FabSwingers.com forum: Chuggers

By *els_Bells OP Woman
over a year ago

with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc

Just been into town and got stopped by a chugger. He was about 18 if that and kept calling me 'luv' and stood right up close (in my personal space) which made me feel really uncomfortable.

At first I thought, I'll hear you out, as I was early for an interview and felt a bit sorry for him as it's freezing out.

Anyway, he asked my first name, which I told him, but he proceeded to call me 'luv'. Started saying I looked good and all that shite, felt like I was being touted by a club promoter in Tenerife or somewhere.

He then sped read from a card about this charity. Which would be one I'd support, but I wasnt willing to give my bank details to a stranger on the street and told him so. He then went on and said "But its only 2.50 a week luv. What the big deal?!"

At that point I just shook my head and walked off.

I now know why I and a lot of others avoid them.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with a 'chugger' (charity workers on the street)?

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By *Ryan-Man
over a year ago

In Your Bush

Chugger lol never heard that name before

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By *imply_SensualMan
over a year ago

warrington

I have had similar experiences from female chuggers, they try and flatter you and give you compliments etc, just to try to get you to sign up.

Like you though, I am very cautious about giving my details to a stranger in the street. I do give to charity, through a subscription i set up via the charities website - and while I appreciate that they have to do a lot to get our money, the street vending approach must have limited value.

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By *els_Bells OP Woman
over a year ago

with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc

"Chugger lol never heard that name before"

Cant remember where it came from now lol

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Chugger lol never heard that name before

Cant remember where it came from now lol"

CHarity mUGGER

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By *els_Bells OP Woman
over a year ago

with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc

"I have had similar experiences from female chuggers, they try and flatter you and give you compliments etc, just to try to get you to sign up.

It was the whole personal space thing and being called "luv" by someone so young trying to sort of sell something.

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By *els_Bells OP Woman
over a year ago

with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc

"Chugger lol never heard that name before

Cant remember where it came from now lol

CHarity mUGGER"

Cheers Onny

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"fuck off, not interested" is my usual reply. Know it sounds harsh but some of these "chuggers" are relentless in the pursuit. I give to charity but only the ones that don't hassle you and tends to be the ones sitting with a tin or similar.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Chugger lol never heard that name before

Cant remember where it came from now lol

CHarity mUGGER

Cheers Onny

Hate them with a passion!!

They're rude, pushy and don't like taking no for an answer!

That and I'd rather give directly to charities than chuggers - paying someone to pressure people to donate is not on in my book!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i hate them, if its not charity workers its people trying to get to to change your gas and leccy, its not safe to go shopping now days

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By *hangovCouple
over a year ago

sheffield

An RSPB chugger asked me "Do you like birds"

"Not since the accident"

"What accident" he asked

"I don't like to talk about it"

He left it at that.

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

I did this job for a time when I was at uni. Was crap at it!!

I'm not rude to them, but do dismiss them before they even get a word out.

They get paid about £12 an hour, and bonus for every x amount of people they get to commit to a years giving. And they often have no idea about the charity they are asking for donations for.

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

I did but was at my front door ,group of young guys sayin they were gettin people to sign up and pay towards mencap. It was nearly 8pm. When I told them I wouldn't give bank details and that I had an interview with mencap they beat a hasty retreat.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They are a pain on Northumberland Street in Newcastle and can be very pushy. Some very well repected charities use them, but it will rebound on the charities eventually as folk will get so sick they might stop giving

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By *els_Bells OP Woman
over a year ago

with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc

"An RSPB chugger asked me "Do you like birds"

"Not since the accident"

"What accident" he asked

"I don't like to talk about it"

He left it at that."

I like that one lol

I normally do ignore them but for some stupid reason I thought I'd give him a chance.

At 12quid an hour they can bugger off! If I was hard faced Id give it a go

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

This is my response to the chuggers:

Chugger: excuse me

Me: sorry I'm not interested.

Chugger: what are you not interested in?

