While waiting a while to start watching the DVR’d Grey’s (that way I can FFwd through the commercials) I get an incoming call. The number isn’t familiar but it’s not too late so I answer. On the other end was a neighbor.
Now, before I go on I must confess that I don’t know much about this particular neighbor. Not that I haven’t wanted to, of course, but there hasn’t been an opportunity. I’ve been to his nicely decorated house when his wife had a boutique sale (purchased an orange faux leather bag and some hand and home sanitizer) and we wave as we pass each other driving down the street. Other than that, we don’t hang out or anything exciting. He always has a smile on so I’m not dreading the call.
He starts off with pleasantries and asks if he’s caught me at a good time. Well, I’ve got about 3 minutes until I start watching my show but I don’t think he’ll be that long. He says he’s met someone that made him think of me. Well, I do that kinda thing all the time. THEN it comes…
something very interesting I’ve just learned.
Oh for crying out LOUD! You know those “No Soliciting” signs some people post on/near their front door? I wish there were a way to post those on the phone. Yes, there’s the we-don’t-accept-solicitations-over-the-phone-so-hang-up-now-unless-you’re-actually-a-friend-then-press-one recording. But these are people who know us so they’d press 1 because they don’t see themselves as solicitors.
I told him we’re not interested in, um, ah, well… MLM’s. He said it’s not a “product” and something to do with health. He tried to schedule 15 minutes with us Saturday night. Um, why would I blow a Saturday night for that? That doesn’t work for us, sorry. Well, how about Monday night? Um, that night is reserved for spending with family. He insisted it would only take 15 minutes and if we’re not interested then no big deal. “I don’t know my husband’s schedule so you’ll have to call him if you really want to set up a time,” wondering how Ben would reply to his request.
This guy is a nice guy, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just not my piece of cake. I don’t wanna be a meanie because he’s a nice guy, but argh!
Q: Know what I mean?
{ 11 comments }
Noooooooooo! I hate stuff like that. “I want to tell you about a business opportunity. . .” Makes me want to run screaming.
But he thought of you and your husband when he could have thought about anyone else.Have fun with that one.
I dooooo know what you mean, arrrgggh! How many times can you say “no thanks, we’re not interested” until YOU start looking like “the lame/rude neighbor”. I find it interesting this is the ONLY time he’s called… how uncomfortable.
I have been approached and even participated enough times to have MLMaphobia. I feel for you. Sometimes you just want to play along and seem so excited just to pop their bubble when they think you are all ready to sign up. The only problem with that is then you start to get harassed by the up-line.
why do they NEVER tell you exactly what they are trying to sell to you! i mean, if i find an amazing deal, i don’t call my friend and say ‘hey there is this thing that i really want to show you but i can’t show you until i come over to your house. nor can i tell you about it.’ it just makes you sound like a freak and the friend gets weirded out! i would call and say ‘diapers are 1/2 off at target! let’s go get some!’ no weird marketing sales pitch needed. thank you very much. i have HUGE issues with this kind of stuff. i think that’s why i have such an issue with imagining being a proselyting missionary. i don’t anyone to think i’m trying to sell them amway.
That makes me angry. I hate being used. Fair is fair, your time is worth something. Tell him you’d be happy to listen to him, if he’ll mow your lawn at the same time.
what is an MLM?
MLM = multi-level marketing a.k.a. pyramid scheme (Amway is the most recognized MLM if that gives you an idea).
yes, I know what you mean. We’ve gotten better at cutting them off at the pass, but we have a few that we let in still call and harass us….it’s a deal breaker for me. If they push it, it will end any credibility they had with me.
UUUGGHH!! I don’t know why it surprises me everytime I hear something like this.. I’m proud of you for the way you handled it! However I do like Azúcar’s suggestion!
Just try to sell something to my husband from our front door. My calm, quiet husband becomes … well, something else. After directing thier eyes to the “no soliciting” sign (ok, maybe rubbing thier nose in the sign) he says in his best Gaston voice “Get. Off. My. Porch. Now!” As I sit back and watch all the neighbor kids with their wide open eyes staring. “Brother B is at it again. We are SO toilet papering his house when we get older.”
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