"You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
It's more than disconcerting to think that one of the "guests" at the table might be a stealth salesperson. Given folks' propensity to be polite, I can imagine how table conversation might be steered.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I'm never cynical enough. Never thought of that. Now that you bring it up, I'll bet there's no "might" about it.john94549 wrote:It's more than disconcerting to think that one of the "guests" at the table might be a stealth salesperson. Given folks' propensity to be polite, I can imagine how table conversation might be steered.
I wonder if there's even anything illegal about that. Are paid associates of the presenter required to disclose themselves without being asked? Are they required to disclose themselves if asked? Can they legally make claims that the presenter can't make?
When I was a kid and would stare and stare at the strangely grown-up slightly-tough-looking people walking around carrying four-foot-high stuffed toys just like the ones you could win at the ring toss. Never occurred to me that they might not have won them at the ring toss.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
If you enjoy going to dinner and sitting with people you don't know for 90 minutes these "events" are fine. If your ready to invest based on a steak and potato and a 30 minute presentation you probably need someone to watch over your investments anyway.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I brought up this point yesterday:nisiprius wrote:I'm never cynical enough. Never thought of that. Now that you bring it up, I'll bet there's no "might" about it.john94549 wrote:It's more than disconcerting to think that one of the "guests" at the table might be a stealth salesperson. Given folks' propensity to be polite, I can imagine how table conversation might be steered.
VictoriaOn 21 Oct 2014, at 21:14, VictoriaF wrote: 5. Other seminar attendees are probably not sharp; otherwise they would not be there. You are not likely to enjoy your table mates, and still you are likely to be influenced by their views (in addition to the views expressed by the organizers). There may even be stool pigeons at each table who pretend to be regular attendees like yourself and share with you some of their "successes" with similar products.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Those are called shills, not stool pigeons.VictoriaF wrote:There may even be stool pigeons at each table who pretend to be regular attendees like yourself and share with you some of their "successes" with similar products.
(Not that I have any experience in either domain...)
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Google tells me thatHouse Blend wrote:Those are called shills, not stool pigeons.VictoriaF wrote:There may even be stool pigeons at each table who pretend to be regular attendees like yourself and share with you some of their "successes" with similar products.
(Not that I have any experience in either domain...)
- A stool pigeon is "a police informer, a person acting as a decoy."
- A shill is "an accomplice of a hawker, gambler, or swindler who acts as an enthusiastic customer to entice or encourage others."
I agree that shills are better. Thanks for educating me,
Victoria
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
+1 !!!bsteiner wrote:If you go to the free dinner seminar and you're the one who buys the annuity, the living trust, the timeshare or the bridge, then not only did you pay for your free dinner, but you paid for the free dinners for everyone else in the room.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Apologies for overlooking it and not crediting you.VictoriaF wrote:I brought up this point yesterday:
VictoriaOn 21 Oct 2014, at 21:14, VictoriaF wrote: 5. Other seminar attendees are probably not sharp; otherwise they would not be there. You are not likely to enjoy your table mates, and still you are likely to be influenced by their views (in addition to the views expressed by the organizers). There may even be stool pigeons at each table who pretend to be regular attendees like yourself and share with you some of their "successes" with similar products.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
+1 I think "westie" hit the nail on the head here. Nisiprius, Victoria, et al....from what I know about you, despite your profound knowledge of behavioral economics, I cannot imagine you buying an annuity if you went to cash in on a free lunch because a salesman outsmarted you. Salesmen may be good but they are not THAT good, or you would not be committed index investors. IMHO, the only true concern is whether wasting one's time listening to idiotic bloviation is worth a dinner. And it's a valid one.westie wrote:If you enjoy going to dinner and sitting with people you don't know for 90 minutes these "events" are fine. If your ready to invest based on a steak and potato and a 30 minute presentation you probably need someone to watch over your investments anyway.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I work for one of these places. DO NOT GO.
You'll be given a free dinner, sure, but after that the annoyance begins. You'll be asked to set up an appointment with the speaker to learn more about the material. Perhaps they'll call you several times, send you email, or more letters to get you to come in. If you agree to come in, you are likely to receive a phone call to be screened by someone who is following a script, to determine if you have enough money to be worth the business's time and effort.
If you're ready to keep saying "no no no," and you can endure the "no pressure" presentation, then get yourself a free meal. Otherwise, stay home, and enjoy a cold one, knowing you're better off without the pitch.
