Tele-Purchasing Used Goods and Do Not Call Registries

[The idea]

Suppose you want to buy some things. You get residential phone numbers of hundreds of people who live not far from you and you start calling.

"Hello, do you have any spare trousers? I want to buy a pair. Here's what size I'm looking for. None to spare? Well, I'm also looking for a good cookbook. I'll pay 40% of the cover price if it's a good one and it's in good condition. You won't get that kind of deal at a store that buys used books."

Are do not call registries just to stop people who want your cash or would they prevent you from calling strangers to shop for used goods?

 

[Rob Lister]

Suppose you want to buy some things. You get residential phone numbers of hundreds of people who live not far from you and you start calling.

"Hello, do you have any spare trousers? I want to buy a pair. Here's what size I'm looking for. None to spare? Well, I'm also looking for a good cookbook. I'll pay 40% of the cover price if it's a good one and it's in good condition. You won't get that kind of deal at a store that buys used books."

Are do not call registries just to stop people who want your cash or would they prevent you from calling strangers to shop for used goods?

By golly I think you've found a real loophole there! So how many of my used trousers do you wish to purchase? 40% over sale price isn't necessary. I'll sell them to you at cost.

Now honestly, what's your point?

 

[The idea]

By golly I think you've found a real loophole there!

I wasn't actually looking for a loophole. However, suppose you called strangers with various conversation-openers and started noncommercial conversations with them. If some of them called back to continue the conversations, then would you be allowed to try to sell them something?

So how many of my used trousers do you wish to purchase? 40% over sale price isn't necessary. I'll sell them to you at cost.

I didn't specify any amount for the trousers and it's 40% of the cover price for the cookbook, not 40% over the cover price. However, that 40% is conditional upon the cookbook being good and in good condition. Of course, 40% might be too generous.

Now honestly, what's your point?

It's the start of a train of thought. It could lead in many directions. For example, suppose someone who receives spam email that tries to sell some product actually decides to buy the product. Maybe that person should send out spam to buy it from someone who already bought it and who no longer wants it.

Also, suppose you do want to buy something that you almost certainly wouldn't mind getting used. For example, suppose you want a chair. You could call hundreds of people who live not far from you and ask them about what kinds of chairs they own and whether or not they want to sell one. It could save you money and also be a shorter trip than your trip to and from a furniture store. It's an idea that you could put into practice.

 

[Rob Lister]

Re: Re: Tele-Purchasing Used Goods and Do Not Call Registries

I wasn't actually looking for a loophole. However, suppose you called strangers with various conversation-openers and started noncommercial conversations with them. If some of them called back to continue the conversations, then would you be allowed to try to sell them something?


I didn't specify any amount for the trousers and it's 40% of the cover price for the cookbook, not 40% over the cover price. However, that 40% is conditional upon the cookbook being good and in good condition. Of course, 40% might be too generous.


It's the start of a train of thought. It could lead in many directions. For example, suppose someone who receives spam email that tries to sell some product actually decides to buy the product. Maybe that person should send out spam to buy it from someone who already bought it and who no longer wants it.

Also, suppose you do want to buy something that you almost certainly wouldn't mind getting used. For example, suppose you want a chair. You could call hundreds of people who live not far from you and ask them about what kinds of chairs they own and whether or not they want to sell one. It could save you money and also be a shorter trip than your trip to and from a furniture store. It's an idea that you could put into practice.

Thank you for replying but I didn't really care what you point was. I was just browsing. I call you if I need something.

Edit to add hint: ebay

 

[The idea]

This thread brings to mind a matter of economics. Will the "do not call" laws increase the value of advertising media, such as newspapers?

Consider the history. An existing newspaper was once a new business. It might have gotten its circulation numbers up by means of telemarketing. Now someone tries to create a competing newspaper. The competitor cannot use telemarketing. On the one hand, you could argue that this is unfair. On the other hand, it could be an opportunity for newspapers to increase the fees they charge to advertisers and the prices that subscribers pay. An impediment to competition means that currently established newspapers may have, in effect, increased in value.

Also, various businesses that were using telemarketing before the "do not call" laws may now switch to advertising in newspapers.

If you buy shares in a newspaper business, then you might see increased dividends and/or an increase in share values.