Someone Canvassing from the NSPCC Just Came to the Door
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I felt so bad, she went into a whole rehearsed speech and I couldn't get a word in edge-ways and I knew she was going to ask me to sign up for a monthly direct debit and I knew I wasn't going to. What do people do when this happens? Do you tell them straight that you're not interested?
I say we already support several charities by monthly direct debit and aren't interesting in starting another. Politely, of course! Sometimes they'll ask which ones and find some way of trying to convince you their charity is actually better but if that perseveres I usually just smile and say 'sorry, I'm really not interested' and if necessary shut the door when they're mid flow! I try not to be rude but sometimes you have to be a wee bit assertive if they're not taking the hint!
I can't shut the door on them. I feel so rude. But then is it more rude to let them waffle on for ages?? lol
GlitchHunter Well I guess if you're not interested then it's wasting their times and yours. I don't know how they earn their money but I assume it's commission based so they're best off saving the spiel for someone who genuinely might sign up. I know what you mean though - it's something I'm getting much better at!
We get them all the time. Got a really pushy one from a local childrens hospice last week who got ratty when I didn’t want to do direct debit so I slammed the door in his face. He was downright rude.
I got a phone call a couple of days ago from Great Ormond Street and the moment the chap started his pitch I simply said that I was aware of the charity and that I was also aware that the result of the conversation would end up with a request for a regular donation. I continued with that I do not have the spare money for this so it would be best to stop the conversation straight away so they could use their time to find those that can rather than chatting to me. He said thanks and that ended the call. I do the same at the doorstep too.
They get £10-£12 commission per sign up. So if you want to donate more then go direct to their website.
That's what I told her. I would rather make a one off donation online. She kept trying to come inside my house. I just kept saying no thanks.
GlitchHunter i had to confront a team in the street as they were knocking on elderly peoples door at 8 at night and in the dark. Their leader couldnt see the issue of scaring them at this time at night. Lets say i confidently evicted them off the street to cause no harm. I get charity fund raising is crucial but with these commissions theres no respect for the neighbourhood when doing so.
It is best to have a laminated sign or sticker on your front door - it really is the only way to deflect and resist long speeches about charities when you open your door. This way, you can raise a hand to stop them mid sentence and point to the sign saying 'Sorry but we just don't donate at the door and we are signed up to many already) If they ignore this then they are clearly thick-skinned and persistent - keep pointing. There are various polite signs that can be made or bought - I made my own so please don't judge me. 'Polite notice to Cold Callers - We don't trust politicians - We have our own religion - We do not make donations at the door - and finally WE DIDN'T INVITE YOU so please leave. Thank you'. There are many basic ones but ours seems to do the trick - it implies that they could possibly have to deal with a stroppy person out in the open and not many people want to take that risk.
This is a great idea. Might make a little notice and put it up. We don't get many but the ones we get are so persistent!
I had once 2 guys and they were really pushy...they told me give them any money. I told them I have none which was the truth, nowadays who keeps money at home? They had some kind of copied certificate, looked like home made by someone who can not even make a certificate look right.
And if it is not enough they came back a bit later to ask again...and I told them off....and reported them to the council.
Good that you reported it. Sounds like some bogus scam people. Some are genuine and will show ID. Others are seeing if people are home or if people are elderly to come back and Rob them later. Lots of criminals about.
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