You'll be given a free dinner, sure, but after that the annoyance begins. You'll be asked to set up an appointment with the speaker to learn more about the material. Perhaps they'll call you several times, send you email, or more letters to get you to come in. If you agree to come in, you are likely to receive a phone call to be screened by someone who is following a script, to determine if you have enough money to be worth the business's time and effort.
If you're ready to keep saying "no no no," and you can endure the "no pressure" presentation, then get yourself a free meal. Otherwise, stay home, and enjoy a cold one, knowing you're better off without the pitch.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I do not go because I can either be honest and offensive or disingenuous. Everyone has a right to make a living and I have no desire to be offensive. So I'm left with disingenuous, and I just can't do that either.
Last edited by swaption on Wed Oct 22, 2014 1:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Cottons wrote:You'll be asked to set up an appointment with the speaker to learn more about the material. Say no.
Perhaps they'll call you several times Don't give them your number.
send you email Don't give them your email address
or more letters to get you to come in Treat it like any other junk mail.
If you agree to come in Don't do that
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
This is why I've never gone to one - it becomes a sort of tar baby (dictionary defined as "any sticky situation that is only aggravated by additional contact"). Once they have your name, you'll be in for the sales followups Cottons describes. Even if you don't fall for them, you'll spend time trying to get unstuck, valuable time much better spent elsewhere.Cottons wrote:I work for one of these places. DO NOT GO.
You'll be given a free dinner, sure, but after that the annoyance begins. You'll be asked to set up an appointment with the speaker to learn more about the material. Perhaps they'll call you several times, send you email, or more letters to get you to come in. If you agree to come in, you are likely to receive a phone call to be screened by someone who is following a script, to determine if you have enough money to be worth the business's time and effort.
...
BTW Cottons, do you mind saying what kind of work you do at these places? Up to you, of course.
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
nisiprius wrote: I feel very seriously that it is unwise to try to steal bait from mousetraps.
The salesperson thinks he is the irresistible force, you think you are the immovable object, one of you is wrong. It is not necessarily the salesperson. Some of them are really good at what they do, which is convincing prospects. You think it can't happen to you, but "there's not a horse that cain't be rode and not a rider that cain't be throwed."
I guess I may be one of those outliers. I've been to to three time-share presentations and 4 investment/annuity scam presentations and have gotten 7 dinners, and two plane ticket vouchers out of it without buying a thing, although I did pay $5 to to the hotel valet at one of those. I too am curious how they get information. I don't sign up for anything. I suspect they send blanket invitations in wealthy areas.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I would say that you got those dinners and plane ticket vouchers the old fashioned way-you earned them. Enjoy the vouchers, but earning them not worth the aggravation and loss of time to me.denovo wrote:nisiprius wrote: I feel very seriously that it is unwise to try to steal bait from mousetraps.
The salesperson thinks he is the irresistible force, you think you are the immovable object, one of you is wrong. It is not necessarily the salesperson. Some of them are really good at what they do, which is convincing prospects. You think it can't happen to you, but "there's not a horse that cain't be rode and not a rider that cain't be throwed."
I guess I may be one of those outliers. I've been to to three time-share presentations and 4 investment/annuity scam presentations and have gotten 7 dinners, and two plane ticket vouchers out of it without buying a thing, although I did pay $5 to to the hotel valet at one of those. I too am curious how they get information. I don't sign up for anything. I suspect they send blanket invitations in wealthy areas.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I'm an administrative assistant. So my hands aren't as dirty as some. I'm the guy who makes sure all the forms have correct spelling, are worded correctly (we can't call ourselves financial planners or advisers without the license...) client's requests are handled etc. etc.Fallible wrote:This is why I've never gone to one - it becomes a sort of tar baby (dictionary defined as "any sticky situation that is only aggravated by additional contact"). Once they have your name, you'll be in for the sales followups Cottons describes. Even if you don't fall for them, you'll spend time trying to get unstuck, valuable time much better spent elsewhere.Cottons wrote:I work for one of these places. DO NOT GO.
You'll be given a free dinner, sure, but after that the annoyance begins. You'll be asked to set up an appointment with the speaker to learn more about the material. Perhaps they'll call you several times, send you email, or more letters to get you to come in. If you agree to come in, you are likely to receive a phone call to be screened by someone who is following a script, to determine if you have enough money to be worth the business's time and effort.
...
BTW Cottons, do you mind saying what kind of work you do at these places? Up to you, of course.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
denovo wrote:I don't sign up for anything. I suspect they send blanket invitations in wealthy areas.nisiprius wrote: I feel very seriously that it is unwise to try to steal bait from mousetraps.
The salesperson thinks he is the irresistible force, you think you are the immovable object, one of you is wrong. It is not necessarily the salesperson. Some of them are really good at what they do, which is convincing prospects. You think it can't happen to you, but "there's not a horse that cain't be rode and not a rider that cain't be throwed."
Sorry for the double post, but this is exactly what happens. Lists are bought for a premium that contain hundreds, if not thousands of names and addresses. Sending via post is cheap, and if 1 person becomes a client from a seminar it more than covers the cost of dinners and postage.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I've gone to one of these. Wife and I had a great steak dinner. The sales pitch, in my case, was not heavy. Afterwards, I told them I was not interested in their services but thanked them for the invitation and went on my way. If there is even the small possibility that you will cave, don't risk attending. I knew beyond doubt that I would not give in no matter what they said.
By the way, I've gone to several timeshare presentations for gifts too (free shows, dinners, etc.). They look confused when I tell them that the only way I would buy a timeshare is if they pay me for it instead. I will not write any checks or take out my credit card but I'm happy to accept checks from them or their credit card. When they ask me about discounted future vacations, I tell them there is a possibility I will never wish to leave my house ever again and want to keep all my options on the table. I remind them that I am open to receiving payments from them. I come across like a lost cause and they usually let me go pretty easily.
By the way, I've gone to several timeshare presentations for gifts too (free shows, dinners, etc.). They look confused when I tell them that the only way I would buy a timeshare is if they pay me for it instead. I will not write any checks or take out my credit card but I'm happy to accept checks from them or their credit card. When they ask me about discounted future vacations, I tell them there is a possibility I will never wish to leave my house ever again and want to keep all my options on the table. I remind them that I am open to receiving payments from them. I come across like a lost cause and they usually let me go pretty easily.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
If any companies think they are buying up lists of names and addresses of people in just ritzy neighborhoods - somebody goofed with me.
I still suspect my bank (PNC) as behind it. My address is far from Park Place or the Boardwalk. Am not exactly on Baltic or Mediteranean Ave, either. Maybe New York, Kentucky, Ventnor in the grand scheme of life.
I never get the time share invites, just the usual exclusive dinner seminars for overpriced annuities, risky variable life insurance, and the mysterious "Take Control of Your Finances, Learn The Secrets of Guaranteed High Income!"
Even tho venues listed are some of the posh restaurants around here, guess what, in the fine print, there is a prix fixe menu only. When reserving, please choose a) Captain's Chicken b) the Festive Fish.
So, around here at least, nobody is getting a nice lobster or prime rib dinner. Yet
I still suspect my bank (PNC) as behind it. My address is far from Park Place or the Boardwalk. Am not exactly on Baltic or Mediteranean Ave, either. Maybe New York, Kentucky, Ventnor in the grand scheme of life.
I never get the time share invites, just the usual exclusive dinner seminars for overpriced annuities, risky variable life insurance, and the mysterious "Take Control of Your Finances, Learn The Secrets of Guaranteed High Income!"
Even tho venues listed are some of the posh restaurants around here, guess what, in the fine print, there is a prix fixe menu only. When reserving, please choose a) Captain's Chicken b) the Festive Fish.
So, around here at least, nobody is getting a nice lobster or prime rib dinner. Yet
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
* B U M P *
Am bumping this thread back up to see if anyone got this one from Fidelity in today's mail :
Although me, and a guest, are cordially invited to attend a complimentary seminar at this "exclusive Fidelity event" there is absolutely no mention, not a word anywhere, about eats. Grub. Not brunch, not lunch, not dinner. Not so much as a bag of peanuts is listed.
The locale is one of the real swanky places well-known for its European-trained chefs and 5 star cuisine. (Tidewater Inn) And, known to have more than one, er, banquet rooms.
But all the invitation discloses is the schedule: 10 Am - 11:15 AM "Understanding ETFs) ; 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM "Year-End Strategies" ; 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM "Establishing & Maintaining Your Estate PLan".
That's it. Except for "Seating is limited" , RSVP today , yada yada
What am I supposed to make of this? There will be a lavish luncheon served promptly at 12:30 PM? And there was a separate card that went into the envelope, only mine got missed by the machine that spews this out?
Or, no lunch, but the attendees are expected to mingle after the seminar(s) in the Inn's bar until a lavish dinner is served later?
