Akara

I had a similar problem in the UK several years ago and yes, you don't get the free gift (usually something cheap and nasty anyway!) because you don't place an order.  I think you have to let it slide off like water off a duck's back and not take it personally!

What I used to do was keep a notebook handy and note down who called in or phoned and on what date.  One particular company called in and phoned 4 times in one week so I phoned to ask to speak to their sales manager.  I explained who I was and said that their company was banned from doing business with ours (this was my sayso, I didn't check with my boss cos I didn't have to!) and could they please therefore not send anyone to us.  It worked for a little while but then they started calling again - and I had it all noted in my book anyway! - one day a guy tried the 'I'm new, I'm nice' approach but he got short shrift and went away.  I think they eventually got the message but it drove me nuts at the time.

To be honest, if I hadn't started writing it down, it wouldn't have been quite so obvious - the 4 contacts in one week was a bit much and even without writing down I think I would have noticed that one!, but there were others who used to try about twice a month and it would be 'We've not been in touch for a while...' - 'well actually, you called me last week' which always got a surprised reaction.  They had to back down when I named times and dates tho!

It'd be interesting to read how other Hub users deal with these kinds of calls.  Admittedly sometimes they come at the time when you DO actually need what they're offering on special, and it would be stupid to turn them away unless you had a very good reason - like unreliable service etc.

Jackie
www.iqps.org
DeskDemon Forum Board Staff