Newfound Understanding Empathy Regarding Emails

[KinkyNEguy]

As a client, I am often irritated by the many different restrictions on potential communications between myself and a potential provider. Some say do not call, text only, others say no emails, some say only emails no text. Etc Etc. All the while I grumble, "but wait...don't you want my custom?"

 

Recently I found some very expensive but poorly chosen bespoke computer equipment ( at the time in 2010 $5k per system) in my closet that I was going to put on the curb. My Husband, after making some choice comments on my judgement, persuaded me to try out eBay and sell the parts. I have never even bought anything on ebay.

 

Without going into boring details, after setting what I thought were reasonable very discounted prices based on similar items for sale, I have been bombarded with a torrent of emails which I initially started to dutifully respond. But it is never ending, some people dickering over $1.00 on a $20 component, pointing out the most insignificant variance. On the times I just acquiesced and said fine your price- they didn't even buy it then!

 

Perhaps many/most are well intentioned and just need a little information, but it is overwhelming. The irony is I can't imagine if these emails were over something so personal as companionship or sex! It has been an educational experience for me. I guess I am a bit sheltered in not having this experience before. In my company, people only email me with inquiries that are well thought out and I don't have to go back and forth so often. A call really can weed out the chafe and get to the point. The second computer is going straight to our local tech school...maybe someone there can do something with it, but I won't be taking that one apart.

 

Thanks to all who endure us :-)

[marylander1940]

As a client, I am often irritated by the many different restrictions on potential communications between myself and a potential provider. Some say do not call, text only, others say no emails, some say only emails no text. Etc Etc. All the while I grumble, "but wait...don't you want my custom?"

 

Recently I found some very expensive but poorly chosen bespoke computer equipment ( at the time in 2010 $5k per system) in my closet that I was going to put on the curb. My Husband, after making some choice comments on my judgement, persuaded me to try out eBay and sell the parts. I have never even bought anything on ebay.

 

Without going into boring details, after setting what I thought were reasonable very discounted prices based on similar items for sale, I have been bombarded with a torrent of emails which I initially started to dutifully respond. But it is never ending, some people dickering over $1.00 on a $20 component, pointing out the most insignificant variance. On the times I just acquiesced and said fine your price- they didn't even buy it then!

 

Perhaps many/most are well intentioned and just need a little information, but it is overwhelming. The irony is I can't imagine if these emails were over something so personal as companionship or sex! It has been an educational experience for me. I guess I am a bit sheltered in not having this experience before. In my company, people only email me with inquiries that are well thought out and I don't have to go back and forth so often. A call really can weed out the chafe and get to the point. The second computer is going straight to our local tech school...maybe someone there can do something with it, but I won't be taking that one apart.

 

Thanks to all who endure us

 

Great post! We clients should always try to see the world through the eyes of an escort

[+ poolboy48220]

In my company, people only email me with inquiries that are well thought out and I don't have to go back and forth so often.

Is your company hiring?

[LaffingBear]

Perhaps many/most are well intentioned and just need a little information, but it is overwhelming

Welcome to modern times.

 

Devices have become so enmeshed in our lives, people have little regard for the time suck created.

 

I am selling things online. And offering free stuff . Ebay, Letgo app, craigslist, Offerup app, sometimes my neighborhood Nextdoor. Furniture, new-with-tags clothing, etc. Id estimate 95% of the inquiries I get are thoughtless. They just inquire "is it available?" but dont even acknowledge my positive reply. Worse, people ask questions regarding details in the ad, assure me they want to purchase it. Ive even had people beg me... inundate me with messages "please please please hold it for me.. I cant pick it up before Tuesday" then never follow-up.

 

In my work, I will often help clients recruit employees; its a similar experience. Candidates click apply on the job board apps with little thought. Im reviewing resumes, checking for skills, making calls... and when I reach the applicant, they dont recall the opportunity. They often have auto-apply set up in their profiles based on keywords... and the keyword might be a very generic term, or even a locale.

 

I attribute the new, disrespectful communications norms to the age we live in, and the ever present devices. When people are texting and messaging all day... when apps have predetermined phrases as replies so that only one-click is required, we create a whole lotta worthless noise and, when it comes in a big wave, it can be irritating.

[marylander1940]

Welcome to modern times.

 

Devices have become so enmeshed in our lives, people have little regard for the time suck created.

 

I am selling things online. And offering free stuff . Ebay, Letgo app, craigslist, Offerup app, sometimes my neighborhood Nextdoor. Furniture, new-with-tags clothing, etc. Id estimate 95% of the inquiries I get are thoughtless. They just inquire "is it available?" but dont even acknowledge my positive reply. Worse, people ask questions regarding details in the ad, assure me they want to purchase it. Ive even had people beg me... inundate me with messages "please please please hold it for me.. I cant pick it up before Tuesday" then never follow-up.

 

In my work, I will often help clients recruit employees; its a similar experience. Candidates click apply on the job board apps with little thought. Im reviewing resumes, checking for skills, making calls... and when I reach the applicant, they dont recall the opportunity. They often have auto-apply set up in their profiles based on keywords... and the keyword might be a very generic term, or even a locale.

 

I attribute the new, disrespectful communications norms to the age we live in, and the ever present devices. When people are texting and messaging all day... when apps have predetermined phrases as replies so that only one-click is required, we create a whole lotta worthless noise and, when it comes in a big wave, it can be irritating.

 

Being flaky is just a click away.

[LaffingBear]

Being flaky is just a click away.

I hadnt read that one.

 

I like

"We're clicking away civility."

[Deadlift1]

I bet your husband is getting it on the side.

[+ Archer]

As a client, I am often irritated by the many different restrictions on potential communications between myself and a potential provider. Some say do not call, text only, others say no emails, some say only emails no text. Etc Etc. All the while I grumble, "but wait...don't you want my custom?"

 

Recently I found some very expensive but poorly chosen bespoke computer equipment ( at the time in 2010 $5k per system) in my closet that I was going to put on the curb. My Husband, after making some choice comments on my judgement, persuaded me to try out eBay and sell the parts. I have never even bought anything on ebay.

 

Without going into boring details, after setting what I thought were reasonable very discounted prices based on similar items for sale, I have been bombarded with a torrent of emails which I initially started to dutifully respond. But it is never ending, some people dickering over $1.00 on a $20 component, pointing out the most insignificant variance. On the times I just acquiesced and said fine your price- they didn't even buy it then!

 

Perhaps many/most are well intentioned and just need a little information, but it is overwhelming. The irony is I can't imagine if these emails were over something so personal as companionship or sex! It has been an educational experience for me. I guess I am a bit sheltered in not having this experience before. In my company, people only email me with inquiries that are well thought out and I don't have to go back and forth so often. A call really can weed out the chafe and get to the point. The second computer is going straight to our local tech school...maybe someone there can do something with it, but I won't be taking that one apart.

 

Thanks to all who endure us

 

 

Welcome to my world. I've been a salesperson for over 30 years. Last week, a customer called my boss to complain about me. She was angry because I was too polite and told the truth about our product and I should have just told her what she wanted to hear. My boss actually yelled at me.

 

Retirement is sounding so good right now.

[rvwnsd]

I donate and take the tax deduction. No haggling, no endless emails, and the guys at the Goodwill are kinda hot.

 

PS: I’m not kidding about the guys working the donation door. They are the nicest, best-looking Goodwill employees ever.