Or are we to believe that Fidelity Investments is fixing to put on the Biggest Cheapskate Event of the Year?
If anyone else got one of these, please advise a.s.a.p. Otherwise I will be obliged to star67 that r.s.v.p. number and just ask them straight out -
"Are you feeding us, or not ?"
Am bumping this thread back up to see if anyone got this one from Fidelity in today's mail :
Although me, and a guest, are cordially invited to attend a complimentary seminar at this "exclusive Fidelity event" there is absolutely no mention, not a word anywhere, about eats. Grub. Not brunch, not lunch, not dinner. Not so much as a bag of peanuts is listed.
The locale is one of the real swanky places well-known for its European-trained chefs and 5 star cuisine. (Tidewater Inn) And, known to have more than one, er, banquet rooms.
But all the invitation discloses is the schedule: 10 Am - 11:15 AM "Understanding ETFs) ; 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM "Year-End Strategies" ; 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM "Establishing & Maintaining Your Estate PLan".
That's it. Except for "Seating is limited" , RSVP today , yada yada
What am I supposed to make of this? There will be a lavish luncheon served promptly at 12:30 PM? And there was a separate card that went into the envelope, only mine got missed by the machine that spews this out?
Or, no lunch, but the attendees are expected to mingle after the seminar(s) in the Inn's bar until a lavish dinner is served later?
Or are we to believe that Fidelity Investments is fixing to put on the Biggest Cheapskate Event of the Year?
If anyone else got one of these, please advise a.s.a.p. Otherwise I will be obliged to star67 that r.s.v.p. number and just ask them straight out -
"Are you feeding us, or not ?"
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Which Tidewater Inn? I didn't get one, but I don't think there's a Tidewater Inn near me.drawpoker wrote:* B U M P *
Am bumping this thread back up to see if anyone got this one from Fidelity in today's mail :
Although me, and a guest, are cordially invited to attend a complimentary seminar at this "exclusive Fidelity event" there is absolutely no mention, not a word anywhere, about eats. Grub. Not brunch, not lunch, not dinner. Not so much as a bag of peanuts is listed.
The locale is one of the real swanky places well-known for its European-trained chefs and 5 star cuisine. (Tidewater Inn) And, known to have more than one, er, banquet rooms.
But all the invitation discloses is the schedule: 10 Am - 11:15 AM "Understanding ETFs) ; 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM "Year-End Strategies" ; 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM "Establishing & Maintaining Your Estate PLan".
That's it. Except for "Seating is limited" , RSVP today , yada yada
What am I supposed to make of this? There will be a lavish luncheon served promptly at 12:30 PM? And there was a separate card that went into the envelope, only mine got missed by the machine that spews this out?
Or, no lunch, but the attendees are expected to mingle after the seminar(s) in the Inn's bar until a lavish dinner is served later?
Or are we to believe that Fidelity Investments is fixing to put on the Biggest Cheapskate Event of the Year?
If anyone else got one of these, please advise a.s.a.p. Otherwise I will be obliged to star67 that r.s.v.p. number and just ask them straight out -
"Are you feeding us, or not ?"
"The stock market is a giant distraction from the business of investing." - Jack Bogle
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Easton. Where Cheney and Rumsfeld & wives chow down a lot. ( When they aren't at Mai'sons)
Think the invitations only went to people in area with Fidelity accounts.
Think the invitations only went to people in area with Fidelity accounts.
Last edited by drawpoker on Mon Nov 03, 2014 7:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but since they didn't even bother mentioning the meal and there is a one hour window you are undoubtedly going to get one of the hotel buffet lunches. And they are the same everywhere. But they may give you a Fidelity ballpoint pen to take home. Enjoy.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Maybe. But I am beginning to think the printer left off the info on the lunch arrangements (why would they deliberately be silent on the matter?) and it was too late to fix. There is a big white space that could be the missing link.
This big, gala extravaganza is set for Nov. 13 and I just got mine in the mail today.
That seems a little strange, too. Shoulda gone out at least 2 weeks or more in advance.
This big, gala extravaganza is set for Nov. 13 and I just got mine in the mail today.
That seems a little strange, too. Shoulda gone out at least 2 weeks or more in advance.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I've been to a few of these over the years and have never had any problems at all. A few good questions to pitch from the floor are:
1) How exactly are you getting paid for pushing this new fangled fool proof investment. (they love this one)
2) I've heard lately that costs really matter. Where exactly do you disclose the total costs of this venture. (Room usually goes quiet here)
3) Invest now, nope I can't, I have to consult my IPS to see if your yen based Peruvian REIT is mentioned.
