How To Handle A Salesperson

My conversation with the cable company this morning:

"I'm calling about cable service."

"Do you want a bundle package?"

"No, just cable please."

"Are you sure? Our bundle packages are really great!"

"No, I don't need anything but cable."

"So, you have phone and internet?  Who is your phone service through?"

I know salespeople are only doing their jobs. But, I would love one day to be able to make a purchase without all the hassle.  I wish one day a salesperson would actually treat me like I'm an informed consumer and I might know what's best for me.

But before you start thinking I'm some grumpy guy, imagine my voice in a calm, professional manner…

"Well, when I called I knew exactly what I wanted and that's all I wanted. But since you are so insistent, I'll tell you all of my business that isn't any of your business. First of all, I have a cell phone package with my daughter. Her phone service is much more than mine when it comes to separating the services, so it would make no sense to have a home phone when my daughter still needs her phone. Second, the community where I live has wifi. It's high speed internet access that is faster than any of the packages you offer because I took the time to look.  We have a gym, a volleyball court and two pools too. But, that's beside the point. So, all I want is to talk about your cable service. Is that ok that I might know what I need more than you do and ask that you quit wasting my time thinking I'm not a responsible consumer?"

So much of my time gets wasted by people who want to use it for my convenience.