Speaking to a Tele-Canvasser

Many of us at one time or another have received a call from an individual representing a company that wants to sell us their product or interest us in their services. For the most part we do not tend to enjoy taking sales calls but we should remember that the person on the other end of the line has a job to do as well.

What is a Tele-Canvasser?

Basically a Tele-Canvasser is what used to be known as a Tele-Sales representative; their job is to contact existing and potential customers with a view to making a sale, getting an appointment or gathering potential useful information that can be used in future sales and marketing campaigns.

Cold Calls

Cold calls are how most tele-canvassers get the attention of prospective customers. The purpose of a cold call initially is to introduce the company they represent, tell you a little about them and inform you of products and services they have to offer. Indeed you may find that you already have such a product or service and this is because such information is readily available for sale from marketing companies.

Cold calls can be made at most times of the day or early evening and the idea is to catch residential customers at home while they have time to talk and discuss what they have and what they would like. Indeed even if the call does not result in a sale it can result in valuable information about utilities or products you currently own and when you might be likely to change them.

I Keep Receiving Cold Calls, Why?

If you have not registered for the Telephone Preference Service and are listed in telephone directories then you are liable at some point in time to receive a cold call. Indeed if you have filled out application or order forms and have no ticked the box which asks if you would not like your information shared with third parties then you are also likely to receive cold calls. Asking if a company can share your details with a third party is another way of asking can other people contact you.

How To Fend Off Tele-Canvassers?

Most people would opt for the simple ‘I’m not interested goodbye’ however this only serves to have such companies reschedule your call for three months, six months or twelve months time. It is best when presented with such a call to ask initially where they obtained your information from. Then, if they have told you, you can express your disinterest and ask that your details be removed from their databases. Again it is worth noting that if you are registered with the Telephone Preference Service and are receiving such calls after you have asked not to, you can inform the TPS who can take action.

Going Ex-Directory

Many people opt for this when they start telephone service and it is a good way to ensure that only those people you want to contact you do so. If you have had your name and number printed in a telephone directory then you can opt for it to be removed at the next printing. Or alternatively you can ask to have your telephone number changed – this is free but you should be aware that it is your responsibility to tell all friends, family and companies you deal with about this change of number. Also if you do change your number you will have to register again with the Telephone Preference Service using your new telephone number.