This is sort of like when the fellow calls telling me I have a problem with my "Windows." I tell him I have Macs, and I usually ask, because you're obviously a pro, could help me unlock my iPhone. They always hang up on me, and almost always in less than 5 minutes.
Next time they call I think I'll tell him I have Pella, and ask if there is a recall. I'm confident he won't have a clue what I'm talking about, which is just fine with me. Get them off their script and they're blathering idiots!
Enjoy the meal and ask lots of questions.
SB...
1) How exactly are you getting paid for pushing this new fangled fool proof investment. (they love this one)
2) I've heard lately that costs really matter. Where exactly do you disclose the total costs of this venture. (Room usually goes quiet here)
3) Invest now, nope I can't, I have to consult my IPS to see if your yen based Peruvian REIT is mentioned.
This is sort of like when the fellow calls telling me I have a problem with my "Windows." I tell him I have Macs, and I usually ask, because you're obviously a pro, could help me unlock my iPhone. They always hang up on me, and almost always in less than 5 minutes.
Next time they call I think I'll tell him I have Pella, and ask if there is a recall. I'm confident he won't have a clue what I'm talking about, which is just fine with me. Get them off their script and they're blathering idiots!
Enjoy the meal and ask lots of questions.
SB...
"Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal" -Robert A. Heinlein
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
please recycle this stuff, it is source material for toilet paper and other needed paper products.flyingaway wrote:I got one such invitation in the mail yesterday, and it went directly into trash..
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
How could you have a nice dinner with your wife when a stranger interrupts you two continuously talking garbage?
You are invited by well trained salesmen. They have sold a lot this way, probably sell you something after you go to these events 20 times. We get these invitations also, threw out all of them. Our time is limited, why waste our precious time with that?
You are invited by well trained salesmen. They have sold a lot this way, probably sell you something after you go to these events 20 times. We get these invitations also, threw out all of them. Our time is limited, why waste our precious time with that?
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
My husband and I have gone to a number of planning your retirement years seminars. They've ranged from minor appetizers to a lovely meal with wine.drawpoker wrote: The locale is one of the real swanky places well-known for its European-trained chefs and 5 star cuisine. (Tidewater Inn) And, known to have more than one, er, banquet rooms.
But all the invitation discloses is the schedule: 10 Am - 11:15 AM "Understanding ETFs) ; 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM "Year-End Strategies" ; 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM "Establishing & Maintaining Your Estate PLan".
That's it. Except for "Seating is limited" , RSVP today , yada yada
What am I supposed to make of this? Otherwise I will be obliged to star67 that r.s.v.p. number and just ask them straight out -
"Are you feeding us, or not ?"
The hands-down poshest seminar we went to was the one on estate planning put on by Fidelity at the Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis. The location was beautiful. There was wine before the meal and wine served with the meal. If I remember correctly, we were asked, when we rsvp'd, which of two entrees we would prefer.
Give them a call. Ask if a meal is included. You're not going to be insulting anyone by doing that. It's really not a big deal. Oh... and report back here what they say. I'm curious now.
The key to success - Save early, save often, invest well.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I am with Nisiprius. Do not go.nisiprius wrote:I feel very seriously that it is unwise to try to steal bait from mousetraps.protagonist wrote:I received an "invitation" from Dale A. Frank of Dale A. Frank Financial Group and Insurance Agency. "You're invited to a critically timed event for those preparing for retirement". A talk followed by dinner at a stodgy restaurant. "This is an educational program only, There is no cost or obligation and nothing will be sold. Enjoy a complimentary dinner served immediately after the presentation".
I imagine they won't be teaching me much and trying to sell me a lot.
Are these sort of things worth attending for the dinner if you have nothing better to do? Or are they torture?
The salesperson thinks he is the irresistible force, you think you are the immovable object, one of you is wrong. It is not necessarily the salesperson. Some of them are really good at what they do, which is convincing prospects. You think it can't happen to you, but "there's not a horse that cain't be rode and not a rider that cain't be throwed."
Even if you don't buy whatever it is they're selling, if you get in the habit of going, the percentages will start to work against you.
A friend of mine bragged about going to time-share presentations just to get the free dinner. She said cheerfully, "Oh, I don't have any problems at all. When they come over to give me the sales talk, I just tell them 'I'm just here for the free dinner.'"
