When the broker won’t quit: An e-mail exchange
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A reader writes to complain about a real estate broker who wouldn’t take no for an answer, and to pass along their e-mail exchange. In the exchange, she’s trying to get herself removed from his e-mail list of houses for sale. He’s … well, you decide what he’s trying to accomplish:
READER to BROKER:
PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM THIS LIST!!! Thank you ~
BROKER’S RESPONSE:
We can remove you from this list, but may we first ask why you are choosing to unsubscribe?
READER:
We purchased a home already so no longer need to receive listings.
Thank you ~
BROKER:
May we ask one more question. When you where looking for real estate you found us useful, but when it came time to purchase you forgot about us? Could you let us know why? It would help us in our business model. Thanks.
READER:
I was not looking in the areas you sent me e-mails about. Plus, I have had a real estate agent since the very beginning. Please remove me from the list and no more questions.
Thank you
BROKER:
Please lose our website address. Use your realtor’s website next time so we aren’t bothered with your stupidity and rudeness.
READER:
I have e-mailed you multiple times to be removed from this list and have been ignored, including right after I got an agent and determined that I would not be buying in the areas you were sending me homes for. You offer no ‘unsubscribe’ or ‘opt out’ option on the list, which is what you are supposed to have in order for me to unsubscribe on my own. When I FINALLY receive a response from you, you pepper me with questions that are really none of your business. It is the law that if I request removal from e-mail lists, you must do so. There is really no reason to be rude to me as you so clearly were. I am seriously considering forwarding your e-mail to the CA Division of Real Estate to show them your unprofessional behavior (as well as telling them about your e-mail practices in general) and will be sure to tell everyone I know that your company should be avoided if they are interested in buying or selling real estate. Have a wonderful day.
Go ahead and forward the e-mail, it was sent in response to a rude person. FYI USING ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED YELLING!!! Next time you e-mail someone just type.
Please tell all your friends to avoid us as we are not interested in referrals from people that don’t use our services. Let them go somewhere else. Our site is for our clients only.
There you have it. Thoughts? Comments? E-mail story tips to peter.viles@latimes.com