What are some tips for dealing with solicitors (door-to-door salespeople)? Our neighborhood gets a lot of them.
We have a “No solicitors” sign hanging on the front door. Nevertheless, they knock, ring the doorbell, or worse, yell through the front window when it is open, trying to get our attention.
We have a Ring video doorbell and have enabled the automatic “Sorry, we’re not interested” announcement after 15 seconds. These pushy SOBs ignore the sign and the announcement.
When I ultimately find out they are soliciting and I ask why they ignored both the sign and the doorbell announcement, they usually say something like, “I’m not selling anything. I am just working with some people in the neighborhood…” or some such BS.
My wife and I work from home and have had to explain the window shouting to coworkers in meetings. We also have two small children who could be trying to nap at any given time. We have good reasons to not want to be disturbed at home and these assholes disregard that wish.
I will write a negative review online if I find out their name and company they are representing. Any other ways to get these people to leave us alone?
Open the door with your phone recording a video. Nobody is going to be comfortable with that as a conversation starter. When they ask why you’re recording, just tell them you’re “making a true crime documentary and need footage of the victim.”
I don’t need a reason to not be bothered at my home, other than being at my home.
I have a side window and just glare at them and shake my head “no” disappointingly. I don’t give them the satisfaction of opening the door.
The ring doorbell sounds neat, but I think it’s easier to ignore then a human.
I would also follow up with a 1 star review of their company if they behaved that way at my house. And probably shame them on our neighborhood social media pages. With video from my ring doorbell. (I don’t have one, but you do.)
Counterlogic: Act WAY too interested. Like a crazy person. Unbreakable eye contact. And start asking them very personal questions about themselves with a huge smile on their face.
This wouldn’t work if it’s different people each time. That kind of deterrent requires the solicitor to already try once, but OP makes it sound like a rotating door of people
This is the only real, good answer I’ve seen so far.
Don’t have a lawn? Doesn’t matter, install one on your stoop exclusively for solicotors.
Live in an apartnemnt building? Instead of a sprinkler, comission someone to shamble together a remote controlled squirt gun. Bonus points if it’s on an aimable mount.
If you want to go an extra mile, somehow add vinegar into the mix. The possibilities are endless.
If possible put up a gate and a no trespassers sign. Or a beware of dog, they may second guess entering.
If you do have a no trespassing sign and it doesn’t stop, maybe add another sign that says the police will be called and they will be reported for trespassing if they enter the gate without permission.
Turn it on them. