Receptionist

Maybe the guy isn't in?
Maybe he's with their biggest client?
Maybe he took an early lunch?

...tons of possible reasons why you wouldn't get put thru.

Man, there's many more important things to worry about than the 1 in 10. Maybe use that energy to figure out how you can get the 1 in 10 to call you so you won't have to waste the time and energy worrying about that.

If you have a 90% put through rate, that's great. I doubt it though because nobody is ever available 90% of the time. Slight exaggeration on your part?

I wouldn't worry about the odd 1 in 10 you can't get through to because that will always happen. Focus your attention on making each call you do get through to as the best call you can possibly handle.

I was also wondering. How do you cut it off?

When you notice you will not get past trough. Worst thing to do is probably to go argue about it, right?

So, do you still try to get in? ..
What do you do?

"Bye" and hang up?

If you are calling companies that have a purchase process then you may be stuck with that. How about trying to pursue a referral contact?

Is the prospect on LinkedIn or social media?

There might be some forum members that could talk more about that process.

Have you pursued the path provided? Maybe ask about the policy and the best way forward, maybe take another crack at getting thru:

"Oh I didn't realize there was a policy in place. Before I go down that road, a quick one-minute conversation with <prospect name> would help to identify if my company could even be a good fit and I could save everyone a whole bunch of time and energy."

First off, if you expect to work with a customer long term you can't start off a relationship by lying to him or his secretary. I'm 100% transparent when I cold call.

Hello, how are you (in my happy voice)

Her: Fine, what can I do for you (or something rude, so what)

My name is Fred Funk and I OWN the XYZ Company in Anytown, USA. I'm looking for the person that's in charge of purchasing widgets for your company.

Her: Okay, that's Frank. Can I tell him what this is about?

I'll then repeat exactly what I said before. It usually makes her sound foolish and gets her backpedaling because I already told her who I was and I'm having to repeat myself.

When the purchaser comes to the phone I repeat the exact same thing. I'll then engage in a bit of small talk like "are you staying busy, what kind of work are you doing, etc" and then I'll get right to the point.

Look, I don't want to take up too much of your time, this is what I do.....

That's about it, really. Some calls are different, but most are the same. Be completely transparent upfront, 30-60 seconds of small talk (if it extends beyond that they're likely talking about themselves, which is a good thing) and then get to the point.

After that I give a short presentation, ask for the sale and deal with any objections.

Pretty simple.

The receptionist isn't lying when they say they are out, busy or not taking calls. It's not you.

Also interesting,

when you sound a bit cranky, like I am today, you dont get as many `no` from the receptionists.
When you are all happy,
i get more

I need to get depressed :p

Wow! You get through 9 out of 10 - that's a super percentage! Try asking the 1 who won't put you thru for you prospect's email and send him a note. See if they have a fax line. Everybody reads a fax.