Telemarketing Software Featured Article

Telemarketing software isn’t just for telemarketers.

A U.K. man has gotten his revenge on telemarketers by setting up a hotline in which telemarketers will have to pay 16 cents a minute. Frustrated with the deluge of sales calls, Lee Beaumont of Leeds converted his landline through Phone (News - Alert) Pay Plus, and he now uses that number whenever places of business ask for his number along with other personal information.

"I don't use my normal Leeds number for anyone but my friends and family," he told BBC Radio 4.

Instead of racking up stress, Beaumont has racked up some serious dough. Telemarketers have earned him a whopping $465.

Of course, while brilliant of an idea, it is not something that Phone Pay Plus can get behind. Customers are held under a code and this sort of tactic, while kind of funny, can result in fines. Beaumont circumvents that by telling every telemarketer that they are being charged for calling him. Apparently that has not deterred a few.

There are a number of choices for setting up similar lines in the U.S., although most are targeted to individuals setting up a small business for ventures. Think call-a-psychic and, well, adult party lines. There was a time when Skype (News - Alert) offered a service called Skype Prime, which allowed it to charge for incoming calls but that service has since been discontinued.

Of course, here in the U.S. we have to abide by the FCC (News - Alert) regulations when establishing a “900” number, but it seems as if you’re transparent enough about it, such as Beaumont was, then all is kosher.

There are a lot of stories out there on how to get rid of telemarketers or just how to have fun with them. Of course, we all need to remember they’re just doing their jobs. Here in the U.S., it’s best to just register with the Do Not Call list and call it a day.