I normally screen my calls on a weeknight because invariably they’re from some sort of telemarketer. I’m quite smug when the answering machine records a hangup because it’s most likely someone who was going to try and sell me something at a time when I’m trying to organise my son’s and my evening.
On the weekend, however, I pick up the phone which I did yesterday,
"Hallo."
Silence
"Hallo."
More silence. I started to think this was one of those overseas telemarketing phonecalls because there’s usually about a five second gap between me picking up the phone and the actual connection. Sure enough,
"Mrs Jaycee?"
"Who want’s to know?"
"It’s Harriet, from Such and Such Telecommunications."
"No thanks, I’m not interested. I’m hanging up now."
"But, but…"
I hung up. I think it’s reallly rude these people try and ring me at all, let alone on a Saturday when many people aren’t at work and are trying to spend time at home with their families and catching up on housework etc. I wasn’t rude to this woman, but firm and to the point. She didn’t try and ring me back yesterday. I have had persistence from these types of companies though, three calls in one night once.
I can’t wait until we bring in the register of banning ourselves from these types of phone calls.
Jen, boy do I understand what you mean. I really hate these calls. They usually get into their pitch and try not to let you get a word in. I used to listen to their whole spiel and then politely turn them down. Now I’m bothered enough to stop them in mid-sentence and politely turn them down. Sometimes they’re rude. I’ve signed up on some register to NOT get these calls. I think it’s helped, but, I still may get one from time to time. I know they’re trying to made a living, but I just wish they’d find another way.