Predictive Dialers

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Predictive dialers can be thought of as supercharged autodialers. A predictive dialing system is programmed to automatically dial a large group of telephone numbers. When a predictive dialer reaches a busy signal, fax machine, or unanswered line, it dumps the call. Live calls are automatically directed to a telemarketer.

As the name implies, predictive dialers use advanced programming to predict the outcome of a call. According to legend, a predictive dialer can turn a less then optimal list into a productive session by maximizing the time that telemarketers spend with potential customers. If you have something to sell over the telephone and you have little time to sell it, predictive dialers are designed to make your efforts more effective.

But if you're on the other end of the line, watch out ...

Consumers--make that you and me--tend to dislike predictive dialers with a passion. It's easy to tell when a predictive dialer has called your number. That long stretch of dead air after you pick up the line (where you typically say "hello, Hello?, HELLO???) is a dead giveaway. The predictive dialer is using that dead air time to route your call to a live attendant.

In a house with multiple phone lines, you can sometimes hear the different lines ring simulataneously. This is another tip off that you've been targeted by a predictive dialer. When that happens around here, I let those calls go to voice mail. But that brings up yet another wrinkle ...

Some predictive dialers are programmed to seek out answering machines. They leave messages that sound as if a real person has something of real imporantance to say. Their messages sound earnest, the voices even honest. And when they don't find the answering machines they're looking for, they hang up.

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