Article by Ceri Wheeldon
Am I the only one to be driven to distraction by the constant flow of unsolicited calls received on both my mobile and landline?
Are we living in a age where privacy is no longer valued?
Despite having registered my landline with the Telephone Preference service I still receive calls originating from outside of the UK, and I have no idea how to stop the sales calls coming through on my mobile. In fact , having been a loyal customer to my phone network for 20 years, I am now looking to change provider. It would appear that once out of your official contract period they encourage 3rd parties to call you to tie you into a 2 year SIM only contract. It is not just the frequency of the call that annoys me, but also the fact that
- They launch into a high pressure sales pitch without making it clear that they are in fact calling from a 3rd party and not the network operator itself
- They do not even check to as if it is a convenient time to talk (it never is)
- They talk to you as though you are an idiot and don’t have the ability to work out the numbers for yourself
- Refer to you by your christian name as often as possible during the pitch in an incredibly condescending way
- Do not listen when you say their offer is not right for you
- Always come up with an even ‘better’ offer approved just for you by their manager- which invariably does not address any of the specific objections you have raised.
Do companies really think that these aggressive sales tactics will work, or will they have the opposite effect and alienate their core customers who are happy to pop into their local high street branch to look at new phones when it is time for an upgrade, or compare plans online, but object to being harrassed by over eager telephone sales people?
It is not only these calls I receive on my mobile, but all the calls regarding miss-sold payment protection, disposal of kitchen cupboards, my chance to win…..etc, etc.
It seems that privacy is no longer respected and that in buying one service (such as a telephone contract) somewhere in the small print we have given our permission for our details to be given to 3rd parties.
I shall be looking closely at the small print of next mobile phone contract to see if it is possible to opt out. I hope so!
Ceri Wheeldon
Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.
Follow Me:
Karen
I quite agree, Ceri – the so-called safeguards and privacy systems don’t work. I get round it by never answering my mobile or landline unless they’re showing a number I recognise. Anyone else can leave a message or send a text – and the nuisance callers don’t so I haven’t had to deal with one for a few years.