Farang Financial Services People

[bkkjames]

I am sure this topic has been discussed before but getting off the phone with the 3rd one this week, these unsolicited p#4cks are making me angry.

Firstly, I am not here to debate whether the services they offer are good nor bad, quite honestly I couldn't tell you and I don't care.

However, what I would like to let you know is that they are sneaky in their approach. To begin, they get some Thai girl to call your office to ask to your Thai receptionist "Do you have farangs in your office?". The typical receptionist would reply, "Yes" without a giving a second thought as to why this person would be asking it in the first place. The next question "What are their names?" .... you get the picture.

Then armed with a list of farang names, a farang financial services guy calls up and asks for Joe, John, Jimmy or James. Again, the Thai receptionist hears a farang asking for a farang by name, so no questions are asked. Not unusual for farangs to converse with other farangs in Bangkok on a day to day basis. Seems natural enough.

Once put through to my desk, I get the "Hello James, this is zzz from some obscur company I have never heard of telling me he will be in my area on Monday visiting some clients, and would like to know if he could pop in to see me." Same sales pitch as every other one of these cowboys. And when asked why I am not interested, my reply is you know all those people who blindly walk down the street and take whatever piece of paper some Thai is handing out??? Yes. Well I am not one of them, good bye.

This is really the only industry in Thailand that I have had to deal with kind of nonsense on a regular basis. I think it's poor poor poor and if someone in this industry wants to come on here and explain to me that they don't operate this way, be my guest. Until then, get lost. That's it, my rant is over.

[AjarnP]

I am sure this topic has been discussed before but getting off the phone with the 3rd one this week, these unsolicited p#4cks are making me angry.

Firstly, I am not here to debate whether the services they offer are good nor bad, quite honestly I couldn't tell you and I don't care.

However, what I would like to let you know is that they are sneaky in their approach. To begin, they get some Thai girl to call your office to ask to your Thai receptionist "Do you have farangs in your office?". The typical receptionist would reply, "Yes" without a giving a second thought as to why this person would be asking it in the first place. The next question "What are their names?" .... you get the picture.

Then armed with a list of farang names, a farang financial services guy calls up and asks for Joe, John, Jimmy or James. Again, the Thai receptionist hears a farang asking for a farang by name, so no questions are asked. Not unusual for farangs to converse with other farangs in Bangkok on a day to day basis. Seems natural enough.

Once put through to my desk, I get the "Hello James, this is zzz from some obscur company I have never heard of telling me he will be in my area on Monday visiting some clients, and would like to know if he could pop in to see me." Same sales pitch as every other one of these cowboys. And when asked why I am not interested, my reply is you know all those people who blindly walk down the street and take whatever piece of paper some Thai is handing out??? Yes. Well I am not one of them, good bye.

This is really the only industry in Thailand that I have had to deal with kind of nonsense on a regular basis. I think it's poor poor poor and if someone in this industry wants to come on here and explain to me that they don't operate this way, be my guest. Until then, get lost. That's it, my rant is over.

I usually tell them "you're just the chap I need. I'm 5 million in debt and need to borrow ten" they rarely call back a second time!!!

[RakJungTorlae]

I am sure this topic has been discussed before but getting off the phone with the 3rd one this week, these unsolicited p#4cks are making me angry.

Firstly, I am not here to debate whether the services they offer are good nor bad, quite honestly I couldn't tell you and I don't care.

However, what I would like to let you know is that they are sneaky in their approach. To begin, they get some Thai girl to call your office to ask to your Thai receptionist "Do you have farangs in your office?". The typical receptionist would reply, "Yes" without a giving a second thought as to why this person would be asking it in the first place. The next question "What are their names?" .... you get the picture.

Then armed with a list of farang names, a farang financial services guy calls up and asks for Joe, John, Jimmy or James. Again, the Thai receptionist hears a farang asking for a farang by name, so no questions are asked. Not unusual for farangs to converse with other farangs in Bangkok on a day to day basis. Seems natural enough.

Once put through to my desk, I get the "Hello James, this is zzz from some obscur company I have never heard of telling me he will be in my area on Monday visiting some clients, and would like to know if he could pop in to see me." Same sales pitch as every other one of these cowboys. And when asked why I am not interested, my reply is you know all those people who blindly walk down the street and take whatever piece of paper some Thai is handing out??? Yes. Well I am not one of them, good bye.

This is really the only industry in Thailand that I have had to deal with kind of nonsense on a regular basis. I think it's poor poor poor and if someone in this industry wants to come on here and explain to me that they don't operate this way, be my guest. Until then, get lost. That's it, my rant is over.

