A Quaint Little Message From Claudia, From ATT

“Hey, David, F*@# Off!”

They regularly call the church office trying to get us to change our phone plan.  That’s fair.  And should they offer something attractive we likely would be a buyer.  However what they are offering is about $75 per month more than what we currently pay with ATT.  Interesting, with previous calls, the salespersons have insisted that we are paying much more for our monthly service.  When I read from our monthly statement, they are surprised, and then continue with the script as if I said nothing.  So, to facilitate productivity at the office and to reduce frustration, we have asked that they take us off their calling lists.  They still call.  Thus, the background for this morning’s conversation with Claudia.

“This is Claudia from ATT.”
“Hi, Claudia.  This is David.”
“Is this the person who makes decisions for your business?”
“Yes”
“Your current contract with ATT is about to expire, and your rates could go up dramatically.  Currently you are paying XXX amount, and we can provide you with enhanced services for XXX, which is less than you currently pay.  Is it alright if I engage this new contract?”
“Why do you continue to call?  We have asked you, multiple times, to take us off your calling list.  Why are you calling me?”

And, so, the above response; with dramatic emphasis, followed by a click.

I’m humored by this.  And that’s probably not an appropriate response.  She was calling a church, and talking with the pastor.  It is not a nice thing to say to someone, especially when you are trying to make a sale and the recipient is a Baptist minister.  Even if I were a person prone to use such language with frivolity and without venom, I think for the sake of income I would find a more appropriate way to talk while on the job and engaging a customer.  I have not heard those words, particularly directed to me, in quite some time.  It all seemed so incredulous.  And I guess because of a twisted psyche yet to be fully baptized, I find such startling and strange moments to be funny.

These people contract with ATT, work straight commission, and there is likely no way to trace down who Claudia may be.  Likely she is someone desperate for income working a job she does not like, and unprepared for my direct query.  There is an edge to my voice.  And I can be blunt.  So, I guess we will give Claudia a pass.  Perhaps this could be her regular response to ministers who do not welcome her calls?  She could keep a running total…”Today I told 14 preachers to F*@# Off!”  Her supervisor could respond, “Great!  And at $5 per insult, your commission will be…”  I wonder if she has a unique profanity for different ministers of different religious denominations?