Great 'Best Cold Caller Rebukes' Hunt

p1kef1sh

House improvements I have to ask my landlord - that works with door to door sales people too. I also pretend that I am a taxi company and ask where they want to go to and be picked up from. If all else fails I ask them to wait, place the receiver down and go off and watch TV etc. They are usually gone by the time that I get back a minute or so later. Nasty I know, but then so is cold calling after 6pm. I have also learned not to wait if there is a pause before connection - it means that your number is one of several all dialled at the same time and the first person to pick up "wins" the sales call. Hang up straightaway.

rachandpaul14

my sister passes the phone to her 1 year old...they soon hang up then!!!:rotfl:

digitig

I've sometimes said "I subscribe to the telephone preference service. Are you calling me because you're incompetent and don't know the regulations that apply to your industry, or because you are crooks who don't care?"

They've always hung up, so I've never found out.

digitig

Skintslimmer wrote: »

The person on the other end of the line probably doesn't want to be calling you either, but has to to find some money, so perhaps you could be polite if only for their sakes?

And the mugger mugging a granny probably doesn't want to be mugging a granny either, but has to find some money.

Sorry, but "I know it's wrong but I needed the money" is not a moral justification unless it's really a life-and-death situation, and even then there's a moral debate to be had..

marcat

What fantastic replies. Almost fell off my perch reading some of them. Need to read some again and regurgitate when the needs arise. Thanks again everyone!!!!

hypnofiona

I once got a bit muddled when trying to get rid of a cold caller. Instead of saying I was registered with the TPS I said CPS! It worked though like a dream. They never phoned back.

clt76

If it's a survey - telling them that you work in marketing pretty much always works!
It's why online/paper based surveys always ask if you work in these industries. They often just put the phone straight down without even bothering to say sorry for wasting your time!

billyjock

I tell the caller that I am a bit busy at the moment-ask them what time they are working til and then ask for their home numberand offer to call them back when they get in!:rotfl:

edwin_smooth

I know a guy who keeps a whistle by the phone for such occasions. little cruel methinks but funny none the less

sarahlou8383

I tend to say thanks for calling, I'm really interested but am a bit busy right now. Could they please give me their home phone number and I'll call them later when they're at home to discuss. See how they like it!

Usually works