If you are like me and you cannot stand the rudeness of someone attempting to survey you over the phone, read on. I have found a - so far - foolproof way of seeing them off.
It is no use saying "I'm busy now" as the immediate response is "When would be a convenient time?"
I liked the Jerry Seinfeld technique: "How about you give me YOUR home number and let me know when you will be having dinner, and I'll call you then to discuss it, OK?"
What works every time because it gives them absolutely nowhere to go is a firm "I'm sorry, we don't do surveys". The "we" is essential, not "I". Shut all the doors so absolutely none of their scripted rebuttals work. It is polite, simple and rock solid.
And if for some reason they persist, hang up. You have no obligation to be polite to someone who is being paid to abuse the purpose of the telephone for their own financial gain.












But wait theres more
I would get many calls trying to sell me cellphone services etc. At first I got angry and then I realized what a wonderful opportunity to have fun.
I would respond by telling the folks that I get free phone service through my boss, who in turn gets if free from %Insert_local_telco%. Its was funny listening to all the reasons why 20 % off was better than free. Or some family plan was better. I na twisted way I miss them.. I guess the FCC manaes to get one thing right : The do not call directory.
Mind you head hunters who need remedial English reading skills still get through now and then. 3 or 4 repetitions of the job description must help their TOEFL reading skills a tad
Oz