Sounds like a pain in the ass James. You should fire that receptionist for 1 or educate her on the matter not to pass crap to your desk. Or buy your self a big Air horn and temporary deafen them. it would be quit funny too.

[Moonrakers]

I am currently a tele-marketer for a financial services Co. myself. *Braces himself for abuse*

Unfortunately for folks such as yourself tele-marketing is a very effective and cost efficient form of marketing, and so these calls will continue for some time. in another thread that I read recently even MBMG admitted to using tele-marketing.

One thing that amazes me is that after so many "Pestering" calls, the secretary STILL puts me through. A few simple questions would put a stop to that: What is your company name? What is the nature of the call? Although I know that some companies will just lie to those questions, I am one of the good guys though .

So what would your number be anyway . And please don't employ the air-horn technique as I need my ears so that I can hear my wifes nagging.

[MarkBKK]

I usually tell them "you're just the chap I need. I'm 5 million in debt and need to borrow ten" they rarely call back a second time!!!

They plagued my office in London in the '90s. Your solution is good. We had more fun, and got rid of them just as effectively, with multiple variations on the ''Thanks for calling ... actually I've got so much money I don't really care.'' Just as fun, and they stop calling, but hopefully makes them jealous too.

[Scott]

Oh, hey it's not so difficult. You just ask the guy if he got your number off the toilet stall in Big C..."for a good time call" and ask where and when he wants to meet you. No appointment, no more phone calls!

[Theyreallrubbish]

I have a number of responses. One is to say, "That sounds very interesting. Can you just hang on a second, I'll be right back . . . " Then leave the phone off the hook. As long as they're waiting they're not bugging anyone else.

Another response is to ask nonsense questions completely unrelated. "So you can advise me on financial matters? Well then do you think I should wear yellow shirts on Mondays or is that embarresing for a farang? And do you think Andy Murray will ever win Wimbledon? And my car is drifting slightly to the left, what do you think that could be? The sound card on my computer is making a crackling noise, how can I put a stop to that? My cat has some kind of puss coming from its backside, what do you think it is? Do monkeys make good pets? Is the Marxist/Hegelian theory of dialectical materialism completely discredited by history or vindicated by events?"

[MarkBKK]

I have a number of responses. One is to say, "That sounds very interesting. Can you just hang on a second, I'll be right back . . . " Then leave the phone off the hook. As long as they're waiting they're not bugging anyone else.

Another response is to ask nonsense questions completely unrelated. "So you can advise me on financial matters? Well then do you think I should wear yellow shirts on Mondays or is that embarresing for a farang? And do you think Andy Murray will ever win Wimbledon? And my car is drifting slightly to the left, what do you think that could be? The sound card on my computer is making a crackling noise, how can I put a stop to that? My cat has some kind of puss coming from its backside, what do you think it is? Do monkeys make good pets? Is the Marxist/Hegelian theory of dialectical materialism completely discredited by history or vindicated by events?"

Why does a llama have a beak?

Why are Luton Town FC called a ''football team''?

[Jimjim]

People find salesmen annoying including myself but they are the people who drive the world economy. Without them businesses would make a lot less money and the world would be a very different place.

[WilliamIV]

Nothing new here

These parasites used to pester us expats

when I worked in Ghana back in the 1960s

Bill

[Briggsy]

How long have you been using the same Stalin avatar as Bendix?

[Prakanong]

I am sure this topic has been discussed before but getting off the phone with the 3rd one this week, these unsolicited p#4cks are making me angry.

Firstly, I am not here to debate whether the services they offer are good nor bad, quite honestly I couldn't tell you and I don't care.

However, what I would like to let you know is that they are sneaky in their approach. To begin, they get some Thai girl to call your office to ask to your Thai receptionist "Do you have farangs in your office?". The typical receptionist would reply, "Yes" without a giving a second thought as to why this person would be asking it in the first place. The next question "What are their names?" .... you get the picture.

Then armed with a list of farang names, a farang financial services guy calls up and asks for Joe, John, Jimmy or James. Again, the Thai receptionist hears a farang asking for a farang by name, so no questions are asked. Not unusual for farangs to converse with other farangs in Bangkok on a day to day basis. Seems natural enough.

Once put through to my desk, I get the "Hello James, this is zzz from some obscur company I have never heard of telling me he will be in my area on Monday visiting some clients, and would like to know if he could pop in to see me." Same sales pitch as every other one of these cowboys. And when asked why I am not interested, my reply is you know all those people who blindly walk down the street and take whatever piece of paper some Thai is handing out??? Yes. Well I am not one of them, good bye.

