| Comment Number: | 525547-00084 |
| Received: | 11/2/2006 4:55:56 PM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Linda Richards |
| State: | WA |
| Subject: | Telemarketing Sales Rule |
| Title: | Request for Public Comment |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 310 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Concerning the FTC ruling prohibiting telemarketing with prerecorded voice messages, I am in support of the responsible use of the types of marketing messages by companies to extend their customer relationships. Examples of messages that could, and shouldn't be, prohibited under the rule include: · An airline using a prerecorded message to inform ticketed passengers that an upgrade to first class is available for their upcoming flight in exchange for miles or cash · An insurance company notifying customers their policy will lapse if they don’t make their premium payment · A bank offering overdraft protection for a small fee to customers who have bounced one or more checks recently · A prescription benefits manager notifying its members that a generic drug could be substituted for a prescribed brand-name drug for a substantial savings I have benefited from messages like these. There is real value in these types of messages, sich as. · Recorded messages are less intrusive and coercive than live agent telemarketing; they do not argue with you or attempt to overcome your objections · By offering an explicit opt-out option, recorded messages make it easy for you to be added to a company’s do not call list · Recorded messages always start promptly when you answer the phone, unlike live agent calls made by predictive dialers which begin with a pause · The recorded message is easier to understand than the script read by a disinterested telemarketer I believe what is done in this arena delivers value to consumers, and I am taking the time to let the FTC know this now. Thank you for your support!