A mate of mine, who runs his own small-time decorating business, has recently been inundated with phone calls to his mobile, mostly from the same number which he didn't recognise. As he assumed it was someone trying to sell him something he has been regularly ignoring the calls.
Until today.
Today, he was in a particularly bad mood and when said number rang his mobile for the umpteenth time, he decided to answer it. The one-sided conversation went something like this;
Caller: Good afternoon. My name is John Smith and I represent Barclays Limited. I am calling today to introduce you...
My mate: Listen pal...
Caller: ...to a special offer we have with regards to Accidental Injury Cover. As I'm sure you are aware...
My mate: I said, LISTEN PAL...
Caller: accidents occur every day which is why our newest policy is tailored....
Beeeeeeeeeep.
My mate gave up and cut him off.
He then immediately located the number in his phone and rang the guy back!
This time the conversation went something like this;
My mate: Good afternoon. My name is Steve Jones and I represent Steve The Decorator Limited. I am calling today to ask if you would like your lounge painted?
Same guy: Who is this?
My mate: Pay attention, I just told you. Would you like your lounge painted?
Same guy: No.
My mate: No, you don't want your lounge painted. Right. And if you did want your lounge painted you would probably look in the yellow pages then call a reputable decorator, right?
Same guy: Er, yes, probably. Who is this?
My mate: Right. And if I want Accidental Injury Cover I will look in the yellow pages and call a reputable insurance company. So, stop f**king ringing me or I will report you as a nuisance caller.
Beeeeeeeep.
It probably cost him a bit to ring that number back but it made him feel a whole lot better.
And it brightened my day, too.
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