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<< 2. tell them you are a business (don't have to answer the phone and say "Pizza Hut") but when they ask for someone just say... oh... this is XXXXXXX contracters (make up your own business)... they'll put your phone # on a list of businesses and they won't call back >>
Being on a list of businesses is almost worse. You'll get calls from all kinds of people wanting to sell you advertising.
Sometime actually try this, but stay on the line. They don't wait forever, in fact, I'd guess they're supposed to wait 2-3 minutes MAX w.o someone on the line before they hang up. Back when I was younger, I remember getting a call from a telemarketer when my dad was out mowing the yard. I set the phone down, ran out and got him, and by the time he got back, they had hung up. Probably wasn't gone 5 minutes total.
Of course, that's 2-3 minutes they can't bother anyone else. >>
i used to be a telemarketer 😛 but the place i worked for dealt with non-profit organizations (i.e. Ohio Patrolman's Benevolent Association... fireman ... etc).. but they didn't do anything with businesses... once called they were taken off all of the lists for calling... you'll only get calls about advertising if your number is listed as a business #
and yes... most calls are long distance so they don't want to just waste money on people who probably won't donate money or buy whatever.... so just putting the phone down and walking away will work, but you will stay on their list....