When the surveys appeared harmless... (Part 1)

The comfy air-condition and large space has made Toa Payoh bus terminal a popular hunting ground for insurance agents to disguise as surveyors and arm with a pair of sharp eyes and claws, preying on their next potential clients.

As a victim, i've been approached at least six times so far, of which once i had totally succumbed to, hence signing up a savings insurance on the spot, but terminated it within a month eventually.

I have learnt to be smarter and know their tactics. I know i wont sign up any insurance as for now. So no matter how good they persuade or coerce, it wont move me.

Stubborn is the word.

Here's the second comprehensive guide from me after the first that was on the Great Singapore Sale service tactic.

15 Steps to Deal with 'Surveyors'
when Approached
if you have no intention of getting any insurances

1. Show them your palm.

Do this when you sense that someone holding a folder is approaching you as you walk. Deny them the chance to even say anything.

2. "Im in a rush."

When step 1 fails to stop them.

3. Give them the pissed-off look or stare.

When they say "Don't worry, the survey will only take 1 minute" or "I can chat with you as you walk."

4. Stop and listen to what they have to say.

When they persistently just want you to take their survey and fail to back off after step 3.

5. Ask directly, "Are you trying to introduce some insurances to me?"

Almost instantaneously as they show you their survey.

6. If yes, ask "Are you from Pr******al?"

70% of these surveyors are from this same company.

7. "Oh i have bought some insurances from your company already."

This is supposed to be a lie, regardless of which company they are from.

8. Fill up their survey.

If you think you might be struck by lightning if you lie.

9. Ask directly, "Which insurances do you want to introduce to me?"

Save the hassle of filling up the really-useless survey. Save paper too.

10. Be honest with your financial capabilities.

Emphasize that you are still a student with no income if they havent know your profession yet.

11. Ask for their namecards.

And say you will contact them again if you are interested in getting an insurance next time (read: 3 years later after graduation for my case).

12. Reject an appointment they might want to arrange with you.

If they don't have namecards and still want to further advice you, being a student, on some savings plans, the short/long-term goals, the difference in interest rates between banks and insurances, the prospect of more income, the protection derived from insurances etc.

13. Ask "What is the point of having an appointment when i really cant afford an insurance?"

When they emphasize that there is no obligation of you to buy any insurance from them and they just want to advice you and the future plans everyone, or rather, you should have.

14. Leave a fake telephone number with them.

If you fail to convince them you won't buy any insurance. Or if they are really persistent.

15. Wait for their call.

If you are an honest person.

All of the above have been tried and tested and are safe to use. Just don't show them your fist.

Alright, im just being asked to wait for a call. Sheesh..