Fast read
Dealing with incessant solar cold callers can be frustrating. Crucial to never purchase from cold callers, as they often offer subpar deals and inflate benefits.
In Australia, the 'Do Not Call Register' (DNCR) legally prevents marketers from contacting registered individuals, though businesses with inferred consent may still reach out. If cold calls persist, filing a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) can hold the responsible companies accountable. Remember the 10-day cooling-off period, where you can cancel a purchase over $100 without penalty.
What to do when annoying solar and battery telemarketers keep contacting you
It is quite frequent that people get approached by telemarketers, often from overseas, trying to sell solar & battery systems. These callers can become persistent and pesty trying to organise appointments and do the hard sell on solar. Usually, these companies also sell cheaper less long-lasting solar, so buyers beware.
We recommend not dealing with any cold-calling cheap solar company, particularly over the phone. Traditionally, cold callers have a notoriously poor reputation and rightfully so (mostly) for looking to take advantage of people who do not understand solar.
It takes some research to understand how solar & batteries work. These types of sales teams try to sell you what will often be a low-quality and overpriced solar system before you have the chance to do your own research, fully assess what your needs are, and be able to compare the true value of what you are being offered.
Ask them not to call again
While it might be easy to hang up or even ask them not to call again, more than likely, they will call again, as they have your number in their system.
Be clear and firm
When you receive a call, clearly express that you are not interested in their solar services. Be polite but firm in your response. State that you do not wish to be contacted again and request removal from their call list. Otherwise, you will complain to the Australian Communication and Media Authority.
Don’t engage in lengthy conversations with Telemarketers
If you engage in lengthy discussions or debates, it might encourage them to continue calling you. Keep your responses brief and focused on your lack of interest.
Block the numbers
Save the numbers from which you receive persistent calls and block them on your phone. If they call your mobile, you can also block the number. Most smartphones have built-in features or apps that allow you to block specific numbers. This can help reduce the number of unwanted calls.
Use call-blocking apps
Consider using call-blocking apps on your smartphone. These apps can automatically detect and block spam or unwanted calls based on known databases of telemarketers or through user reports.
Ignore unknown numbers
If you receive a call from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail if possible. Legitimate callers will often leave a message, while persistent telemarketers may not.
Report persistent callers
If, despite your requests, they continue to call, report them to the appropriate authorities. Provide details such as the phone number, date, and time of the calls. This can help regulatory bodies act against repeat offenders.
The Do Not Call Register for Telemarketers
If you do not want to receive these calls, the best thing to do is to go to the do-not-call register here https://www.donotcall.gov.au/ and enter your details and phone number. After 30 days from this date, telemarketers and marketers, etc, are prohibited from making unsolicited calls to your phone. If they do and you make a complaint, they can be fined up to $2.22 million per day for repeated offences.
The Australian Communication and Media Authority has a Do Not Call register. You can register online or call them via 1300 792 958. They manage the register and service on behalf of the Australian Government; 30 days after your phone number has been registered, telemarketing companies can only call your number if you have given expressed consent.
Even if you are not on the Do Not Call Register, there are regulations on the times that marketers are allowed to call, and they can be fined for calling outside these times.
The allowable times are;
9 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday
9 am to 5 pm Saturday
Not permitted on Sunday
If they do call you, make sure they identify themselves, who they are, and what company they are calling from so that you can report them to ACMA, which manages the do not call register, to be able to take action.
A summary of how the Do Not Call register works
The Do Not Call Register is like a digital shield that helps reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. You can add your home phone number, personal mobile phone number, or fax number to this list. However, it doesn’t work for business numbers unless your phone serves both business and personal purposes, with personal use being more than 50%.
After your number has been on the register for 30 days, telemarketers can only call you if you’ve given them permission or if they are exempt from the rules. You can change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time.
The Do Not Call Register doesn’t block calls; it just ensures businesses check their call lists against it before making calls.
What is telemarketing?
Telemarketing calls are the ones where people try to sell, advertise, or promote stuff. But calls about debt collection, appointment reminders, or product recalls are not telemarketing. Research or survey calls aren’t telemarketing, but they must follow certain rules.
Even if your number is on the Do Not Call Register, you might still get calls from some organisations like government agencies, charities, schools, politicians, or election candidates, but solar sales cold call companies should not be able to call you. Unfortunately, sometimes overseas call centres do not follow the rules, and in such an instance, it is advised to make a complaint.
The Do Not Call Register can’t stop scam calls, but if you’re not sure if a call is legit, you can call them back using a number you know is real, like one on a bill or an official website. You can contact Scamwatch, run by the ACCC to report scam calls.
If you ever receive a telemarketing call without your consent or if you think a company is breaking the rules, you can make a complaint. The ACMA ensure companies follow these rules, and if there’s a serious problem, the relevant Government Agency will investigate and take action. Your privacy and peace deserve protection.
A final word
If someone has contacted you over the phone trying to sell you solar or solar storage batteries, it’s always best to hang up. While some companies who cold call will give you their actual details, the majority of the companies will not. High-quality solar panel installers do not engage call centres to sell their products.
You must also understand that the salesperson is just doing their job. They are usually working on commission and threatened to get fired if they don’t reach their daily quota. Therefore, it’s important to understand that while you must be firm about never buying from a solar company, cold calls, if successful, only encourage more cold calls for other products.
