A Well-Placed F-Bomb Will Deter Even The Most Persistent Salesmen

I’ve had to do professional cold calling before; you ring up a business that might have had an interest or left their details, and you try to sell them the new version of your product. It was awful. I hated it. I got abuse every day even from people who previously asked to be called back.

So, I am a little bit more patient when I get calls myself, but I get one that just can’t take the hint.

Salesman: “Can I speak to whoever orders your copier paper, please?”

I know this is a leadup to a sales pitch.

Me: “I’m sorry, we don’t order paper. We print only a few pages a month.”

Salesman: “Yeah, right!”

He slams down the phone.

As I normally do, I make a note of his number in case he calls back. The same time the next day, I see his number pop up.

Salesman: “I have an appointment with the stationery manager.”

Me: “We don’t have a stationery manager, I am afraid.”

The salesman slams down the phone.

Two days later, the same number calls again.

Salesman: “Can I speak to the managing director, please?”

Me: “Of course. Who is calling, please, and what is this in relation to?”

Salesman: “He is expecting my call.”

I doubt this, but I put the salesman on hold and pop my head round the door of the manager, a quiet, very polite man, whom I have never seen angry. I explain and he tells me to put the call through. 

As I transfer the call, he motions me to rush back into his office.

Salesman: *On speakerphone* “I have been trying to reach you about your printing costs. Switching to us can save you thousands and cut waiting times in—”

Manager: “[My Name] has told you already we are not interested and don’t have a need for your company. Now, I am only going to tell you this once: f*** off!”

The salesman didn’t ring back after that!

This story is part of our Best Of August 2020 roundup!

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