Citibank = Spammers
How annoying is this? I was just out in the knitting shop helping a customer, when this young guy and chick walk in. They’re wearing matching Citibank lanyards so I figure they’ve come over from a meeting or something.

Me: What can I help you with?
Guy: We’re just going around to all the businesses in the area let you know about our great low interest rates–
Me: I’m sorry, what?
Guy: We got a great new low interest rate going.
Me: *blank stare* For what, loans?
Guy: Yes.
Me: You’re in here… during the work day… offering me a loan?
Guy: We’re just going to everyone on this street–
Me: I’m sorry; we’re working in a knitting shop. We’re not interested in loans.
Guy: But–
Me: And I personally make it a policy not to respond to unsolicited commercial… SPAM.
Chick: What part of America are you from? *smarmy grin*
Me: Uh, Indiana.
Chick: Do they have a lot of marketing over there?
Me: I wouldn’t know. I’ve been here for five years.
Guy: When is the business owner available?
Me: He’s upstairs right now. SERVING CUSTOMERS.
Guy: We’ll come back later.
Me: You can try your luck, but I doubt it’ll work…

Spam. People spam. How is this different from cold calling? It’s even more confrontational since it’s IN MY FACE. (And of course, there’s no National “Do Not Pester Me in Person” Registry.) It’s annoying enough to get off the bus at Town Hall and have to run the gauntlet of chuggers and beggars; I don’t need marketroids following me into the workplace. And what’s up with asking where I come from? It’s like she was suggesting that only Americans would find their tactics objectionable. WHATEVER. I should send in a complaint.