Phone Etiquitte

Has telephone etiquette gone the way of the Dodo Bird & the Dinosaur? This is something I’ve noticed being neglected more and more over the years. Scenario: Phone call. Names edited for privacy.

Phone rings, I answer, “Hello?”

Caller: “Is this [insert name]?”

Me: “Who’s calling, please?” (I believe that to be legitimate considering they are calling my #)

Caller again, “Is this [insert name]?”

Me: “Who is THIS?” (Now becoming a bit annoyed)

Caller: “This is [insert name]!” (Getting more rude)

Me: “How can I help you?” (Wondering who this person is… I don’t know them from Adam!)

Caller: ““Is this [insert name]?” (ok, maybe I should have at least answered her question, but they are on MY dime)

Me: “Yes, what can I do for you?”

Caller: “I am calling to let you know your grill is ready for pickup from Walmart!” (Obviously very annoyed with me at this point)

By now, I am ready to say, “Why didn’t you just address yourself and this ordeal would’ve been averted.” But I simply say, “Thank you, I will be there to pick it up, is tomorrow ok?”

Caller: Curtly says, “Yes, of course, that will be fine.”

Me: “Thank you.”

Now, some will say that it could have been minimized had I simply given the information that was asked for. The point is respect and etiquette. Two virtues lost in today’s society.

My folks taught me to address myself when calling someone. It’s especially professional to address yourself and your company’s name when someone picks up on the other end. Is that so much to ask for?? They are calling on your phone which you pay for. I find it rude and inconsiderate for people to be so presumptuous as to expect to have their requests satisfied without the courtesy of giving the person on the other end the benefit of knowing who you are and at least the business you are calling from.

Some may argue this is to protect the person whom they are calling their privacy. Perhaps, but courtesy dictates that you address yourself and state your business. At the very least, the caller should be courteous enough to then state who they are and if they’re calling regarding a business matter, state the company name.