Divest from Tesla

Before calling, have a pen and paper ready to note the representative’s name and any reference numbers they provide. Consider calling during non-peak hours (typically mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays) for a more focused conversation. 

Tips:

• Speak clearly and maintain a friendly, respectful tone
• Thank the representative for their time and assistance
• Be patient if they need to transfer you or take time to document your request
• Customer representatives may provide alternatives, but eventually will confirm that no such product exists. Keep the conversation focused on recording consumer interest in an S&P 500 ETF that excludes Tesla and tracks the other 499 stocks

Phone numbers:

• BlackRock iShares ETFs: +1 (800) 474-2737
  • M-F 8:30am-6:00pm EST
  • Voicemail available
  • Will direct you to send an email to contact.us@blackrock.com 
  • Ask that the representatives records your request for an S&P 500 ETF that excludes Tesla and tracks the other 499 stocks
• State Street Global Advisors ETF: +1 (866) 787-2257
  • M-F 8:30am-5:30pm EST
  • Voicemail and call-back available
• Vanguard ETF: +1 (877) 662-7447
  • M-F 8:00am-8:00pm EST
  • Call-back option available
• Charles Schwab: +1 (877) 519-1403
  • 24/7 customer service line
  • Ask to make a continuous improvement request
• Vanguard: +1 (800) 992-8327
  • M-F 8:00am-8:00pm EST
• Fidelity Investments: +1 (800) 343-3548
  • M-F 8:00am-8:00pm EST
    • Ask for planning and guidance to speak to the investment solutions team
  • 24/7 customer service
    • Make a general request

Phone script

Introduction: “Hello! My name is [Your Name]. I hope you’re having a great day. I’m calling with a product suggestion that I believe would benefit many investors.”

Clear Request: “I’m interested in an S&P 500 ETF that specifically excludes Tesla while tracking the other 499 companies. Does your firm currently offer such a product?”

After They Confirm No Such Product Exists: “Thank you for checking. I’d like to formally request that your product development team consider creating an S&P 500 ex-Tesla ETF. Many Americans invest through S&P 500 index funds but may wish to exclude just this one company while maintaining broad market exposure.”

Provide Context: “Specialized exclusionary ETFs have already proven successful in the market. For example, the ‘ex-Fossil Fuel’ SPYX has over $1 billion in assets, and the ‘ex-Magnificent 7’ XMAG allows investors to exclude the largest tech companies. An ‘S&P 500 ex-Tesla’ ETF would serve investors seeking the efficiency of index investing with more precise exposure control.”

Request Recording: “Could you please document this product suggestion in your system? Is there a reference number or confirmation you could provide that my feedback has been recorded?”

Close Positively: “Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and record my suggestion. I appreciate your help today, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!”

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Our government shouldn’t be Musk’s next corporate acquisition.