The Caller Creeped Her Out: It Was Super Effective
(I work for a company that makes electronic toys under license and sells only to retailers. Our biggest products are very famous and attract a wide range of people from children to adults, but also a surprising number of people with… problems of one sort or another, who seem adept at finding our telephone number. It’s getting near Christmas and we’ve just hired a temporary member of staff to help with the rush. The phone rings and she answers.)
Temp: “Uh huh. Yeah, I see. Can I pass you on to—“
(She looks appalled. I stand up from my desk.)
Temp: “Um, I don’t think… No, we don’t…”
(I go to take the phone from her.)
Temp: “NO! CERTAINLY NOT! Wait… did you just… Oh, my god, he did. UGH!”
(She slams the phone down.)
Me: “I’m sorry, we should’ve warned you. We get these types of call now and again.”
Temp: “But he was doing it while talking about [Toy Product]! That’s DISGUSTING!”
Me: “Yeah, kinda. It happens. He’s done it on me, too. Are you okay? Do you want a break? Or do you need to go home?”
Temp: “I… I think I’ll just go wash my hands, if that’s okay?”
Me: “Off you pop.”
(She never came back. Somehow I don’t blame her.)