How to Cope With Solicitors at Your Door

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

Rate: (1 Ratings)

Be polite, be firm, and always take a minute if you do decide to buy, sign or donate.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Assertiveness Lessons
Etiquette Books
Welcome Mats
Locks

Step1

Check through a peephole or window before opening your door to anyone.

Step2

Steel yourself to be firm, although it may feel impolite to say no.

Step3

Consider carefully before inviting solicitors into your home. It's much more difficult to rid yourself of them once they are inside; it's also potentially dangerous.

Step4

Decide if you want to listen to their spiel. Realize once you listen, it's once again harder to say no.

Step5

Have a standard speech to turn away fundraisers. For example, "I have my own charities that I give to, thank you very much."

Step6

Prepare one for other situations. "I have my own spiritual beliefs," or "I don't sign petitions without consideration."

Step7

Thank them and say you must go. Then close the door.

Tips & Warnings

Staying calm and polite always leaves you in charge.
Treat door-to-door solicitors as you would any stranger, with caution and polite impartiality.
If you have a chain lock, keep it fastened.
Don't bring your purse to the door. If you're giving, write your check or collect your cash in another room.
Never let the solicitor know you're alone, or give out any personal information.
A slight bit of wariness is safe and sane.

Comments

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Do not open the door if you are a woman living alone. Someone else might be hiding out of sight while a well dressed accomplice rings the doorbell. And ladies, remember in every situation, your safety is more important than manners! If you are a woman home alone and a solicitor persists, tell him to leave and if he doesn't that you will call 911.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 If you live in a private home, don't open the door, speak to the solicitor through a window. You can never be to careful when dealing with strangers.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 For those who are by themselves at the time: Before opening the door, have a phone or cell phone in your hand in case of an uncomfortable situation.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Don't even open the door, simply talk through it by saying, "How can I help you?" If he asks you to open the door, simply say that you'd like to hear what he's selling first. Don't let him talk you into opening the door before you're ready. I've done this every time, and it's so much easier to get solicitors to leave when you want them to. After all, it's much more difficult to sell through a door, especially if you've already expressed you're not interested and walked away. This technique might seem rude, but remember, it's your house and your right not to open the door to strangers.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Here are some suggestions: "My employer provides that," "I tried ___ and it didn't meet my needs," or "Somebody from your group was just here yesterday and I already discussed it with them." Then say, "Have a nice day" and close the door!

View All