Should door to door sales be outlawed?

rubadub · 29-03-2013 06:10PM

token101 wrote: »

Maybe you need to need your own posts slowly and spot the grammatical errors.

Worst grammar nazi ever...

fruitman · 29-03-2013 06:26PM

Three Seasons wrote: »

No means no, don't be pushy and people will be less likely to be rude.

I literally feel like punching a sales persons face in when I say no and they ramble off some more bullsh1t.

Peoples natural instinct is to say no when someone calls to the door. People say no with out even hearing what you say. Some times your offering a really good deal and when they actually listen they find it it is something worth getting.

If you took the first no off every one you'd never sell anything.

shopaholic01 · 29-03-2013 06:31PM

rubadub wrote: »

Calm down and try reading my post again, slowly, -they can do something.

You quoted a law that applied if someone on your property made you fearful, said that it was vague but could be applied if a door to door salesperson was potentially a criminal.

I find them irritating, but I'm not afraid of them, nor do I think they're potential thieves etc.

If I contacted the Guards they would not respond because somebody interrupted my day and tried to sell me something I didn't want.

Grayson · 29-03-2013 06:52PM

I heard jehovahs witnesses in my kitchen once. I texted my housemate to ask why he'd let them in. It was because it was a woman with her daughter and her daughter was really hot.

Moral: Most guys would be ok with door to door people flogging anything if the sales people were really, really hot.

rubadub · 29-03-2013 07:08PM

shopaholic01 wrote: »

You quoted a law that applied if someone on your property made you fearful, said that it was vague but could be applied if a door to door salesperson was potentially a criminal.

Yes I said

The law is a bit vague but they could be done for it if the garda wanted, under trespassing laws, if the garda did not believe their story

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1994/en/act/pub/0002/sec0013.html#zza2y1994s13

13.—(1) It shall be an offence for a person, without reasonable excuse, to trespass on any building or the curtilage thereof in such a manner as causes or is likely to cause fear in another person.

"if the garda did not believe their story" obviously means they did not think its a reasonable excuse.

shopaholic01 wrote: »

I find them irritating, but I'm not afraid of them, nor do I think they're potential thieves etc.

I am very fearful of them, I have come home on 2 occasions to pricks looking in my front window and then one of them was asking me about home security of all things. Potentially fishing for information on how lax my security is. I did up fake IDs 20 years ago when I was a teenager, today its a doddle to knock something up with photoshop and decent printers etc.

Some vulnerable people would be fearful of any uninvited strangers calling.

http://www.dalestreetnews.com/2012/09/24/cold-callers-banned/

Door-to- door salespeople have been banned from another area of Liverpool...

However, it also stops any unwanted cold callers and gives residents the confidence to deter callers who they do not wish to deal with.

Cold callers who persist in the area would face prosecution as they would be seen as carrying out aggressive acts.

“There are a lot of elderly residents in these roads and they feel they are being pestered by constant callers. This zone will give them some peace and quiet.”

The act of going to open a door can be strenuous enough for some eldery or disabled people too.

El Inho · 29-03-2013 07:18PM

rubadub wrote: »

Yes I said

The law is a bit vague but they could be done for it if the garda wanted, under trespassing laws, if the garda did not believe their story

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1994/en/act/pub/0002/sec0013.html#zza2y1994s13

"if the garda did not believe their story" obviously means they did not think its a reasonable excuse.

I am very fearful of them, I have come home on 2 occasions to pricks looking in my front window and then one of them was asking me about home security of all things. Potentially fishing for information on how lax my security is. I did up fake IDs 20 years ago when I was a teenager, today its a doddle to knock something up with photoshop and decent printers etc.

Some vulnerable people would be fearful of any uninvited strangers calling.

http://www.dalestreetnews.com/2012/09/24/cold-callers-banned/

The act of going to open a door can be strenuous enough for some eldery or disabled people too.

For being being on both sides of the door has allowed me to look back in hindsight too.

I would go to a persons home and ask questions about layout; if it was a lady, I would ask about her husband to see if he was home (in order to have both decision makers). Often tell them I was already looking at their alarm system, recommending monitered alarms...then the ones who were interested would being me in and show me around their home, and if they signed up I would have access to their secret word...which to those familiar with EPW is quite useful.

