Telephone marketing vs Covid-19

I would like to make a general statement. With Covid-19 the government asked that we limit our movement during lockdown, which I fully understand and support. We have not seen the impact of Covid-19 in full and as a country still need to peak in respect of infections. Even during level 2 of the lockdown we should limit movement and visitations to places where there is a high foot flow. Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

I now have a question for FNB and Absa. Got a call from FNB to open a credit card account with them, I explained to the lady that I do not want to take-up additional credit in the near future due to all the uncer*****y and difficult economic situation. I believe tough times are awaiting us. Then today I got a call from the Absa offering me a loan and a better account offering. All I need to do is to make an appointment with the consultant to visit the branch and all will be done, he confirmed it won’t take me more than an hour. I’m confused, you want me to come and expose myself to Covid-19 after we were asked to limit our movement. I could hear the guy was desperate, probably also worried about Covid-19 but has no choice to call.

What makes FNB and Absa special to call and basically beg me to come to a branch? Are there different rules for the two banks? Many people were asked to stay at home and some are working from home but they want me to visit them. Let the people that have no choice to visit your branches do it and allow that to be quick to limit exposure. If we need to go to the bank stick to the basics and let it be quick, don’t sell unnecessary at times like this.

This is just a note from my side, no need to email or call me. Please don’t ask which branch or name called me because I won’t disclose it, the poor people are only doing what management is telling them to do. Please be safe, apply social distancing and help the country heal.