Me: whatever your going to say

works everytime

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By *hole Lotta RosieWoman
over a year ago

Deviant City

I walk by them pretending that I'm chatting to someone on my phone, so they tend to avoid me

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just say already signed up. Always gets an 'oh' and crestfallen look

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I remember years ago someone stopping me after money for under privileged kids, i told them i had 3 kids of my own and if i have any spare money i spend it on my own kids not someone elses, the guy told me i had a bad attitude so i looked at him and said, actually if everyone had my attitude there wouldnt be such a thing as under privileged kids

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

I just give them that "look" they leave me alone then.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I look at them like I'm gonna bite their nose off.. Still not been asked..

I would never do that - I'm a friendly guy

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A very quick and aggressive fuck off like you want to kill them works everytime!

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By *aceytopWoman
over a year ago

from a town near you

what person in their right minds would give out their bank details to a person on the streets

i give to one charity every month,they rang me a while ago and asked me to up the amount they where quite aggresive about it,i pointed out that i give my small amount freely every month and if they dont think its enough i would stop it all together,i think its down right rude to pressure people into giving more than they can afford

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Not quite a chugger but our local big issue vendor who's of Spanish or Mexican descent has a mouth full of gold teeth and apparently at the end of his shift he climbs into his Audi a4 and drives home to his family. Apparently there is a Facebook pertition about it ?

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Not quite a chugger but our local big issue vendor who's of Spanish or Mexican descent has a mouth full of gold teeth and apparently at the end of his shift he climbs into his Audi a4 and drives home to his family. Apparently there is a Facebook pertition about it ?"

Which of those 'crimes' would bar him from being a Big Issue seller?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Im not the big issue police but I thought the whole thing was set up so homeless people were vendors and the proceeds of theyre sales would either help them pay for food or a bed for the night

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By *atisfy janeWoman
over a year ago

Torquay

"Im not the big issue police but I thought the whole thing was set up so homeless people were vendors and the proceeds of theyre sales would either help them pay for food or a bed for the night"

So are you listening to heresay about this person....or have you follwed them home in their Audi A4 and sat outside their house?...

These things tend to turn out to be urban myths

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Im not the big issue police but I thought the whole thing was set up so homeless people were vendors and the proceeds of theyre sales would either help them pay for food or a bed for the night"

It's not quite that straighforward. Sellers don't actually have to be homeless.

The 'rule' is "Becoming a vendor gives people who are homeless or sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, in danger of losing a home or unemployed and facing financial crisis the opportunity to sell a weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine to earn money."

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Just been into town and got stopped by a chugger. He was about 18 if that and kept calling me 'luv' and stood right up close (in my personal space) which made me feel really uncomfortable.

At first I thought, I'll hear you out, as I was early for an interview and felt a bit sorry for him as it's freezing out.

At that point I just shook my head and walked off.

I now know why I and a lot of others avoid them.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with a 'chugger' (charity workers on the street)?"

They get a very very brusque 'no thank you' from me. I have one charity which I regularly donate to.

I loathe the end of checkout ones - usually children (scouts, etc) who offer to pack your shopping (badly). I feel it is emotional manipulation - making you feel guilty enough to put some money in the bucket. I never ever give them a thing and pack my own bags.

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By *atisfy janeWoman
over a year ago

Torquay

"Im not the big issue police but I thought the whole thing was set up so homeless people were vendors and the proceeds of theyre sales would either help them pay for food or a bed for the night

It's not quite that straighforward. Sellers don't actually have to be homeless.

Is there any ruling on Gold Teeth?

Or a stipulation that the vendor may only drive a 20 year old Ford Escort?

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

i dont understand how they are allowed to perster you (and follow you down the street one one occasion) yet the little old ladies collecting for the local dog charity etc are not allowed to rattle their tins in supermarket doorways....they just have to sit there all hopeful that someone will dontate

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By *ornyHorwichCpl aka HHCCouple
over a year ago

horwich

"Just say already signed up. Always gets an 'oh' and crestfallen look"

He he I do this too. No comeback from them and not rude. No one actually asks what I signed up for

Scarlett

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

[Removed by poster at 16/01/13 19:02:44]

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"i dont understand how they are allowed to perster you (and follow you down the street one one occasion) yet the little old ladies collecting for the local dog charity etc are not allowed to rattle their tins in supermarket doorways....they just have to sit there all hopeful that someone will dontate

Amongst the rules they should abide by are

fundraisers must not:

¦follow a person for more than three steps

¦stand within 3m of a shop doorway, cashpoint, pedestrian crossing or station entrance

¦sign up to a Direct Debit anyone unable to give informed consent through illness, disability, or drink or drugs

¦approach any members of the public who are working, such as tour guides or newspaper vendors

Local councils can add rules about times, locations etc.

