Thursday, September 24, 2009

Door to Door Salesman

Just this week there was a young man who came to our door who claimed that he lived in the neighborhood and explained that he was doing a college assignment to work on his presentation skills. After about a 5 minute spiel about how he was trying to collect presentation points from neighbors to go on a trip to Europe, he pulled out the magazine list. Ugh! I assumed that after that long winded dissertation that he would pull out a list of magazines and there it was. The dreaded list of obscure and unwanted magazines that cost 4x the price. The first thing I did was halfheartedly glaze over the unending list of food and baby magazines as I was trying to figure out what to say to get rid of this guy. I finally said "No" and the guy said "Come on" and I gave him $13 cash to get him to leave.

These guys usually come at a time that is inconvenient. They are selling something that you don't want. I am not sure if he is who he says he is? Is it a scam? It is hard to say NO to them.

What the heck am I supposed to do?

Should I ask right at the beginning if he or she is selling magazines?
Should I require the person to hear my 10 minute life story before I purchase a magazine?
Should I not even answer the door and tell the person to leave?

I don't want to be mean but I also do not want to purchase a magazine out of guilt. I am also not sure if it is a scam. I am trying to figure out a game plan for the next time they show up at my door. I would love to hear what everyone else does. Let me know...

3 comments:

Rachael said...

I think the reason door to door salesmen still come around is because there are still people that have a hard time saying "no".

I think if you don't want to buy something, then you shouldn't buy it.

I find that the best way is to just be honest. One time I actually told a guy that I didn't like high pressure sales. He got the picture and left me alone.

Sorry babe, I'll get the door next time. :)

Unknown said...

Matt say "NO!!!!" I say no to YOU, my children, my husband, cute kids selling things door to door, parents and the list goes on and on. Stop feeling sorry for the world and give to people or things that are near and dear to heart. Trust me, you are the first and certainly not the last to say no. They will learn to deal with it!!! From favorite "strong willed" sister!!!!

Anonymous said...

I bought one a LONG time ago because I felt sorry for them - bottom line - I NEVER got the magazine. Just say no works for me now!