And she is trying unsuccessfully to unload a time-share that she never uses.
I can come up with only one reason to go. Be a force of reason and try to espouse Bogheheadism and ask pointed questions about cost, fiduciary duty etc.
However they are better salespeople than I am.
And people, who come to these dinners, come with tightly shut eyes shut and ears wide open.
The Golden Rule: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I guess I'm pretty good at ignoring these things. I did get an invite from Fidelity last month, directly from my Rep, now that I check my notifications. I wouldn't mind going to one of these if the food was good and I had nothing better to do.
I have NEVER been swayed by presentations or advertising, so I have no worries about that changing now. In fact, I dare anyone to try and convince me of anything. Laughable.
FWIW, my invite read like this:
"you are cordially invited...
We have a great Client Luncheon next week. We have invited 3 Wealth Advisor firms we share a relationship with to speak and share the breadth of services they support our clients with.
Date Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Location Annandale Country Club
One North San Rafael Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Parking Free
Attire Business casual for clients
Times 11:30 AM Event Starts- Registration & Welcome remarks
12:00 PM Panel discussion
1:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Q&A
Let me know if you and a guest can attend."
I have NEVER been swayed by presentations or advertising, so I have no worries about that changing now. In fact, I dare anyone to try and convince me of anything. Laughable.
FWIW, my invite read like this:
"you are cordially invited...
We have a great Client Luncheon next week. We have invited 3 Wealth Advisor firms we share a relationship with to speak and share the breadth of services they support our clients with.
Date Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Location Annandale Country Club
One North San Rafael Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Parking Free
Attire Business casual for clients
Times 11:30 AM Event Starts- Registration & Welcome remarks
12:00 PM Panel discussion
1:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Q&A
Let me know if you and a guest can attend."
"The stock market is a giant distraction from the business of investing." - Jack Bogle
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I'm a doctor who gets calls from these weasels routinely. The latest is to tell my front desk staff they are another doctor calling me about a mutual patient to discuss. This usually gets me on the phone right away. But I have learned they will never tell my staff the name of that patient. So now I have instructed my staff to ignore these clowns. I have other doctor friends who have experienced the same thing. One of them got on the phone and said, "so you begin a relationship with me using deception....and now you want me to trust you with my money?" Silence.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Follow-up:
The dinner is tomorrow night.
I'm not going.
Bottom line is I would rather spend $20 and go out for pizza and beer with my friend.
The dinner is tomorrow night.
I'm not going.
Bottom line is I would rather spend $20 and go out for pizza and beer with my friend.
Last edited by protagonist on Thu Nov 06, 2014 4:07 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I would like myself better if I had the nerve to go to one of these and heckle.
You'd still get the dinner.
You'd still get the dinner.
- DonCamillo
- Posts: 1050
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- Location: Northern New Jersey
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I went to the Fidelity tele-conference presentation last night at my local Fidelity office. I enjoyed the food and beverages , enjoyed visiting with several of the other investors before the presentation. I recommended Bogleheads to them. Did not talk to any Fidelity people while I was there except to sign in and exchange greetings. My Fidelity rep, whom I met with once a couple of years ago, and have talked to on the phone a few times, was not there.
It was an hour and a half panel discussion. I can sum up their recommendations and forecasts in one word: "uncertain." That is MUCH better then the 80 economists who predicted interest rates earlier this year and were 100% wrong about the direction. But it is still not very helpful. The discussion focused on nominal returns, which probably makes sense if you are making a pitch to suckers.
Information sheets were included in the packet for several recommended funds, both Fidelity and their partners in the presentation. The average expense ratio was over 1%. I think the lowest was 1.06% temporarily reduced to 0.93%.
At least I left with a free plastic pen. It says Fidelity on it and probably cost them at least 20 cents.
It was an hour and a half panel discussion. I can sum up their recommendations and forecasts in one word: "uncertain." That is MUCH better then the 80 economists who predicted interest rates earlier this year and were 100% wrong about the direction. But it is still not very helpful. The discussion focused on nominal returns, which probably makes sense if you are making a pitch to suckers.
Information sheets were included in the packet for several recommended funds, both Fidelity and their partners in the presentation. The average expense ratio was over 1%. I think the lowest was 1.06% temporarily reduced to 0.93%.
At least I left with a free plastic pen. It says Fidelity on it and probably cost them at least 20 cents.