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By *rumCoupleCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

It's worth bearing in mind that chuggers aren't doing it for charity, they are doing it because they are paid (minimum wage or less) for it. The company that pays then skims a commission off what they get you to sign up for - even if you cancel the direct debit, the charity would still have to pay that off.

Personally I wouldn't give to any charity that employs private firms as "donation consultants".

I work from home. A few months ago, a car pulled up at the top of our cul-de-sac. 4 people got out, and spread out knocking doors raising money for Macmillan. The chap who called here was quite persistent, and could easily have browbeaten an older person into signing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just say already signed up. Always gets an 'oh' and crestfallen look"

They're usually around in packs and that's what I say, "Just signed up with your mate down the road." Works every time. I do it with RAC/AA too. In fact anyone trying to get me to sign up I always say I'm already a donator.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I loathe the end of checkout ones - usually children (scouts, etc) who offer to pack your shopping (badly). I feel it is emotional manipulation - making you feel guilty enough to put some money in the bucket. I never ever give them a thing and pack my own bags."

ditto. If I wanted my loaves of bread flat packed I'd let them pack them for me, but I like my bread nice and plump.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A lot of these are classed as self employed and only get paid commission with no basic. They can be paid up to £35 for every person they sign up. It's also the same for the charities that knock on your door. I know because I was offered a job off them. They mainly stem from one American company called cobra (but all run under different names) and they promise to have your own office within 2 years.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think there's a new law came out recently regarding "chuggers" only allowed to follow you for a couple of steps or something along those lines. They can't follow you or harass you.

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By *els_Bells OP Woman
over a year ago

with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc

This has really enlightened me thanks.

Next time they try it Im going to do a Femme type glare and tell them to chug off! Here's me thinking they were doing it for charity (free)

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By *rs and mr sanddancerCouple
over a year ago

Boldon

With the ones that come to your door (don't go out much so don't get caught by the street ones) I always say I donate through my wages to modcare which spreads the payments out through the various charities. modcare is a genuine thing but not one I signed up for and I don't even work for mod anymore - I don't even work at the moment - they seem happy with that and say thank you and move on! I donate to one charity through my bank at just £2 a month as that is all I can afford. They are happy with that and have never asked for more.

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By *amschwingerzCouple
over a year ago

West

"Just been into town and got stopped by a chugger. He was about 18 if that and kept calling me 'luv' and stood right up close (in my personal space) which made me feel really uncomfortable.

At first I thought, I'll hear you out, as I was early for an interview and felt a bit sorry for him as it's freezing out.

At that point I just shook my head and walked off.

I now know why I and a lot of others avoid them.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with a 'chugger' (charity workers on the street)?"

'Fuck off' is normally sufficient for them to get the message

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Want to have a bit of fun ask them for the percentile break down of costs for the charity their chuggin for, management etc. Rabbit /Headlights. Or say "Can you walk and talk?" they're not allowed to (for some strange reason), they have to actually stop you to pester you. Oh the Comedy I have with these clowns.

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By *allen MadonnaWoman
over a year ago

In my own little world

Normally my 'Fuck off aurora' works and I hate it as I know they get in the region of £12p/h.

I once had a very bubbly Battersey Dogs Home girl on my doorstep, she ground me down to the point of giving my bank details. I gave false details, but she was on the phone checking them with her office. I really hust wanted to waste her time. Door got slammed in her face and rang and then wrote to Battersey about their tactics.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Having worked in the charity world, (for an overseas disaster relief agency), I can honestly say, with some insight, that I detest the chugging that goes on in the streets. The problem however, is that it works

Sure, the chuggers rarely work for the actual charity, but instead for a company that the charity has contracted, that in the first year takes most of your donations, (point this out next time you're stopped). However, the charities really do benefit after year 1, and evidence shows most people won't stop a £2 direct debit.... Especially if the marketing is right.....