In hindsight, the job I was doing was terrible. I was brainwashed into things like 'oh i meet different people everyday' and 'at least im one of the ones making sales and making money' and the likes. Really I was bothering people who didn't want to be bothered. Nothing more depresseing and soul destroying than knocking on a door of a lovely warm house, being rejected and going on in the rain.

For me their should be some sort of law passed to outlaw door to door.

When I did it I saw people use scare mongering; I saw people getting complaints about being too pushy. We were told not to lie, but tell selective truths. The whole training is rotten, and the whole thing should be made illegal.

I'm no basing this on just personal opinion regarding door to door. I honestly think, as I have been on both sides of the door, that this kind of employment should be outlawed. For the public, and the people in the jobs who think this is actually a career (there are a lot more than you may think). They are treated terribly.

Being serious, would opening a petition do anything?

token101 · 29-03-2013 07:35PM

rubadub wrote: »

I am very fearful of them, I have come home on 2 occasions to pricks looking in my front window and then one of them was asking me about home security of all things. Potentially fishing for information on how lax my security is. I did up fake IDs 20 years ago when I was a teenager, today its a doddle to knock something up with photoshop and decent printers etc.

You must be terrified come election time then. I doubt anyone has ever looked in the window, but just in case, maybe you should paper the windows with the Daily Mail. Would stop all the horrible criminals looking in the window.

rubadub wrote: »

Some vulnerable people would be fearful of any uninvited strangers calling.

Don't answer the door?

rubadub wrote: »

The act of going to open a door can be strenuous enough for some eldery or disabled people too.

The same elderly people who will ring utilities companies incessantly to find out why they didn't get a phone call about this special offer or that special offer.

smileyj1987 · 29-03-2013 07:38PM

El Spearo wrote: »

For me their should be some sort of law passed to outlaw door to door.

We don't need to do that we can just put them on a few old boats and let North Korea nuke them or blow them up . They are desperate to do some willy waving and most of us don't like door to door salesmen . Problem Solved .

kowloon · 29-03-2013 08:14PM

Wicklowrider wrote: »

Put up a simple and short message,during election times, asking politicians and their canvassers not to call and they won't. I've done it for as far back as I can remember and never been disturbed by any of them

I need to remember to do this.

Archeron · 29-03-2013 08:31PM

It would be cool if they were legally obliged to only be allowed talk as if they are reading aloud a poorly translated Chinese spam mail.

Airtricity power fly with energy of dragons. Switch today for super lucky good time Friday.

Three Seasons · 29-03-2013 08:49PM

fruitman wrote: »

Peoples natural instinct is to say no when someone calls to the door. People say no with out even hearing what you say. Some times your offering a really good deal and when they actually listen they find it it is something worth getting.

If you took the first no off every one you'd never sell anything.

So no sometimes means yea.

ManMade · 29-03-2013 09:00PM

token101 wrote: »

You must be terrified come election time then. I doubt anyone has ever looked in the window, but just in case, maybe you should paper the windows with the Daily Mail. Would stop all the horrible criminals looking in the window.

Don't answer the door?

The same elderly people who will ring utilities companies incessantly to find out why they didn't get a phone call about this special offer or that special offer.

Wow....

Solair · 29-03-2013 09:02PM

I don't mind door-to-door sales or even telesales, but what I do mind is whey they don't understand the meaning of the word 'no'.

I'd a guy trying to sell me broadband that's slower and more expensive than what I already have recently.

I told him this, he kept trying to sell it.

I just burst out laughing at that stage and told him to go away.

rubadub · 02-04-2013 11:23AM

token101 wrote: »

You must be terrified come election time then.

No, I think the criminals are smarter than you and would realise posing as a canvasser is not a great idea. If you actually need this explained let me know.

token101 wrote: »

I doubt anyone has ever looked in the window, but just in case, maybe you should paper the windows with the Daily Mail. Would stop all the horrible criminals looking in the window.

Great advice -but banning door to door selling would be my preferred option to deter them.

token101 wrote: »

The same elderly people who will ring utilities companies incessantly to find out why they didn't get a phone call about this special offer or that special offer.

yes, especially those people. Companies should take note that many people do not want people calling around regarding offers on services they already use. There have been several cases of bogus ESB men ripping off pensioners. If it was against the law people would automatically know they are bogus, like people know they can ignore any emails from certain banks, as some banks guarantee they will never contact you that way..

