Product idea - telemarketing killer

[JodieR]

Originally Posted by B.B.

Suggestion - is it possible for each phone number / machine to be individual? meaning - each subscriber has a pincode. ALL calls are blocked except the calls that dial the pincode first/last. The user gives this code to anybody they wish so that they only receive calls from people they know.

I'd be a little worried about this, there's plenty of "what If" scenario's for that one, and I'd be very worried about blocking out all calls with that potential.

For example: Hospital calling (usually hospitals have several different lines they use and not just the one advertised. These can also come up as private numbers); Other corporations who use the same that may be important to hear from? Long lost relative calling; Okay, so not very exciting examples but yeah, personally I'd be worried about a full block.

Originally Posted by B.B.

There IS a need for your machine - there are many more scenarios out there that have a need for this, we're not aware of all of them.

If there is a market for it, then why not.

[SteveDavidson]

Originally Posted by B.B.

Suggestion - is it possible for each phone number / machine to be individual? meaning - each subscriber has a pincode. ALL calls are blocked except the calls that dial the pincode first/last. The user gives this code to anybody they wish so that they only receive calls from people they know.

It's certainly possible, even with today's technology. A minimal Asterisk system, for example, can do all this and more, and will have the following costs:

Base Hardware: PC-based, and probably free, for a minimal system. People throw out more powerful computers every day. If not free, than maybe $5-$10.

Phone connection card or other hardware: Varies, but a single-phone-line card shouldn't cost more than a couple of dollars second-hand.

Software, OS: Linux, free.
Software, Asterisk: free.

Set the phone up as an office extension and use Asterisk as a PABX with its "If you know the extension you want, please dial it now" functions enabled.

PS - If anyone wants to try this and isn't sure about the building/installing process, ask one of the local computer clubs to do it for you as a project. Labor costs: pizza and beer/soft drink.

Update: Responding to JodieR's post - It shouldn't be too hard to record an IVR message saying something like "Please be advised that this number is on the national Do Not Call registry. If you are calling to speak to X, please dial 1234 to leave a message after the beep."

[TSH-SR]

Hi Steve, good idea to somehow restrict the Telemarketing calls, Leela's comment is the idea I have found best to use after trying other methods.
At the first hint of "can I speak to the business owner" I have replied Not interested thank you and press the end call button, less than 10 secs.
The problem arises that I can get up to 12 a day generally at the top of the ladder.
I use voicemail and answer machines but have found a growing trend that people have started not to leave messages, they are wanting to talk now!

The biggest problem that I have with the impact of telemarketing is when I am returning a call to a new customer who has left a message, when I call them back, it can be difficult to get through their defences and convince them that they wanted me to call them, a while back it took 3 calls to one lady to get the message through.
Therefore, something to help homeowners would be helpful to me.

Tony