It makes money for the charity, and gets the brand out there. Personally, we made the choice not to use chuggers because of the responses like these on here, but, for some, it does work

If you want to give to charity, set up a direct debit directly to the charity, that way you can be sure they are getting all your money. And yes, giving money to a charity is infinitely better than giving goods, they can use the money most appropriately, don't have the storage and distribution costs locally, and can actually put the money into the communities they are trying to help....

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By *rumCoupleCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

"Having worked in the charity world, (for an overseas disaster relief agency), I can honestly say, with some insight, that I detest the chugging that goes on in the streets. The problem however, is that it works

It makes money for the charity, and gets the brand out there. Personally, we made the choice not to use chuggers because of the responses like these on here, but, for some, it does work

Hear what you say, but the thought that a charity is *paying* a PRIVATE COMPANY to raise donations, whilst many people give their time freely - and unawarely - to the same charity makes us sick to our stomach. The only way we will gove to charity is very carefully selected special events charity (like the Scottish schoolgirl who set up a justgiving page for meals for African schoolkids). Macmillan, Help the Aged, etc can go without.

Making a profit out of charity ... very Tory idea

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

With the exception of the Lifeboat Institution, I never give to street collectors. I also refuse to give anything to the 'Can I pack your shopping brigade' at the ASDA checkout.

It may sound nasty but that isn't my intention. My nominated charities are Breast Cancer Campaign and The Alzheimer's Society and I donate to them in my own ways - one of which is my annual participation in the Great North Run.

So far as the chuggers, door knockers, plastic bags through letterboxes and tv campaigns are concerned, they are totally ignored

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

" ........ And yes, giving money to a charity is infinitely better than giving goods, they can use the money most appropriately, don't have the storage and distribution costs locally, and can actually put the money into the communities they are trying to help...."

It also makes it easier for them to pay their own wages.

Whilst I appreciate that charities feel it's important to keep themselves going so they can continue to do 'good work', there are some, I put it no stronger than that, which seem to exist for no more reason than to pay senior members of staff far more than they'd ever earn in the real world.

Factor in the duplication of effort where loads of charities are doing very similar work whilst having to support the overheads of each of them and you begin to wonder just how much of any money raised end up going to the intended cause.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm not going to deny that is true of some charities. I guess you just have to do your research, look at their accounts and make your own mind up if you trust them to maximise your donation

Cynicism is necessary, but don't let it pervade.

Sermon over!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They're in Villiers St by Embankment tube everyday. After ten years its becoming a bit monotonous. I tailor my response to whatever my mood is at the time and how invasive they're prepared to be. This could vary from no thanks to fuck off cunt

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"I'm not going to deny that is true of some charities. I guess you just have to do your research, look at their accounts and make your own mind up if you trust them to maximise your donation

Cynicism is necessary, but don't let it pervade.

Sermon over!"

Looking at the accounts 1) isn't as easy as it sounds. Despite their obligations, some charities drag their heels about releasing such info and 2) rarely does more than reveal the salaries of a few senior members of staff.

The Charity Commission and OSCR need to do some work in this area.

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By *UNCHBOXMan
over a year ago

folkestone

Id love to know how long the average person the chugger signs up, stays with that charity before they cancel. Im not sure its much use if they sign people up on a high street, for that person to then cancel 3 months later.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Id love to know how long the average person the chugger signs up, stays with that charity before they cancel. Im not sure its much use if they sign people up on a high street, for that person to then cancel 3 months later.

you're right, its not....see my earlier comment about the amount of time the chugging company get the majority of the donations. But, over 50% of people dont cancle until at least year 3...

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

They annoy me so much they are everywhere in Brum.. One stands at the bottom of the street and one stands at the top... There are about 3 different charities... They do it at about 4pm when everyone just wants to get home...

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