If It Ain't Broken, Don't Fix It

Category: Some Thoughts | Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:37 pm

Now I am by no means a luddite, I love technology in all its shapes and forms. But I have a hard time comprehending why one should switch to something newer just because of the fact that it is indeed newer (not necessarily because it is more useful).

A phone conversation I had yesterday (shortened and edited for simplicity):

*phone rings*
Me: Hello
Phone Seller: Hello Sir, I'm calling from "insert company name here". I see you run your own business. I have an offer that you'll just love!
Me: Ok sure, what is it?
Phone Seller: As well as enjoying our low network rates for just this week when you sign up to our network you'll receive the newest Samsung XG120-blah-blah-#%&D! (ok I made that model name up)
Me: Hmmm not sure I'm interested
Phone Seller: It's the newest model
Me: Ok I'm still not s...
Phone Seller: But Sir you do know that this model hasn't even hit the marketplace yet?
Me: Well I wasn't aware of that but still...
Phone Seller: It has... (begins to list off a raft of features that I wouldn't personally use)
Me: That's cool but...
Phone Seller: May I ask how old your current model is?
Me: Sure, about 3-4 years old I think
Phone Seller: *clears throat* Ok (continues to repeat features)
Me: My phone works out fine for me though, I'm happy with it

Some more sales speak happened after that but I repeated that I was happy with my current model. And the truth is that I really am. Sure it's getting on a bit in years and the technology nut in me would like some new whiz-bang features. But then the pragmatist ultimately shines through and tells me that what I have works just fine for my needs. And I wholeheartedly agree.

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Calomaar wrote on Tue Nov 06, 2007 2:28 pm:

I had a sales call also, someone selling a cell phone. After I explained that the phone company he represented didn't have coverage in this area, and he confirmed that from his map, he continued his sales pitch saying even if the phone didn't work the camera still did, and boy what a camera it was. I'd surly love to have this phone.
Tom

toni wrote on Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:09 pm:

The latest sales call I answered was wanting me to subscripe to the New York Times.
I live in Texas, about as far away culturely speaking as you can get from the New York attitude.

I told the woman I don't read any of the local papers, why on earth would I want to read something from New York???
Not sure what the rest of her sales pitch was but she was still talking when I hung up the phone.

Droopy wrote on Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:37 pm:

Can't help but admire them, though. I wonder how many calls they make for one sale, and it seems to me that they never get depressed or give in. I like your attitude, Frank.

CritterPainter wrote on Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:07 pm:

People would be much happier (and richer) if they'd just appreciate what they already have! But, I do know folks who work in call centers, among them a single mom who couldn't find any other job and a fellow blind from birth, I try to think of them when I'm tempted to be rude. But lately, oh my hackles are up, I'm getting pitches from job-stealing computers!!!!

Palm Tree wrote on Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:08 pm:

It seems as if no one is spared the telesales person. We have that same "problem" Just today I got a call from the credit card company wanting to sell me insurance on my credit card. Surely they take the risk of providing their customers with credit cards - this is fter they do all their checks, and whatever else. Apparently this insurance would cover my debt on my credit card in the event of accidental death. - Imagine that - the sales person just steamrollered with his sales pitch even after I told him that in any one's testament, the executor will, and has the legal obligation to settle all debts, etc,

glendann wrote on Wed Nov 07, 2007 4:38 am:

When they call me with that kind of thing Palm Tree I ask since I'm dead broke no heirs to leave my debts to what happens to the bill.Usually they hang up :)
I at one time was a Telemarketer and Telemarket Supervisor I've heard all kinds of stories but we were with Amvets asking for reusable household items or anything that they know longer wanted .I have had
women offer their husbands.They were really funny people to talk to.

Palm Tree wrote on Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:36 am:

Great advice Glendann

I will definitely use the line when I encounter the next telesales wantign to sell me insurance.

Why didn't I think of that?

Capt Kirk wrote on Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:34 am:

I worked for the US's largest carpet cleaning co. in customer service. We did phone calls to previous customer telling them about special prices in their area. I did the hiring and training of the agents. So there aren't many pitches that can keep me on the phone. I am on the National Do Not Call list, but they get around that by going to a computer generated call, and it dosn't give the callers name or the company name. I just hang up on them anlong with all the politicians!

Emma1917 wrote on Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:56 pm:

I got so sick and fed up of sales people, from one particular firm, phoning me about double glazing (I already had it in all windows and doors) that I vowed that the next time they phoned I would invite them around and then let them see that they wouldn't need to phone me again. The next time I got a call I agreed to let them come and measure my windows. The night before the agreed visit I had a call just to remind me so that I'd be in. I lost my nerve at that point and came clean. When he asked my why I'd arranged this I explained that every caller had promised to remove my name from their list but then hadn't done so and I felt that this was the only way to get it done. It was done immediately, I've never heard from them again.

toothlessfairy wrote on Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:40 pm:

This is very interesting to me because I am a victim of the same mentality -- I have been obssessing over buying a macbook for the longest time. There is nothing wrong with my ibook -- I just want the macbook because it is newer, and my laptop is 2 years old. Maybe I should rethink my purchase. It self-indulgent more than anything else, and doesn't really make my life better.