Contacting People For Quotes

[exclusiveby63]

When contacting people for quotes or information by telephone as a freelancer, how do you introduce yourself?

[gordon_cairns]

I would normally just say that 'I am a freelance journalist writing a piece for the __________' or 'researching a piece hopefully to sell to the________________'
No one has ever not given me a quote because I'm a freelancer.

[lyte86]

Wherever possible, as it can make a big difference, I'd figure out in advance who you're going to be filing to and (with permission) operate under their banner.  If you call a newsdesk, pitch a good story idea, and ask if you can use their name when making calls, most will say yes.  Just be sure to make it clear that you're a "freelance writing for the Daily XXX" rather than giving the misleading impression that you're a staffer.  That could come round to bite you in the arse if something went wrong.  Plus they'd become suspicious anyway as soon as you gave them a hotmail e-mail address..