It's 8:30 at night here, my cell phone just rang showing a number from a city approximately 450 miles north of my home (so it's still in the same time zone that I'm in). Although it's extremely rare for me to receive a work-related call when I'm at home in the evenings, it's not entirely out of the question that someone in one of our distant offices was the caller. Also, many of our employees have transferred from other cities/states, and have not changed their cell phone numbers, another possibility that it was work-related. Either way, instead of ignoring the unknown number, I answered it. Here's what transpired:
Me: Hello?
He: Hello, I'm calling from [garbled] Company, how are you?
Me: I'm sorry, but I didn't hear what you said the name of your company is.
He: Well, the reason for my call is that we'd like to offer you a . . .
Me: Excuse me, but what did you say is the name of your company is?
He: We have a special promotion going on right now . . .
Me: Can you hear me at all?
He: . . . that I'd like to tell you about . . .
Me: Are you even listening to a word I've said?
He: . . . and I'm sure you'll like what we've put together here.
Me: (Perturbed) Would you mind telling me what is the name of your company, please?
He: This offer is only good for a short while, so . . .
That's where I gave up and ended the call.
Do you think many consumers or potential customers fall for these tactics and eventually reward salespeople like this one by closing a deal?
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