Another episode in my continuing crusade
against dishonest sales approaches
“Hello, Mr. Cuno. I’m calling to update your free directory listing.”
Golly. These days it sure seems like a lot of “publishers” want to “verify information” for a “free listing” in a directory I never heard of much less asked to be in. But this caller is refreshingly personable, so I decide to play nice.
She confirms my company name, address, and phone number. That last one always amuses me. You would think the number was verified the moment I picked up and said, “RESPONSE Agency, Steve Cuno.”
Moving on, she asks who our web provider is. I say, “Not telling.” Our phone provider? “Not telling.” Cable or satellite provider? “Not telling.” She says she asks because Comcast is offering great deals on web, phone and TV.
“OK,” I say, “truth time. Is there a directory, or is that a subterfuge for generating warm leads for Comcast?”
She replies, resignation in her voice, “The latter.” I am impressed. For one thing, once she was cornered she didn’t try to weasel. For another, she knew “latter” from “former” without pausing to work it out.
I say, “I consider this to be flagrantly dishonest. Kindly tell your management I said so.” She says she will. I’d be surprised, but of course I’ll never know.
“Hang on,” I say. “Please remove me from your list.” She says she can’t do that, but can give me a number to reach someone who can. I believe federal law requires that she be able to handle my request herself, but I’m not positive, so I let it go. Instead I say, “One last thing. I recommend you leave this company and find an ethical employer because you sound like a very nice person.”
She thanks me, most likely grateful to be able to hang up.
If anyone from Comcast is reading, I suggest you audit the methods of third parties you retain to make prospecting calls. You don’t need people repping you using deception.
—Steve Cuno
against dishonest sales approaches
“Hello, Mr. Cuno. I’m calling to update your free directory listing.”
Golly. These days it sure seems like a lot of “publishers” want to “verify information” for a “free listing” in a directory I never heard of much less asked to be in. But this caller is refreshingly personable, so I decide to play nice.
She confirms my company name, address, and phone number. That last one always amuses me. You would think the number was verified the moment I picked up and said, “RESPONSE Agency, Steve Cuno.”
Moving on, she asks who our web provider is. I say, “Not telling.” Our phone provider? “Not telling.” Cable or satellite provider? “Not telling.” She says she asks because Comcast is offering great deals on web, phone and TV.
“OK,” I say, “truth time. Is there a directory, or is that a subterfuge for generating warm leads for Comcast?”
She replies, resignation in her voice, “The latter.” I am impressed. For one thing, once she was cornered she didn’t try to weasel. For another, she knew “latter” from “former” without pausing to work it out.
I say, “I consider this to be flagrantly dishonest. Kindly tell your management I said so.” She says she will. I’d be surprised, but of course I’ll never know.
“Hang on,” I say. “Please remove me from your list.” She says she can’t do that, but can give me a number to reach someone who can. I believe federal law requires that she be able to handle my request herself, but I’m not positive, so I let it go. Instead I say, “One last thing. I recommend you leave this company and find an ethical employer because you sound like a very nice person.”
She thanks me, most likely grateful to be able to hang up.
If anyone from Comcast is reading, I suggest you audit the methods of third parties you retain to make prospecting calls. You don’t need people repping you using deception.
—Steve Cuno
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