Les vieillards aiment à donner de bons préceptes, pour se consoler de n'être plus en état de donner de mauvais exemples. |
(François, duc de La Rochefoucauld, maxim 93)
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Okay, happy to oblige. My feline curiosity got best of me, too. Here goes:MN-Investor wrote:......Give them a call. Ask if a meal is included. You're not going to be insulting anyone by doing that. It's really not a big deal. Oh... and report back here what they say. I'm curious now.
My star *67 strategy didn't work very well. As soon as call went thru I was presented with two choices:
Press this if you are a Fidelity customer, press this if not.
Thought about sneaking in as non-customer, but then thought better of it. Surely, then they would be suspicious of how I claimed to get an invitation, right?
Then I had to give either account # or SS, so the jig was up then.
When the rep finally came on the line I put on my best act to sound old, feeble-minded, hard of hearing.
Clearly the rep was working from script, after she located what I was talking about, she intoned
"There Will Be Lunch"
Tried to draw her out a bit more on why this had been left out in the mailing. But again all I got was the scripted response
"There Will Be Lunch".
Made one last effort to be conversational, joking that I was glad I wouldn't have to pack a tuna sandwich and bring a diet Mountain Dew, ha ha, ha ha.
She wasn't having any of it. No levity here. Just the same solemn-sounding pronouncement
"There Will Be Lunch"
So, finally I made some excuse that I would have to call her back, had to go to the john right away.
Click.
Hope no one from that particular dept at Fidelity reads here.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
The pizza was great and the conversation was stimulating. We discussed the election results, though I still have no idea about the 770 ways I could take social security. I only know about three of them. I will remain blissfully ignorant. The waitress joined in the conversation. I don't think she was a plant of the pizzeria owner trying to push his political agendaprotagonist wrote:Follow-up:
The dinner is tomorrow night.
I'm not going.
Bottom line is I would rather spend $20 and go out for pizza and beer with my friend.
. I think she just liked talking politics with a bunch of funny old guys. I left a five dollar tip. I'm happy I did this rather than listen to the insurance guy bloviate just to eat steak.
I wonder what Jack Bogle would have done in my place. Taken the freebie and invested the 25 bucks in an index fund?
Last edited by protagonist on Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I agree with Jazztonight, my remaining time is not worth wasting on this. The rich have learned one thing. Time is more precious then money. That is why they they have servants and assistants.
The "poor" know the same. I grew up poor, in a working class town, a steel workers town, I remember the lady who lived 4 houses down the street from me who said, "when I die I want thenm to put my last two dollars over my eyes'(she was talking silver dollars, the old days)".
Our time is too precious to waste on sales pitches that you don't want or need to listen to.
The "poor" know the same. I grew up poor, in a working class town, a steel workers town, I remember the lady who lived 4 houses down the street from me who said, "when I die I want thenm to put my last two dollars over my eyes'(she was talking silver dollars, the old days)".
Our time is too precious to waste on sales pitches that you don't want or need to listen to.
The market goes up, the market goes down.
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- Posts: 376
- Joined: Sat Nov 02, 2013 8:22 am
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I agree with Jazztonight, my remaining time is not worth wasting on this. The rich have learned one thing. Time is more precious then money. That is why they they have servants and assistants.
The "poor" know the same. I grew up poor, in a working class town, a steel workers town, I remember the lady who lived 4 houses down the street from me who said, "when I die I want them to put my last two dollars over my eyes" (she was talking silver dollars, the old days).
Our time is too precious to waste on sales pitches that you don't want or need to listen to.
The "poor" know the same. I grew up poor, in a working class town, a steel workers town, I remember the lady who lived 4 houses down the street from me who said, "when I die I want them to put my last two dollars over my eyes" (she was talking silver dollars, the old days).
Our time is too precious to waste on sales pitches that you don't want or need to listen to.
The market goes up, the market goes down.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
My (somewhat routine) "SPECIAL INVITATION" to a 3-course dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House just arrived in the mail. I can bring 3 adult guests! It's from a wealth management firm. "During this dinner workshop, we will provide an open forum to discuss your most pressing investment questions. ... No specific products will be presented or sold -- Leave your checkbook at home." (But if I drove downtown -- instead of taking light rail -- I would need to bring some cash for a tip since "Valet parking is included.")
The listed discussion points look pretty good -- mostly. For once I'm feeling tempted because I have never been to a Ruth's Chris Steak House and I would be interested in hearing what others attending have to say. I have no fear that I would commit to anything. Not even a 1:1 follow-up meeting. Somebody talk me down here.