This is really the only industry in Thailand that I have had to deal with kind of nonsense on a regular basis. I think it's poor poor poor and if someone in this industry wants to come on here and explain to me that they don't operate this way, be my guest. Until then, get lost. That's it, my rant is over.

Sounds like a pain in the ass James. You should fire that receptionist for 1 or educate her on the matter not to pass crap to your desk. Or buy your self a big Air horn and temporary deafen them. it would be quit funny too.

This has gone on for years - the Receptionist is not at fault and no matter how much you tell them they still put through a farang

I got this shit when working in Thailand and get it in Singapore - my assistant said its the only time she has heard me angry when answering one of them in the middle of something else.

I actuallly know somwe guy's who do this and they are hurting currently - they have even asked me for my contact list in the region which is a big no no - a balls off no no in my book

[Prakanong]

I have a number of responses. One is to say, "That sounds very interesting. Can you just hang on a second, I'll be right back . . . " Then leave the phone off the hook. As long as they're waiting they're not bugging anyone else.

Another response is to ask nonsense questions completely unrelated. "So you can advise me on financial matters? Well then do you think I should wear yellow shirts on Mondays or is that embarresing for a farang? And do you think Andy Murray will ever win Wimbledon? And my car is drifting slightly to the left, what do you think that could be? The sound card on my computer is making a crackling noise, how can I put a stop to that? My cat has some kind of puss coming from its backside, what do you think it is? Do monkeys make good pets? Is the Marxist/Hegelian theory of dialectical materialism completely discredited by history or vindicated by events?"

Another which I have posted is to arrange to meet them in a restaurant for lunch or straight after work - let then get there and phone them saying you will be 30 minutes but go ahead and order - then piss off to where you want to really be

I know guy's in this game - this tactic has them spitting blood if I mention it

[thaihome]

Been getting these for most the 10 yeas I have been working overseas, why do you people put anytime into them at all.

Don't engage them in converation, just hang up. At most, say not interested, as you do so.

TH

[HarryHacker]

When I get these calls I thank them for calling and decline their services and wish them good luck, I certainly don't take the piss out of them, whats the point in that?

No big deal.

[bkkjames]

People find salesmen annoying including myself but they are the people who drive the world economy. Without them businesses would make a lot less money and the world would be a very different place.

A better place perhaps? I have a feeling products would be purchased with or without salespeople. Perhaps a different methodology would be in place but me thinks peopel would still own cars and homes.

Do I really need a salesperson to sell me a car in today's world with all the information so easily available? Finacial services?

That being said, I don't mind dealing with a 'qualified' salesperson should I need their assistance. But I do mind people calling me up, stopping me on the street to sell me something 'they think' I need or want.

But back to these financial 'services' (and I used that word loosely) guys, if they have my name on their data base like they say, then why not send me some information by email / snail mail etc? If I am interested in finding out more, I will call them back.

For the record, it might be just me but I have yet to meet someone that has ever made any money from these guys. Try asking them for a list of references.

[Jimjim]

I fully agree it's annoying but it's not necessarily unethical to contact someone to try to sell them something. Telemarketing is huge in the U.S. and it makes a lot of money for businesses. Some businesses rely on this method, others don't. Insurance like AFLAC in the U.S. only makes the money it does because of unsolicited sales calls. That's just the facts. But you have every right to be annoyed and every right to tell them you're not interested and never to call you again. The problem is you're not in the U.S. where you can sign up on the no-call list and then if someone does call you unsolicited you can report them to the authorities.

[GaiYaang]

I fully agree it's annoying but it's not necessarily unethical to contact someone to try to sell them something. Telemarketing is huge in the U.S. and it makes a lot of money for businesses. Some businesses rely on this method, others don't. Insurance like AFLAC in the U.S. only makes the money it does because of unsolicited sales calls. That's just the facts. But you have every right to be annoyed and every right to tell them you're not interested and never to call you again. The problem is you're not in the U.S. where you can sign up on the no-call list and then if someone does call you unsolicited you can report them to the authorities.

It's annoying, like you said in US you can sign up. I sign up with national do not call list and mailing list. It does help.

Usually they don't call me to sell something, usually it for donation.

[MarkBKK]

How long have you been using the same Stalin avatar as Bendix?

Since the thread appeared about how offended some people are by it. (I was going to remove it, but then I found out that some other people are offended if two people have the same avatar, so I kept it. I think everyone should use it.)

