canvassers, don`t you just luv `em

[jr2015]

Just had a phone call about a car I`ve advertised on Autotrader.
CALLER; Is your car still for sale? As I have someone who wants to view it this afternoon if possible.
ME: Why don`t they contact me in person?
CALLER; They have to do it through us as we`re providing the finance(2 grand odd on finance?), but we insure them against mechanical failure so we need you to pay us £99 to cover it.
ME: Go forth and multiply ( or words to that effect).
Has anyone else come across this variation? This is the 5th call of this nature this week, but the first to ask me for money so upfront.
jr.

 

[carlmthompson]

Yup, it's a pretty standard (and highly illegal) technique - at this point you're wishing you put "strictly no canvassers" in your advert! I made this mistake when selling an E30 M3 - I knew what the game was when the bloke (of foreign nationality) on the phone told me that there was 50 people in the UK waiting to buy my car!

A great trick to stop them calling back is to say that your away to get your credit card, and then just leave them hanging. It makes a bit of fun out of it- i.e who can have the record for hanging on the longest!

 

[John Sims]

I'm embarrassed to say I got caught on the....

"We have six people waiting to come and view your car if you place an advert with us..." scam.

Strangely enough, despite placing the advert, none of the six prospective buyers ever turned up. If only you could get your hands on these people you could give them a damn good slapping.

I hate selling cars.

 

[berg944]

who can have the record for hanging on the longest

I do this to most home phone sales, but if I am in a more devilish mood I make enquiries about their product and show total interest. I then ask for a phone number to ring them back when I have had a think about it.

The Sting.......

When they start to reel off the phone number interrupt them, " No not that one, give me your home phone number" this often causes confusion and they often ask why. You can then explain to them in detail why you would like to return their call at the most inconvenient time etc.
Some of the less intelligent operators think they are still in with a chance of a sale, others think you are joking as you have made them do the full sales pitch, most are simply trying to get away.

I have even had them put the phone down on me........that makes a refreshing change[]

The idea is who you can keep talking the longest.

ALL GET THE POINT IN THE END.........and must be even more naffed than having a sports whistle blown down the line after pretending to have a really quiet voice []

Mike[:'(]

 

[cococola]

I like the idea of asking them for their phone number.........might use that one myself.[]
Its bad enough trying to sell your car what with all the tyre kickers or bringing their "expert mechanical mate" along who knows naff all about cars and you have to be polite cause you want a sale[]
I hate selling cars me!!