Well that's 2 cold calls from the RSPB

[nigel_b]

and I'm beginning to get peeved.

Basically my partner and I take turns to pay the family membership of the RSPB and she's been v busy so hasn't got around to it yet but that doesn't justify cold call interruptions from the RSPB however much we support their aims.

In fact the way they're running it at the moment is naffing me off to the extent that we might not renew.

Anyone else getting interrupted in the evening by the RSPB?

[Kayleigh]

Not the RSPB but the RSPCA with me..
I told them I lost my job so could no longer support them they said they are taking direct debits months in advance so when I get a job the payment will be taken..
This is appalling as they are willing to get people in to debt they dont give a damn as long as they get money..I didn't go along with this..

Wonder if they are on commission...

[thunder]

Well, presumably at some time you gave them your telephone number, so you did not mind them calling you on some subjects? Just say "sorry we forgot, we'll do it soon". At least you know who the RSPB are, rather than some wally who asks you impertinent questions about your day and your health before trying to sell you double glazing or a new kitchen. Don't take it so heavy!

henrya

[SheffieldLass]

You could always join the BTO instead . I'm a member of the BTO, but did lapse my Garden Bird Watch subscription because I have too many birds in my garden to count with any accuracy.. They did write once, to try to persuade me to continue, a nice polite letter, and no phone calls and no emails.

The RSPB is always after my money though, very persistent, which doesn't go down well with me. Hard sell = no buy from me. They should have realised by now (well, some time ago) that I'm a lost cause ...

[stigofthedump]

Any cold call here results in a polite request to be removed from their data base...I think they have to comply by law


Vince

[CharlieCreek]

The RSPB aren't known as the Wildlife Gestapo for nothing you know! I think it is also why they changed our uniform form blue to black with slogans on the back. Again one of the slogans was about 'every penny counts' or somthing like that which I refused and had an 'isn't willife brilliant' or similar option slogan instead.

I volunteered with the RSPB for a while and their emphasis was always on get people to have a membership.

I refused, jumping on someone to take out a membership on what was often a first visit to the reserve is appalling. Let them become a regular and then ask if they would like to contribute with a membership.

I also have to add it wasn't the wish of any volunteer to push the memberships or in truth most of the sites staff but rather the RSPB from on high policy.

I am happily a BTO member instead and they don't bug the heck out of you for more money.

[pressld2]

I do understand the annoyance that these calls can cause but would like to say a few words in the RSPB's defence...

Firstly, they spend the money the receive from all revenue streams on conservation work both in the UK and around the world. They do not stockpile it and hold large reserves of cash. I'm told that if all the RSPB revenue streams were cut off today they'd be bust in less than six weeks. Membership is a significant revenue stream so of course they are going to be concerned if people don't renew. They will want to make sure you haven't simply forgotten and, if it's a deliberate decision not to renew, they will want to know why. I think this is perfectly reasonable.

Secondly, as Vince says, you can always ask to be removed from their database and he's quite correct that it's a legal requirement for them to comply with this request. I don't know when you joined or what the procedure was then, but when I joined there were boxes on the form to tick if you didn't want to be contacted by phone, email or post. I said okay for phone or email but not post - snail mail is not environmentally friendly.

Finally, any organisation that I'm already a member of calling to remind me that my membership is due for renewal does not fall within my definition of "cold calling". Phoning people at random trying to drum up new business is cold calling, phoning your existing members is simply "maintaining a relationship".

Dave P.

[rossy]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Not the RSPB but the RSPCA with me..
I told them I lost my job so could no longer support them they said they are taking direct debits months in advance so when I get a job the payment will be taken..
This is appalling as they are willing to get people in to debt they dont give a damn as long as they get money..I didn't go along with this..

Wonder if they are on commission...

if you havent done already, just cancel the direct debit, then they cant take any of your hard earned cash, rossy.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by rossy

if you havent done already, just cancel the direct debit, then they cant take any of your hard earned cash, rossy.

I had cancelled the dd a few months before..then got the call trying to get me to rejoin.
I must say I did they same with the RSPB and they did not contact me.

[bob.phillips]

I think Dave is right on this. After all they are charities and every penny is important to them. A 'gentle ' reminder is IMO justified. Cold callers on double glazing and other products is just for them to make profits. If you want to support charities, such as RSPB, and you don't want their reminders then simply sign up for a direct debit. They will contact you to say they are about to take the next payment and if you don't want them to, then you can cancel. There are so many charities around that we all might want to support, but it does get rather expensive. I have a number that I support and pay a reasonable amount each year for that. For those that ask for money which I do not want to support, or can't afford to, then I politely tell them to 'sod off'

Regards,

Bob P.