A few days later, someone else from the phone company called and asked for the person responsible for the phone bill. I used the same tactic as before and the telemarketer read the same lines. He told me that some of his colleague will call again some time.
A few more days have passed and the phone company called and asked the same question. I finally realized that they would keep calling if I keep saying that the payer of the phone bill is absent, so I told him that I am the person in charge of paying the phone bill. Then he began selling a long distance plan the company offers (since I am enrolled in a long distance plan of a different company). I said to him that I am not interested, since I don't make a lot of long distance calls.
Then he asked me how much I pay for long distance and I told him how much I pay for my long distance calls. Then he told me about a plan which he claimed would cost less than my current plan (of course, there is no way for me to compare the plans without actually checking the details). I told him that I was not interested at the moment. Then he told me that I can get a month of long distance calls free should I decide to switch. I told him once more that I have no intention of changing my long distance plan.
However, it seemed that he was determined to sell me the plan. He sweetened the deal (I guess) by telling me that I can get the first two months free (I don't know if he can do that). I told him that I may be moving soon (since I am going to complete my degree this month). Then he explained that I would not have to pay anything for long distance calls before I move. I knew that his point is valid and logical and told him so. I also repeated that I didn't wish to make any changes. This is when the real fireworks began.
He asked in an angry tone why would I turn down a plan that gives two months of free long distance call and (allegedly) lower rates. I went silent for a little while, probably because I couldn't stand his relentless pitch or I needed some time to formulate an answer. When I spoke again, I told him that I am happy with my current plan. After that, he said in a strong voice "so you are willing to pay more for your long distance calls?"
I raised my voice and responded by saying "if that is the way you put it, then yes".
It seemed that he finally realized that I wouldn't change my mind. He told me to have a good day and I said the same phrase to him, even though I doubt either of us really meant what we said.
There were times during the conversation when I wanted to yell "the plan you've mentioned sounds like a good plan, but why didn't you offer it to me when I used your long distance service." at him. I chose not to yell that out until after I hang up. Maybe he would have relented had I told him that during the call. I might have given the plan more thought if he wasn't so relentless in selling me the plan.