Shenshen · 02-04-2013 11:34AM

Door to door sales, no.
I find door to door religion far more irritating.

Son Of A Vidic · 02-04-2013 11:35AM

token101 wrote: »

Should door to door sales be outlawed?

No. I'd be delighted to have a salesman call to my door. Providing he can make it up the drive and past my pack of German Shepherds.

Zer0 · 02-04-2013 12:33PM

Yes, if I wanted to buy anything I'd go to the shop for what I need. Not buy some junk that looks convenient on impulse. It always feels so awkward standing there listening to their sales pitch, then saying no thanks.

Dravokivich · 02-04-2013 12:51PM

Reading through this thread, I'm bemused that people ignore them and leave'em ringing the doorbell, then are shocked when they call back around again later or the following day to do the same.

rubadub · 02-04-2013 01:28PM

Dravokivich wrote: »

I'm bemused that people ignore them and leave'em ringing the doorbell, then are shocked when they call back around again later or the following day to do the same.

I scanned back over the thread and can't see anybody saying this.

One guy said a guy called back 3 times, even though the saleman should have seen his tv was on and taken the hint. I don't see anybody really shocked that would call again.

Dravokivich · 02-04-2013 01:51PM

rubadub wrote: »

I scanned back over the thread and can't see anybody saying this.

One guy said a guy called back 3 times, even though the saleman should have seen his tv was on and taken the hint. I don't see anybody really shocked that would call again.

After post 20 there's a few that mentioned it purposely ignoring it, then being annoyed when they came back later.

Its not odd for some people to leave the TV or Radio on if they pop out to the shops for a short period either.

The rep is just going to assume no one was home at the time and come back in again later.

Cantona's Collars · 02-04-2013 02:05PM

Airtricity are the worst offenders,3 times in the last 3 weeks different sellers called to my house-do they not make a list of those who simply aren't interested?

They are almost brainwashed & reel off the sales spiel while ignoring the fact you've said no thanks 3 or 4 times to them.

Sky door to door will be non-existent very very soon as Sky have taken their sales in-house so no third party sales companies will be sending out door to door sellers.The only ones you might see will be at kiosks in shopping centres or your local Tesco.

What I do find strange from reading this thread are those who won't answer the door to anybody,what if it's not a salesperson? There's a strange trend that's occured in Ireland in the last few years where people literally have to make an appointment to call round to visit somebody.

I've a neighbour who's like that,several of us who live near them have noticed it,one guy had a parcel to drop over & they wouldn't answer the door,he had to stand outside & phone them to open the door-their answer when he asked if maybe they didn't hear the doorbell was, "we heard the bell but didn't know who might be at the door so we ignored it".
Same thing happened to me when I called over to give them something,I could see the wife head out to the kitchen so rang the bell again & no answer,the husband eventually came downstairs & opened the door,I asked him why the wife wouldn't answer & he said: "she didn't want to in case it was travellers or sales reps", all she had to do was look out the fecking window!

I think it's the constant barrage of Airtricity,Eircom,Travellers that has turned people like that,so they won't answer their doors to anybody even if it might be a friend or neighbour.

Here Come The Pretzels · 02-04-2013 02:24PM

I have probaby missed out on some great deals with Sky,Eircom homewatch etc because my pride wont let me buy whatever it is they are selling.

Salesperson: "...you stand to save XYZ if you upgrade to blah blah"
Me: "No"
Salesperson: "...but all you have to do is..."
Me: "F$$K OFF!"

I usually only think about the deal when Ive shut the door and realise that it might have been finacially prudent to at least listen to what they had to say.
Still, cant stand 'em..

El Inho · 03-04-2013 09:58PM

Here Come The Pretzels wrote: »

I have probaby missed out on some great deals with Sky,Eircom homewatch etc because my pride wont let me buy whatever it is they are selling.

Salesperson: "...you stand to save XYZ if you upgrade to blah blah"
Me: "No"
Salesperson: "...but all you have to do is..."
Me: "F$$K OFF!"

