…there’s
no reason for me to return the call.
Exceptions.
We probably should list the exceptions before wading along this
journey.
Mom.
When she calls, voice mail or text or no, I’ll call her back.
Similar
rules for family and friends.
If
I see there’s a missed call from someone I care about, I’m going
to try to touch base with them. Might end up being a quick “did
you call” text response, but I’m going to reach out.
That
concept pretty much covers all of it. The exceptions combined
by a blanketing thought. Between our contact lists providing for
known callers, and so many caller ID efforts sorting major things
out for us, there’s no reason to trust any unexpected and unidentified
calls.
Most
places that are reputable and honest aren’t going to try and disguise
their calls. They’re not out to trick you. If you don’t know if
you can trust the number, there’s zero reason to answer them.
Which is how we wind up considering any and all calls where folks
don’t seem to feel the need to leave a message.
I
get left messages to confirm upcoming appointments. I get left
messages to let me know my new eyeglasses are ready. Yes, thanks
to technology, I often get emails and text messages and can check
out details on my personalized portals to wonderful places.
Callers
with important stuff try to find ways to send information to me,
but they also try to find ways to let me know how to find them.
Sure, I may also get sent items like suggested purchase options
in addition to my shipping and tracking details. I may get emails
about vehicle service options that don’t apply to my needs at
any given moment. But for the most part, I can ignore and delete
them if I wish. The major items, however, are there. To one way
of thinking, they left a message.
What
makes me laugh is the places that don’t leave a message.
Let’s
for a moment move ahead with the understanding that such calls
are legitimate calls. By that, I mean they aren’t scams or harmful.
On the other side of the call, should you answer, are people providing
some definition of a service. You may have no interest in what
they are offering, or the questions they want to ask, or in participating
in any way with the conversation they are looking to start. But,
it is an honest call.
Does
that make sense?
Ok.
What about this thought? Doesn’t the very idea that no message
is left completely wipe away any legitimacy?
Again,
the understanding for this moment is that such calls are legitimate
calls. By and large, strong majority that nudges right up against
without exception, they are not legitimate calls. We know they’re
not. We know the offers aren’t at all worth it, and in many cases
are scams. Of course they don’t leave a message. You and I, we’re
of the same thought here, and that’s why we’re not answering.
But
then. One time out of a thousand (and usually less often), someone
asks why you didn’t call them back. Or, you speak with someone
that says they tried to contact you. Suddenly that random, unidentified,
sent to voice mail number makes sense.
A
few weeks ago, I needed to order some new glasses. I was away
from home, events took place (a certain dog does not need to get
named here in blame), and I was left having to replace my glasses.
Since I wasn’t going to be close to the place I usually go for
weeks, I ended up using a local place that got some great recommendations
from the friends I was with while also offering a buy-one-get-one
deal.
Two
pairs of glasses were ordered. I was told, because I provided
my email and phone number, that I’d get emails along the way,
an email and text message for both glasses (so two of each) about
production and then when they were finished and when they were
ready for pickup, and I’d get a phone call telling me I could
come in to get them.
Nope.
Nope. Nope. And nope.
I
was driving past the shop, so I decided to stop in. Both pairs
had been ready for five days.
Everyone
there was nice. The glasses are good. I’m happy. But I did not
get emails or text messages or phone calls telling me to stop
in because they were ready. No one left a message.
Two
days after picking them up, an email arrived. Special offer for
what would be a third pair. About four hours later, another email
letting me know I could get sunglasses. So, sure, the come back
again with more business messages arrived.
I’m
doing fine with two pairs of glasses. I don’t need three. And,
since the buy-one-get-one offer is a better offer than what the
email was presenting for a third pair, I definitely don’t need
four. I do wish they contacted me about my order though. Not because
anything happened that stopped me from getting my glasses, but
rather because it absolutely appears as though they only care
about my wallet coming back in and not about finishing anything
they already have a payment processed on.
My
phone is going to ring a few times today. I won’t answer it every
time. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. (I think.)