[geriatrickid]

How come women wilth seductive voices never call me? I'd at least listen for a bit before I hang up.

[quiksilva]

I also get plagued by these calls, but I wouldn't call cold calling "sneaky business tactics", they are perfectly legitimate business tactics, although i do resent spending time talking to them, so I cut to the chase.

I explain to them that I know exactly what they are offering and tell them how many such calls I receive on a monthly basis, and already know that I'm not interested, and say goodbye.

There's no need to be rude, they are just doing their job.

[RAZZELL]

People find salesmen annoying including myself but they are the people who drive the world economy. Without them businesses would make a lot less money and the world would be a very different place.

There's one thing being a "salesman" selling something that people might actually want, double-glazing, insurance, etc etc etc.

Quite another telling large porkies about imaginary companies whose shares will make you as rich as Croesus overnight

RAZZ

Edited July 30, 2008 by RAZZELL

[Ulysses G.]

Whoever distributes Groovy Maps in Thailand is one of the pushiest salespeple that I have ever talked to. I won't sell them just because he annoys me so much when he gives me his spiel. The funny thing is that he is intelligent and convincing, but he pushes so hard that all I can think of is how to get him off the phone!

Edited July 31, 2008 by Ulysses G.

[Pakeha]

Love the topic.

I get frustrated when these guys waste my time but I let them do their pitch. Being familiar with sales techniques I push them to perform at the top of their game. If they make one slip, I close them and they apologise and hang up... It's great. If you get a super salesman learn from them. Whether you are a street vendor or a CEO you need sales skills. These guys are eating St from us hanging up on them every day. If anyone is going to be a great salesman it's going to be one of them.

If they're really good.... offer them a job working for you!

[bkkjames]

Love the topic.

I get frustrated when these guys waste my time but I let them do their pitch. Being familiar with sales techniques I push them to perform at the top of their game. If they make one slip, I close them and they apologise and hang up... It's great. If you get a super salesman learn from them. Whether you are a street vendor or a CEO you need sales skills. These guys are eating St from us hanging up on them every day. If anyone is going to be a great salesman it's going to be one of them.

If they're really good.... offer them a job working for you!

How about this as a follow-up. Who on TV has used these services from these guys and is / was happy with their investments?

[Pakeha]

Love the topic.

I get frustrated when these guys waste my time but I let them do their pitch. Being familiar with sales techniques I push them to perform at the top of their game. If they make one slip, I close them and they apologise and hang up... It's great. If you get a super salesman learn from them. Whether you are a street vendor or a CEO you need sales skills. These guys are eating St from us hanging up on them every day. If anyone is going to be a great salesman it's going to be one of them.

If they're really good.... offer them a job working for you!

How about this as a follow-up. Who on TV has used these services from these guys and is / was happy with their investments?

I've never bought from a telemarketer. If they were good enough to sell me they'd be working for me.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Just hang up on the pricks.

[Dr. Burrito]

It's the lack of qualifying their potential client before they call that kills them. Just the fact an investment adviser would call me is funny. Don't you need cash to invest?

Dr. B

[sjg11]

I am a Financial Consultant working in Bangkok and like any Sales person I consider 'cold calling' to be a natural way to aquire new business. Let me just say that cold calling is as much fun for us as it is for you.

I don't think anyone enjoys it, however it is effective and necessary for most businesses regardless of industry.

Cold calling is not 'sneaky business ethics' it is used in almost every industry. Ask your GM, HR department or any Department Head in your company in charge of purchasing how often they receive sales calls.

I would love to be able to rely 100% on customer loyalty and referrals for my business unfortunately, we are dealing with investment schemes that are available to expats. When my customers return home, I lose their business.

In relation to the complaints and some of the comments to deal with cold calls, it may interest you to know that some companies have a special list of difficult and dead end prospects that are regularly used by new assistants, secretaries and sales people to cut their teeth with. By being difficult, rude and obnoxious you may be inadvertently subjecting yourself to further inexperienced persons to annoy you.

You get what you give some say.

[bkkjames]

In relation to the complaints and some of the comments to deal with cold calls, it may interest you to know that some companies have a special list of difficult and dead end prospects that are regularly used by new assistants, secretaries and sales people to cut their teeth with. By being difficult, rude and obnoxious you may be inadvertently subjecting yourself to further inexperienced persons to annoy you.

Must be talking about me. If I am polite to you now on here, does that mean you will take me off your list?

If so, please please pretty please <deleted>*k off.