The listed discussion points look pretty good -- mostly. For once I'm feeling tempted because I have never been to a Ruth's Chris Steak House and I would be interested in hearing what others attending have to say. I have no fear that I would commit to anything. Not even a 1:1 follow-up meeting. Somebody talk me down here.
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Is it the Ruth's Chris Steak house the one in Baltimore?
And is the "wealth management firm" the same guys who come on Channel 13 every Sunday morning?
The ones right after Face the Nation goes off?
Yikes
And is the "wealth management firm" the same guys who come on Channel 13 every Sunday morning?
The ones right after Face the Nation goes off?
Yikes
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
No. This is in Oregon. And the wealth mgmt. firm is one located in the northwest. No sooner had I pushed "Submit" on the previous post than I found in my mail pile another invitation from a different firm for a "Complimentary Gourmet Meal!" at a local golf course. I could eat well this month.drawpoker wrote:Is it the Ruth's Chris Steak house the one in Baltimore?
And is the "wealth management firm" the same guys who come on Channel 13 every Sunday morning?
The ones right after Face the Nation goes off?
Yikes
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I think you should go to both of them and report back to us, a review of both the food and presentations. That will probably save the rest of us from any inclination to go to these events once we get your reports, you could consider yourself an undercover agent on special assignment. And you can keep the ballpoint pens.GerryL wrote:No. This is in Oregon. And the wealth mgmt. firm is one located in the northwest. No sooner had I pushed "Submit" on the previous post than I found in my mail pile another invitation from a different firm for a "Complimentary Gourmet Meal!" at a local golf course. I could eat well this month.drawpoker wrote:Is it the Ruth's Chris Steak house the one in Baltimore?
And is the "wealth management firm" the same guys who come on Channel 13 every Sunday morning?
The ones right after Face the Nation goes off?
Yikes
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I've seen mention of VG treating Flagship Clients to a free dinner in various cities.I've not received any invitation here. I would settle for a free Subway coupon
All the Best, |
Joe
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I haven't received any invitation either. But all I really want is a Vanguard coffee cup.joe8d wrote:I've seen mention of VG treating Flagship Clients to a free dinner in various cities.I've not received any invitation here. I would settle for a free Subway coupon
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
Actually,I saw a facebook post from VG that they soon will be having an "Online Store" which will have those items for sale.jdb wrote:I haven't received any invitation either. But all I really want is a Vanguard coffee cup.joe8d wrote:I've seen mention of VG treating Flagship Clients to a free dinner in various cities.I've not received any invitation here. I would settle for a free Subway coupon
All the Best, |
Joe
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I don't get it. Vanguard has its own Facebook page? That may eventually leave me as only individual or entity not on that system.joe8d wrote:Actually,I saw a facebook post from VG that they soon will be having an "Online Store" which will have those items for sale.jdb wrote:I haven't received any invitation either. But all I really want is a Vanguard coffee cup.joe8d wrote:I've seen mention of VG treating Flagship Clients to a free dinner in various cities.I've not received any invitation here. I would settle for a free Subway coupon
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
No, it wouldn't. I don't have a Facebook page.jdb wrote:I don't get it. Vanguard has its own Facebook page? That may eventually leave me as only individual or entity not on that system.joe8d wrote:Actually,I saw a facebook post from VG that they soon will be having an "Online Store" which will have those items for sale.jdb wrote:I haven't received any invitation either. But all I really want is a Vanguard coffee cup.joe8d wrote:I've seen mention of VG treating Flagship Clients to a free dinner in various cities.I've not received any invitation here. I would settle for a free Subway coupon
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
This thread reminds me of a classic Woody Allen flick "Take the Money and Run"
He gets solitary confinement with an insurance salesman as
punishment for his bad behavior in prison :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfUQzppLyDM
He gets solitary confinement with an insurance salesman as
punishment for his bad behavior in prison :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfUQzppLyDM
Re: "You're invited to...." (nonsense talk and dinner)
I looked at their Facebook page for awhile but didn't keep up. I saw a photo of a snazzy item with a Vanguard logo, asked them how I could buy one, and they sent me one free.joe8d wrote:Actually,I saw a facebook post from VG that they soon will be having an "Online Store" which will have those items for sale.jdb wrote:I haven't received any invitation either. But all I really want is a Vanguard coffee cup.joe8d wrote:I've seen mention of VG treating Flagship Clients to a free dinner in various cities.I've not received any invitation here. I would settle for a free Subway coupon