Is 9 PM the Latest Acceptable Time to Make a Phone Call?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores participants' views on acceptable times for making phone calls, particularly in the context of their personal and professional lives. Various experiences and preferences regarding calling times are shared, reflecting individual circumstances and considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions they avoid calls past 8:30 PM unless previously agreed upon.
  • Another participant shares their experience of calling between 9 and 9:30 PM on Sundays, noting that it works well when the household is settled.
  • One participant states they do not call after 9 PM unless the recipient has indicated it is acceptable.
  • Another participant describes their practice of asking for preferred call times during initial meetings.
  • One participant mentions they typically call until 9:30 PM, leaving messages for those not available and suggesting follow-up times.
  • Another participant expresses that their perspective on calling times has changed since becoming a parent, finding calls after 9 PM too late.
  • One participant prefers to keep calls between 7 and 9 PM, valuing quiet time with their partner after that hour.
  • Another participant shares mixed feelings about calling times, noting they are comfortable calling until 8 PM on weeknights but extend to 9 PM on weekends.
  • One participant expresses discomfort with calling past 8 PM unless it has been pre-discussed.
  • Another participant mentions they typically call until 9 PM unless advised otherwise, concerned about waking others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the latest acceptable time for making phone calls, with some preferring to call until 9 PM and others advocating for earlier times, particularly around 8 PM. No clear consensus emerges.

Contextual Notes

Participants' preferences appear influenced by personal circumstances, such as family dynamics and work commitments, highlighting the variability in acceptable calling times.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking to understand different perspectives on phone call etiquette and timing within their community may find this discussion relevant.

B
Brianne
Messages
40
It's been an ongoing discussion in my household and cluster, so I'm curious how you all will respond!
 
I try not to make calls past 8:30, unless I have made a notation about a certain person, that it is ok to call later. I have also been trying to get a work number, and ask if it's ok to call them at work.
 
I find that 9-9:30 is good for me, I do them on sunday between 8:30 and 9:30 in the evening, the kids are in bed, the parents are relaxing in front of the TV before the week start and they are not stress by getting the next day ready, they had all weekend to relaxe. And now that the summer is there the sun is up way longer and I don't know anyone that goes to bed before the sun is down, but I will say no later then 9:30, or just think about what is good for you. Do you like people calling your house after 9:30 or after 9 when there is no emergency, I know for myself I dont like when they do it, even if I dont go to bed later then that.
 
I don't call after 9 PM unless a person has ok'd to call past that time.
 
When I set up the first call with them (usually at the show) I ask what time is too late and mark that down.
 
I try to keepmy calls short, starting at 7:30, I'll call until 9:30. WHen I get an answering machine, I leave a message saying that they are welcome to give me a call tonight, I'll in the office returning calls until 10:00, but will call them after I've made my other calls. Hopefully we can touch base then. If they are not home the 2nd time, I tell them that I will call them tomorrow (or whatever day you hav planned) between XX & YYY times. Make sure you follow up on those calls...
Esther
 
I think 9 pm. But we have a one year old. Before I was a mother, I probably would have thought 9:30 was fine! Last night someone called us at 9:48, and it really seemed too late. Then again, we don't watch TV, so a phone ringing probably sounds different in a quiet house than a TV house.
 
I don't make any phone calls past 9 pm. At that time, I am trying to get a little down time and spend some quiet time with my husband. Now, I don't usually get to sleep until midnight but it is nice to have a couple hours of quiet time to myself. I make my phone calls between 7-9 and find I can usually get that done during that time. If not, I will have to wait until tomorrow!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
My own answerI have mixed feelings about calling times. I have a better chance of reaching people when I call on weeknights, but then I'm comfortable calling only until 8pm. If it's a weekend I'll call until 9pm.

I think part of this comes from the time that I called a lady on a Tuesday night at 8:15pm and her daughter woke her up to talk to me. I felt so bad!!!
 
I'm with youI don't feel good going past 8pm unless pre-discussed. Although we stay up all night long, I get itchy trying to call on business later than that!
 
Call TimesI try to make my calls from 7 - 8 (customer care calls, etc.) If there is a host that I am working with and I know from her that it is ok to call later, I might go as far as 8:30.

I try not to call before 7 on weekdays because no one likes to be bothered at dinner time. The weekends are usually the same because people have activities, church, etc. Also, I think of when I get the bulk of my telemarketer calls - they have done tons of research as to when is a good time to call... and most of mine are from 6 - 8. I get rather annoyed if I am disturbed past 8 (unless again I am expecting the call.) Also, I find that most of my customers are women with small children. Many of them are doing baths and bedtime by 8 and you might get rushed off the phone.

As for dealing with hosts, ask in the beginning for an acceptable time frame. At shows, perhaps when people are filling out the drawing slips it could be suggested to put a call timeframe as well, but I have not done that. :)
 
I will usually call until about 9 unless I'm told otherwise. I'm just afraid of waking someone in the household up!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 9 PM the latest acceptable time to make a phone call?

While 9 PM is often considered the latest acceptable time to make a phone call, it can vary based on personal relationships and cultural norms. It's best to know your audience and their preferences.

What if I need to call someone after 9 PM for business purposes?

If you need to make a business call after 9 PM, consider sending a text or email first to ask if it's a good time to talk. This shows respect for their time and allows them to respond at their convenience.

Are there any exceptions to the 9 PM rule?

Yes, exceptions can include urgent matters, close friends or family, or specific industries that operate outside typical hours. Always gauge the situation and the relationship you have with the person you are calling.

How can I politely ask if it's a good time to talk?

You can start your call by saying something like, "Hi, is this a good time to talk?" This gives the other person the opportunity to let you know if they are available or if they prefer to talk later.

What are the consequences of calling too late?

Calling too late can lead to annoyance or frustration from the recipient, potentially damaging your relationship. It's important to be mindful of others' schedules and preferences to maintain good communication.

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