Different job
I also used to sell mortgages by phone - ring name on list (Kirsty Burger once - still makes me grin) and give smarmy speil about saving money etc.

One couple I rang one night where interested - £kaching$ - but the little one was not going down so could I possibly ring back.

Oh yes, once every week for 3 months. They never ever repeated the same excuse - I know this because I kept notes.

Chinese takeway arrived - check
Washing machine flooding the kitchen - check
Rushing to A&E - check
Baby sitter just turned up and already late - guess what - check
Bit knackered - yup
Guests, pizza delivery, too pissed, house on the market with people viewing (yes I did ask to speak to them) and "oh my god - some one is stealing my car!" - personal favourite.

House fire - well no we didn't get that far but I'd bet that was on the list.

My last day I rang them and congratulated them before telling them that I was passing their details to a colleague (who I hated) without the list of excuses so they could start all over. They are probably still at it.
(thereisnopoons until, Wed 10 Sep 2008, 22:35, 3 replies)

Wow
Your old job sucked.
(powervator and NONE SHALL PASS, Wed 10 Sep 2008, 23:11, closed)

Death to the Indian Call Centres!
Oh goody - maybe this should be the new QOTW - excuses given to telemarketers! I'm going to use this tactic on the next numpty that calls me while I am trying to sit down and relax over a frothty!

P.S. I know the subject has nothing to do with my reply, its just I couldn't think of anything & went with my current & favourite rant.
(AusMark, Thu 11 Sep 2008, 4:09, closed)

Bloody Hell!
If you're going to treat "Glengarry Glen Ross" as a training video, at least pay attention!

You know? The couple who like talking to salesmen, but who don't have any money?

Alternatively this lot were too timid / polite to tell you to fuck off.

In either case, why not just take the fucking hint?
(apologies_for_length, Thu 11 Sep 2008, 10:35, closed)