FabSwingers.com forum: Door to door sales and cold callers

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

I am stuck at home at the moment (hence on here a lot to pass the time)! Yesterday had 3 guys knock on my door selling double glazing. I go to the door ( as they kept knocking and I was trying to stop them from waking up a poorly person in my house) and ask, are you selling something - "yes" - I say I am not interested and they carry on and on! I am not easily intimidated but 3 guys is a bit OTT. I ended up just shutting the door on them. I live in a road where 80% are over 65, many in their 80's and 90's. I get concerned about my neighbours because of their age buying something they don't really want because these people just won't take no for an answer. They seem to ignore those no cold caller stickers as well.

And don't get me started on those damn PPI recorded messages that ring me every flaming day! Any good strategies anyone out there uses to get rid of these pests?

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

Cold caller stickers are a waste of time however selling to the over 70s is a dodgy area I think there is legislation against cold calling on the elderly but not 100% sure I do know many companies will want a family member to confirm any purchase.

The intimidation bit seems odd as any sales people won't want this as it won't generate a sale and people will just tell them no thanks. We get a lot of cold callers our way and have no problem with a polite no thanks.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

Many local authorities and trading standards offices have successfully set up 'cold call free' zones.

Signage is displayed and residents can report any breaches. There are exceptions - the following can still knock on your door:

Everyday traders ( milk men, window cleaners )

Enforcement agencies

Charities

Religious groups

Betterware/Avon agents

Political canvassing

Speak to your local council - they are easy to set up and effective if residents agree it's a good idea!

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

"Many local authorities and trading standards offices have successfully set up 'cold call free' zones.

Signage is displayed and residents can report any breaches. There are exceptions - the following can still knock on your door:

Everyday traders ( milk men, window cleaners )

Enforcement agencies

Charities

Religious groups

Betterware/Avon agents

Political canvassing

Speak to your local council - they are easy to set up and effective if residents agree it's a good idea!

This

or get a large rottweiler, we found that worked

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

When you get one of those pre recorded ppi messages just press '9'. Automatically removes your number, listening to the full message will tell you so.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"When you get one of those pre recorded ppi messages just press '9'. Automatically removes your number, listening to the full message will tell you so."

Or if on an iPhone just block the incoming number!

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

"When you get one of those pre recorded ppi messages just press '9'. Automatically removes your number, listening to the full message will tell you so.

Or if on an iPhone just block the incoming number!

I only get them on the landline in work thank god. If I dont recognise the number on my mobile I dont answer it

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

Its the ones that come to our house trying to sell double glazing that piss me off. I generally as them if they are blind because if they bothered to look they would find the house already has double glazing

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

"Many local authorities and trading standards offices have successfully set up 'cold call free' zones.

Signage is displayed and residents can report any breaches. There are exceptions - the following can still knock on your door:

Everyday traders ( milk men, window cleaners )

Enforcement agencies

Charities

Religious groups

Betterware/Avon agents

Political canvassing

Speak to your local council - they are easy to set up and effective if residents agree it's a good idea!

It might just be company I work for but we don't knock cold calling zones and I do door to door charity. Normally people start complaining if you do and not worth the hassle.

We're trained not to be pushy but others aren't and have targets to meet

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

Yesterday evening I had windows specialist who said I was too young to be the home owner I said I am...then I had a window cleaner who I thought was about to take my front door off with how hard he was knocking...I didn't answer on that occasion however he stuck a Leaflet through the door. I can't stand them

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Go into the kitchen get a kitchen knife rubbing on a bit of beef to get some blood on it then answer the door saying can they come back later as you are in the middle of something. Might scare them senseless, not sure on the legality though.

As for cold callers, I go for the gold package. Then say I live in a flat, they normally get annoyed and put the phone down. LoL

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

Best bet. . Spyhole on your door . . And never answer it unless it's the postie !

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

"Go into the kitchen get a kitchen knife rubbing on a bit of beef to get some blood on it then answer the door saying can they come back later as you are in the middle of something. Might scare them senseless, not sure on the legality though.

As for cold callers, I go for the gold package. Then say I live in a flat, they normally get annoyed and put the phone down. LoL"

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

My brother lets his two Alsatians answer the door. I told him it's not fair on the trick or treat kids

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By *imply_SensualMan
over a year ago

warrington

Once they identify they are selling 'something' (anything) I usually say, "Sorry, I'm not interested"

Unfortunately, they usually carry on starting with a "but……." which is when I follow up with "Are you deaf?" and give them the Hydeman stare

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By *he tactile technicianMan
over a year ago

the good lands, the bad lands, the any where you may want me lands

I happily open my door to all traders, ask them for their literature or ID, adding that I will want that in an accessible format that I can read as I am blind, and that I will require that without delay, or else I will consider that they are treating me less favourably for a reason relating to my disability and that would leave me no alternative but to seek ajudication in the local county court. I then ask them to speak their name and the company they work for, so I can add it to the recording I have just made on my Iphone.

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

No you dont

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

"My brother lets his two Alsatians answer the door. I told him it's not fair on the trick or treat kids "

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

They are irritating, but the people doing them are only trying to make a living. I deal with them at work politely, but firmly.

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By *athnBobCouple
over a year ago

sandwell

If I am in the wrong mood they get a "fook off" and the door shut in their face. If I am in a more playfull mood "I only deal with dog people, would you like to say hallo to my two?" There are my two dogs going mental in the other room, lovely dogs who just want to say hello to people and play but the sales men don't know that

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

I tend to listen intently and if I have the time, keep them there as long as possible.

Then when they ask for commitment on my part, I reveal I am a sales trainer and lets analyse this call. Offer structured feedback and critique.

Then take their details and contact their company, explaining that the sale didn't happen because of poor selling technique.

Its awfully quiet around my little cul-de-sac now!

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