Do you think this is a wind-up?

[sherrardk]

My husband runs a business and someone has just rung up (9.05 pm) to ask about having a stove installed - would a normal person do that?

[sherrardk]

I'm just paranoid I suppose (because of the other stuff that's been going on). Sit.l think it's odd though.

[cazzz1975]

someone who doesnt have a stove installed!

9.05pm on a saturday night is plausible imo

[jackthehat]

"Only two things are infinite...the Universe and Human Stupidity...and I'm not sure about the former." Albert Einstein.

When dealing with the public......^it is always a useful maxim to bear in mind.

[sherrardk]

Didn't arrange a quote (know this as my husband didn't write anything done) - haven't asked him what they wanted as I am having a struggle getting one of the little ones to slpeep.

[sara3]

you should have just asked for a number, saying you'd call them back at a more convenient time.

[ChuckFickens]

If they didn't phone on the business number, how did they get the number they did call you on?

[sherrardk]

We have both numbers on the web site but it is clearly stated which is the show room number.

[Mamyalynne]

When we were in business people phoned at all sorts of times.

[Maydup]

It would be worth thinking about taking the home number off the website. Although you don't want to turn business away, you can at least seperate home and work that way. If this person had phoned on the business line you would have been able to choose whether to answer it or let it go to answerphone. At least you'd know that people ringing on the home line are friends and family, especially if you're having trouble with someone, you deserve some privacy and control over your home life.

[stokemaveric]

my answerphone is on 24/7 and i ALWAYS reply within an hour...without fail...that is the core of my business plan...do not let your ''potential'' customers down..and look after your existing customers...they always come back...

[HarryFindlay]

says stokie the tipster lol.

Only kidding mate ;o)

[sherrardk]

We have an answer machine at home too - but it said with held on the phone (it has caller display or whatever it's called) and my dad's number comes up as with held so I thought it was him. Still think it that idiot 'messing' around though.

[ChuckFickens]

I agree with stoke and with maidup...

You have two choices, remove your home number from the website and reply to business calls the next day, OR... Keep your home number on the site and accept that people will phone it any time and deal with it when they do.

When I was self employed all my clients had my mobile number and I was on call 24 hours a day (but they knew they'd get billed for out of hours if they called in the middle of the night)

[stokemaveric]

pmsl harry...do you want a tip for the 3.30 tomorrow..???...lol

[NOX]

Well either way it doesn't really matter if you think about it and approach it the right way. If it's a normal customer then great you just got a result for your business ( and I think there's nothing unusual about someone calling at that hour, it's not late and people call me at all hours regarding business) and if it's the muppets you're having issues with it can't hurt you if you don't worry about it- so don't worry about it, it's only a phone call.