I usually only think about the deal when Ive shut the door and realise that it might have been finacially prudent to at least listen to what they had to say.
Still, cant stand 'em..

Nope I was actually going to stop a guy in a shopping centre recently, but alas i was too late.

The offers they make on the day are often easy to get at any time. If you are interested in any deals simply call the company and state that a salesman called but i didn't trust him, hence would like to deal now instead.

Do you think eircom or someone is going to refuse that business? While saving themselve a commision??

source: bloody experience :P

Steve O · 03-04-2013 10:27PM

A simple "No thanks" does fine.

Why people enjoy making life more difficult for others I really don't know.

El Inho · 03-04-2013 10:42PM

Steve O wrote: »

A simple "No thanks" does fine.

Why people enjoy making life more difficult for others I really don't know.

unfortunately, again from experience, i can attest to the fact they are all trained to have to turn 3 negatives...so a simply no wont do...example:

knock knock
Rep: Hi hoping to have a chat with the home owner
You: Sorry not intersted
Rep: No problem at all (so they show they have accepted your negative) Can i ask you a quick question, do you think digital tv/security/cheaper elecricity is a good idea
1-
You: sure of course it is (see how easy this game is)
Rep: Thats why youll love me blah blah blah

2-
You: Not at all, sure i have a gun/dog
Rep: a double barrel is it? do you do a bit of hunting (insert conversation here) - ah but when it comes down to it noone wants to actually shoot someone./ ah what do ya have (insert convesation about dogs here) ah i love dogs, have one meself...not as big as yours granted. actually i love dogs so much, that the next thing i do hate saying, but sure you know yourself, lads are bypassing dogs...thats why i got security in meself, protect the dog and all.

3- ah you see where im going with this.

I was in security so theses are the ones i was usually dealing with, and looking back now i cant believe how many times my bull sh!ting worked. I made quite a lot of money peddling this nonsense.

smileyj1987 · 03-04-2013 10:48PM

Steve O wrote: »

A simple "No thanks" does fine.

Why people enjoy making life more difficult for others I really don't know.

You need to tell them to f*** off because they never get the hint unless you do .

Agent J · 03-04-2013 10:51PM

Ah door to door sales.......

There isn't anything nesscarily wrong with it. However there is a particular company type which has made the thing so much worse over the last few years. (There is a whole thread on it in the work & jobs section)

I'd regulate it better

Make any D2D person have proper ID and any company post a bond. The company itself, not nesscarily any subcontractors should be made legally liable for any misbehaviour of it's agents(either direct or indirect). Enough reports to the Consumer agency triggers forfeiture of the bond. Any company going D2D without a bond gets shut down and prosectued.

An Energy company in the UK has been nailed to the wall for this. 10M GBP fine and the rest of the energy companies are being investigate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22011717

There should be some sort of "Do not contact" list like there is for telesales but i am unsure how to enforce it.

Coll1e · 03-04-2013 11:03PM

I've sold Christmas Wreaths door to door and never experienced people being rude or aggressive. Plenty just don't come to the door which saves us both the hassle. Some have little signs saying no sales please, which again saves you time. I've never rang a bell twice or called back if I didn't get an answer. Quite a few people say no initially then follow you up the street a few minutes later and buy one. So no I do not think it should be illegal.

El Inho · 03-04-2013 11:13PM

Coll1e wrote: »

I've sold Christmas Wreaths door to door and never experienced people being rude or aggressive. Plenty just don't come to the door which saves us both the hassle. Some have little signs saying no sales please, which again saves you time. I've never rang a bell twice or called back if I didn't get an answer. Quite a few people say no initially then follow you up the street a few minutes later and buy one. So no I do not think it should be illegal.

And you have actually found an exception im okay with.

I don't think cold calling like that should be banned. Thats a lad out trying to make a sneaky buck

which i have noo problem with.

My issue is with the marketing groups which mistreat people they refuse to describe as, yet treat them as employees.

so thanks for that...very good point.

banning door to door could also ban honest charity work etc. My real issue is with the subsideries of those such as Appco etc.

Agent J · 03-04-2013 11:20PM

@Coll1e

See that's exactly how it should be done. Unfortunatly i think you are in the minority.

Should door to door sales be outlawed?

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