GR Symphony salespeople
Sarah and I have only been to the Grand Rapids Symphony three times, but once was all that it took for us to wind up on their darn calling list. I got another call tonight. Here’s how it went:
Salesperson: “Hi, is Robert Patin there?”
Me: “This is he.”
Salesperson: “Hi, Robert. This is so-and-so with the Grand Rapids Symphony. We’re selling tickets to such-and-such concert. This would be a great blah-blah-blah. If you can’t go, you can always do this-and-this.”
(Two minutes later)
Salesperson: “So does this sound like a good deal, and can we order those tickets for you?”
Me: “No thank you. We’re not interested at this time.”
Salesperson: “Bye.”
Click.
Okay, wait. I just listened to your spiel for three minutes or so and after POLITELY declining, I just get a “Bye”? No “thank you for your support of the Grand Rapids Symphony”? No “we hope we will see you at a future concert”? Needless to say, I’m left with a bad taste in my mouth for our local symphony.
Now, it wouldn’t be so bad if the callers just wanted to inform us of upcoming events, but I can’t stand phone calls that immediately launch into a sales pitch without even giving me the chance to decline. And since it’s the GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY, I don’t want to be a jerk and just hang up.
But next time? I just may.
Just remember, it might not be the symphony’s fault on this one. Could be the guy on the phone with you. I say you take advantage of it, complain and you could get free tickets to an upcoming event…or blogging about it is cool too. It’s really up to you.
I still LOVE the Seinfeld bit when he anwsered the phone, and told the person he was busy, and asked for their home number and he would call them back later. They said they couldn’t do that. and he said, “yeah, you probably don’t want people calling you at home and bothering you”. Funny stuff, never forget that one. someday I will try that if I’m in the right mood.
We went to the Symphony this year too, and somehow they called me at work!?! I must have listed a “daytime” phone somewhere. I don’t need the GR Sympony telemarketing me – I was P.O’ed. If they want to send me a letter or brochure for fall season, fine, but I won’t be attending shows if they keep bothering me.
I know EXACTLY what you mean. You’d think that the snooty, ritzy symphony wouldn’t have to resort to TELEMARKETING of all things.