Comments on: How to Cope With Solicitors at Your Door

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!