What would you do if a telemarketer called you after hours?

United States
October 27, 2010 3:58pm CST
I have always condoned wonderful costumer service. I think it's great when people do their job efficiently, and pay attention to the consumers needs. However, last night at exactly 9:04 at night, someone from Planned Parenthood called my house about a campaign they were having. My mother was asleep, since she has to get up for work at 5 AM, so she was extremely mad that they woke her up. I sternly but kindly said to the woman on the other line, "Excuse me, but it's 9:04, it is illegal to contact houses after 9 PM. Some people have to work in the morning." She responded with a very rude remark which was, "Well maame, I'm sorry if YOUR clock says that it's 9:04, but it's really 8:59." Keep in mind my phone, cable box, and computer are provided by different companies and they ALL said the same time...So I was right about the time. I took down her name and I plan on calling the business to complain about how rude she was. What would you do in a situation like this? Maybe it would not be a big deal to some, but my mother works 60 hours a week sometimes and does not need to be burdened with phone calls at that hour, especially from Planned Parenthood of all places!
2 people like this
10 responses
@tincabzh (173)
• Philippines
28 Oct 10
that was really rude of her.. instead of being apologetic about disturbing someone, she just said that your clock dont say right,,,, anyways, i worked as a telemarketer before and honestly I dont like what i am doing because sometimes, they are in the middle of their dinner with their families, but we are forced to talk to them just to sell something, or some are not at home and after 30 mins. another agent will get the number again! and i am so happy i am no longer a telemarketer! because honestly if i am at the customers' side i dont like someone calling me and disturbing me regardless that i am in the middle of doing something and they are still somewhat forcing you to listen its really annoying! I am annoyed of what i am doing before! that is why i quit the job after a week of doing that! I had enough! I dont like it! but its their job to do that, even if they dont like to say all that they are "forced" to!
2 people like this
• United States
28 Oct 10
What I do is let them know it is a bad time that your calling our home. If they get rude like that on the phone, I listen to the rant and then say politely, "Take my number off your calling list Please, your rudeness just lost another contribution." Then hang up before they respond. When I have done this I don't get calls from them again. The reason is if you tell them to take them off the calling list legally they have to. If they call again you now have legal grounds to do something.
2 people like this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
28 Oct 10
First off she was in the wrong to be rude to you. I only have a cellphone, but when i see unwanted calls come in on my phone (my phone displays the city the call is coming from) I just don't answer it, or if I do I just open my phone then close it, and it disconnects them.
2 people like this
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
28 Oct 10
For a telemarketer's call, i would probably just let the phone ring. One of these kinds of call late at night would just be enough to annoy me.
1 person likes this
@aaronfyzeon (1920)
• Philippines
28 Oct 10
I am deeply sorry if this has happened to you. I was once a telemarketer before and I really abhor the response that she gave to you. In the first place you have been nice to her. She could've said some apology for calling you late at night and just set up a call back tomorrow whatever the best time she can call you. Now, I am in the customer service and we are the ones taking up rude callers. I am so sorry for what happened to you. You really need to report her to that company she is working with so that somehow the perception of the customers or households will change about the telemarketers.
1 person likes this
• China
28 Oct 10
I don't think you did anything inappropriate .There is no need for you to feel guilty .Most people will do the same as you .
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72183)
• United States
27 Oct 10
I never knew that it was illegal for telemarketers to call your home after 9pm. Thats good to know. Even that I think is to late. It should be only allowed until about 7pm. I have my phone number on the do not call list so I very rarely get a telemarketer call. If I do its for a place local or is just a scam. Then I am rude and I hang up on them.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
28 Oct 10
I knew someone who worked for an outbound calls account in a call center. Although, she feels guilty about their job. Sometimes when she calls at a home she hears babies crying and that made her feel guilty immediately. Their job isn't really the nicest but they can't do anything about it since we all need money. You can just say you are not interested and then hang up.
1 person likes this
@SilverKing (1003)
• Canada
28 Oct 10
I would let them know that they are calling outside the legally allowed times they are allowed and let them know that I did not want them calling anymore.I really do not like telemarketers and think that it is really annoying getting calls form them when the products or services that they are selling are either scams or are more expensive then if you bought them in a store.I have nothing against the actual people working if they are polite , its just I hate companies that try to rip of people by not offering a fair deal for the customer.
@SilverKing (1003)
• Canada
28 Oct 10
I would let them know that they are calling outside the legally allowed times they are allowed and let them know that I did not want them calling anymore.I really do not like telemarketers and think that it is really annoying getting calls form them when the products or services that they are selling are either scams or are more expensive then if you bought them in a store.I have nothing against the actual people working if they are polite , its just I hate companies that try to rip of people by not offering a fair deal for the customer.