Always Be Closing: IDT Energy Salesmen Interrupt Man In Shower

Max from Queens tells us what it’s like to have IDT Energy knocking on your door:

My front buzzer rang a little while ago while I was in the shower. I figured it was UPS, and that my roommate would go out to get it. A short while later, the bell on my apartment went off, and I guessed that he had forgotten to grab his keys on the way out. So I grabbed a towel, and went to let him in. Instead of my roommate, there was some dude with a binder.

Now, picture me if you will, dripping, with shampoo in my hair, face to face with a tall young man that is holding a binder, who is definitely not the UPS guy. In most situations, you’d figure the person at the door would apologize for the inconvenience and motor on. Nope…

(These are the kind lovely aggressive salesmanship tactics you’ll hear about in our undercover adventure into IDT Energy…)


“Hi, I’m from ::mumble mumble:: and I’d like to help you save on your ConEd energy bill. Can I have a look at it please?”
“Uh, actually, I’m already with a different energy supplier and quite hap-”

At this point, the woman behind him, who had unsuccessfully been knocking at my neighbor’s door came up and took over. “Who is your energy provider?”
“Excuse me?”
“Who is your energy provider. Show me your bill.”
“I don’t see as how it’s any of your business.”
“We just want to make sure you’re saving by using an energy supplier.”
“I just told you I am, and can you not see that I’m dripping wet wearing a towel in my kitchen? I’m making a puddle here… You think this might be a bad time?”
“Well let me just give you this form…”

And that’s when I had enough of the game and asked to see their ConEd ID. They scurried away and I got back in the shower. I was sort of looking forward to meeting some IDT flunkies, but darn it all, the shower ruined all my plans…

Good job, kids. A-B-C. A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing, always be closing. ‘Cause only one thing counts in this world: get them to sign on the line which is dotted. We’re adding a little something to this month’s sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody want to see second prize? Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you’re fired. (Glengarry/Glen Ross) — BEN POPKEN

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.