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I've been on both sides. I used to sell long distance phone service for MCI-Worldcom back in the late 90's when I was in college. It was a small town and the only job to be found. Plus the pay was decent, hours were great, and the perks were unlimited. Still a handful of people quit everyday from the abuse people gave us for bothering them. Regularly I would hear "F%&* this I QUIT" and that person would throw their headset and walk out.

I personally hate being bothered by solicitors too. Door to Door is worse IMO. Phone, you can hang up. At your door, it's a little more personal.


Plus a few tips since I've worked in the business:

If someone calls you to sell something they have to:

1. Say their first name, LAST name, and what company they work for within 15 seconds of you answering.

2. They cannot lie, mislead, or tell you that you've won some prize just to get you to listen to a sales pitch

3. They cannot change your long distance or phone carrier without your explicit permission.

If any of these are violated they carry fines from the federal government ranging from $20,000 up to $100,000 per occurance. File an official complaint, companies usually record 50-100% of these calls and log caller/number/timestamp for 100%. They know who called you and when. Write down the info and file a complaint. The person will probably be fired, and if you follow through the company can pay huge.

Also, to prevent the calls sign up with the national Do-Not-Call registry. If you still get non-sales calls and don't want to be called, ask each one to put you on THEIR do-not call list. By law they have to send you written verification of such if you ask. They are then not allowed to call you for 10 years, even if the phone number is transferred to a new owner.


For fun listening where someone gets even with telemarketers, Google a guy named Tom Mabe.