November 30, 2005

Political Tele-Marketing Etiquette

RING-RING
Caller-ID: Minnesota 320-111-1111

Me (against better judgment – picks up receiver): Hello
Caller: Hello Mr. Price…. (begin sales pitch)…(end sales pitch).
Me: No thanks
CLICK

In recent months I have received several telephone calls from the two respective Maryland political parties. Much to my surprise even the democrats have been after my hard earned money, why they believe I will give it to them – I have no idea. But at least they have hired some mannerly telemarketers.

There is much to disagree with the Maryland Democratic Party on; however, this is an occasion to highlight something positive. The caller’s requisite Ehrlich bashing came followed by a polite request, “can we count on you for a donation of $100”. After informing her that I was a registered Republican, voted for Bush twice, Ehrlich once already and planning to again in 2006; she thanked me for my time and was about to say good-bye. I asked her to please remove my name from their list and she said no problem.

I had a very different experience with the Maryland Republican Party’s request for a donation. I’m not really sure why anyone would give out credit card information over the phone to some unknown caller these days. After explaining that I was not going to do that to RNC caller; they continued to ask for a pledge at least (or a promise to pay in the future). This I was willing to do, which was followed by a request for my credit card number – apparently they weren’t paying attention to what I had already said. On a previous attempt to acquire a donation they had spoken to my wife who informed them that I make the financial decision. This didn’t go over very well them either and rudeness ensued.

Perhaps I should call the DNC back and make a donation – asking them to forward the money onto the RNC for me? Nah, it’s probably just easier to make an online donation and avoid the telephone altogether!

Posted by price at 11:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack