Under the draft it will be ok for consumers to receive telemarketing calls up to 8:00pm and research calls up to 8:30pm Monday to Friday. David McMahon, a leading voice messaging specialist, said, "I support the Do Not Call Register, but these draft changes miss the basic complaint of consumers, they do not like calls at dinner time! People do not like strangers knocking on their front door at night-time, it's the same with phone calls."
Compvice Marketing's internal studies have shown that "the time" of when people receive telemarketing calls is a major concern. Compvice Marketing only calls to residential consumers during sun-light hours, ie up to 6:30pm Monday to Friday.
The Do Not Call Register is due to come into effect from May 2007, so until then David McMahon has come up with a list of steps people can take to reduce annoying telemarketing, including overseas telemarketing calls.
- Buy an Answering Machine (Dick Smith's for between $40 and 70, or Telstra FREE 101 Service) - telemarketers are paid by the hour to talk to people, so by having an answering machine take the call most telemarketers will give up and call the next person on their list. This makes it easier for you to screen calls and eat dinner in peace.
- Never get angry with the telemarketing operator - they are only doing their job; they did not put your telephone number on the list. Simply say that you're not interested and hang up the phone. The more you keep talking the more the telemarketing person will try to sell you something.
- Just hang up - in most telephone exchanges in Australia, by hanging up your telephone for longer than 20 seconds will automatically disconnect the calling party, freeing up your phone line.
- Pre-recorded message - if you receive a pre-recorded message try pushing the number 9 on your telephone keypad. If the call has come from a reputable business, you should hear a recorded message saying your phone number has been removed.
- Overseas Calls - if you receive an overseas telemarketing call and you wish to be removed from their list, ask to speak to their manager. They will normally transfer you to an English speaking person back in Australia. This will make it easier for you. Remember it is important never to give out your credit card details to someone calling from overseas, you may not be protected by Australian law.
- Unwelcome calls - if the same telemarketing business calls you many times a week, or you receive any other unusual calls contact your local telephone company as they can help. For Telstra customers visit www.telstra.com.au/unwelcome-calls
David McMahon has 15 years computer & telecommunication experience and is a leading voice-messaging specialist in Australia providing voice services to Australian business. Voice Messaging (pre-recorded messages) allows a person to use a touch-tone telephone to interact with a computer to acquire information from, or enter data into, a database, such as media surveys without having to speak directly to an operator.
For an interview contact David McMahon Ph: 07 5527 9666 A/H 0414 727 880
Or via email or visit http://www.compvice.com.au
###
.jpg)
Comment Preview