[wacor]

I am REALLY getting fed up with telemarketers calling my business. This problem has exploded in the last year. At lunch time when I am usually the only one there I bet in the last week half the calls were from unsolicited telemarketers.

I have done the "Do Not Call List" for the phones at work but I believe businesses are exempt.

I imagine there is some blocking software the phone companies have but I assume you would have to tell the device what numbers to block which would be a hassle.

Another option might be to buy a new phone system with voice mail. Not an expense I am really looking forward to. If I go that route I would want to be able to answer the phone and then just transfer the morons calling to la la land. It won't prevent them calling but would sure make it easier than having to answer and argue or hang up.

So do any of you out there have some clever ideas. I am sure I am not alone with this complaint. The do not call list helped at home but at work it sure is a problem

[bassetman]

Originally Posted by wacor

I am REALLY getting fed up with telemarketers calling my business. This problem has exploded in the last year. At lunch time when I am usually the only one there I bet in the last week half the calls were from unsolicited telemarketers.

I have done the "Do Not Call List" for the phones at work but I believe businesses are exempt.

I imagine there is some blocking software the phone companies have but I assume you would have to tell the device what numbers to block which would be a hassle.

Another option might be to buy a new phone system with voice mail. Not an expense I am really looking forward to. If I go that route I would want to be able to answer the phone and then just transfer the morons calling to la la land. It won't prevent them calling but would sure make it easier than having to answer and argue or hang up.

So do any of you out there have some clever ideas. I am sure I am not alone with this complaint. The do not call list helped at home but at work it sure is a problem

In WI, businesses are not covered by the "do not call" rule!

[Bastiat]

Why not just and try to sell them what you are selling............OR.........If you have caller ID call'm back after you hang up and try to sell them the same thing they were trying to sell you.

[bassetman]

Originally Posted by Bastiat

Why not just and try to sell them what you are selling............OR.........If you have caller ID call'm back after you hang up and try to sell them the same thing they were trying to sell you.

Here telemarketers CANNOT block caller ID legally!

[wacor]

Originally Posted by bassetman

In WI, businesses are not covered by the "do not call" rule!

I thought it was federal

[johnnyburst79]

I have bill collectors for employee's calling me. For some reason, they put the main department line down instead of their home. I had to write the attorney general of Texas and cc the company's board of directors to get the calls to stop. As the people who they were seeking did not have an office, they don't have a phone number and think mine will do.

I even had one of the women tell me it is completely legal for her to continue to call me for collecting a bill. I quickly cited the law to her (I have it saved now). Problem is, she sounded like she was from India and didn't know consumer law here.

Best bet for you, find your state's law and keep a copy handy plus get the company name and email addresses of the calling company's board of directors and/or President as well as the attorney general of your state. Inform the caller that this is a place of business and no personal discussions are permitted. Always have the laws on the books handy for your reference.

[wacor]

Johnny these are not personal calls. They are companies wanting to sell my company goods or services. Phone services, insurance, materials, you name it. I just don't even want to have to deal with them period. The worst ones are indignant and will argue about why they must talk to you. simply amazing. same ilk as bill collectors. and by the way here i believe bill collectors can call employers. they just can not discuss why they are calling.

[johnnyburst79]

Your belief and the law may be two different things. Find out. Talk to the reps at your attorney general's office and they may be able to shed some light on the matter. I don't know where you live/work so I can't shed any more light on the issue.

In Texas, once a company has been notified that the phone number is a place of business and not a residence, it is illegal for them to call again.

[bassetman]

Originally Posted by wacor

I thought it was federal

Sorry I forget everyone doesn't know, WI had a much tougher law before the Fed one came along.

[WendyM]

Make sure you tell each and every one of them to remove you from ALL call lists they have available to them. I don't know whether they're legally required to do it (they are for personal numbers) but it might do some good.

[Knotbored]

Tell them "just a minute while I get a pencil" then lay the phone down and finish your lunch.

[4EverRight]

Originally Posted by wacor

I am REALLY getting fed up with telemarketers calling my business. This problem has exploded in the last year. At lunch time when I am usually the only one there I bet in the last week half the calls were from unsolicited telemarketers.

I have done the "Do Not Call List" for the phones at work but I believe businesses are exempt.

I imagine there is some blocking software the phone companies have but I assume you would have to tell the device what numbers to block which would be a hassle.

Another option might be to buy a new phone system with voice mail. Not an expense I am really looking forward to. If I go that route I would want to be able to answer the phone and then just transfer the morons calling to la la land. It won't prevent them calling but would sure make it easier than having to answer and argue or hang up.

So do any of you out there have some clever ideas. I am sure I am not alone with this complaint. The do not call list helped at home but at work it sure is a problem

I am glad that government has not intruded on businesses by allowing them to be added to the no call lists.

We all have the option of course of not answering the telephone. Telephone usage is not a constitutionally protected right.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by 4EverRight

I am glad that government has not intruded on businesses by allowing them to be added to the no call lists.

We all have the option of course of not answering the telephone. Telephone usage is not a constitutionally protected right.

Could I have your phone number Chris so I can try to sell you some goods.

[BlackSpike]

Originally Posted by 4EverRight

I am glad that government has not intruded on businesses by allowing them to be added to the no call lists.

We all have the option of course of not answering the telephone. Telephone usage is not a constitutionally protected right.

How would it be an intrusion on my business to allow me to add my number to a Do Not Call list?
If I request something, it is not an intrusion on me.
Not answering the telephone soon sends a company down the drain. Also, while the Sales line is tied up with unsolicited, unwanted calls, legitimate customers are getting an engaged tone and then going to my competitors.
If these marketing companies would ring the "This line is for marketing inquiries" number, that's fine (And I have the choice of not answering that line, too)

[Wino]

Lordy, all this whining for what??

Phone rings. Answered. Hi, this is Azumi Light Bulb Company.......hang up. Took all of 5-8 seconds depending on how fast or slow the caller talks.

What would really be good is post / thread blocking here to prevent whining winger crybabies from posting about their mistreatment from those meany old telemarketers or tax collectors.

You can mark this thread solved. No need to thank me.