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Telemarketer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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telemarketer

[tɛləmɑrkɪtər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sales calls

A telemarketer is a person who makes phone calls to potential customers to sell products or services. They often work for companies and may use scripted dialogue to engage the customer. Telemarketing is a method used by businesses to reach a wide audience quickly and cost-effectively.

Synonyms

call agent, sales representative, telephone salesperson.

Examples of usage

  • The telemarketer called me during dinner.
  • She works as a telemarketer for a local insurance company.
  • He had a knack for convincing people, making him an excellent telemarketer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term became popular in the 1980s when companies started using the telephone for direct sales.
  • Before telemarketing, salespeople would go door-to-door to sell their products.
  • The first recorded use of telemarketing dates back to the early 1900s, but it gained prominence with the rise of consumer products.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have led to the use of automated dialing systems for telemarketing, making calls faster.
  • Modern telemarketing often involves data analytics to target potential customers more effectively.
  • Telemarketers now often utilize multiple channels, including email and text messaging, alongside traditional phone calls.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the way a telemarketer communicates can significantly affect whether a person decides to buy something.
  • Many telemarketers are trained in psychological techniques to persuade customers, such as building rapport or appealing to emotions.
  • Persuasion through telemarketing often relies on the concept of scarcity – implying that a deal is limited in time or availability.

Regulations

  • In many countries, there are strict laws governing telemarketing to protect consumers from unwanted calls.
  • The National Do Not Call Registry in the United States allows individuals to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls.
  • Some telemarketers face fines if they violate telemarketing regulations, underscoring the importance of compliance.

Cultural Impact

  • Telemarketers are often the subject of jokes in popular culture, symbolizing annoying interruptions.
  • Despite negative stereotypes, some telemarketers provide crucial services for charities and non-profit organizations.
  • In TV shows and movies, telemarketers are sometimes depicted as persistent, highlighting the challenges of the profession.

Origin of 'telemarketer'

The term 'telemarketer' emerged from the combination of 'tele-', meaning 'distant', derived from the Greek word 'tēle', and 'marketer', which stems from 'marketing'. The practice of telemarketing began in the 1950s, gaining popularity with the advent of accessible telephones. As businesses sought new ways to reach customers directly and cost-effectively, telemarketing evolved, utilizing lists of potential customers to sell products over the phone. Throughout the years, telemarketing has faced criticism for invading privacy and spamming, leading to regulations such as the National Do Not Call Registry in the United States, which has impacted the industry's practices significantly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,941, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.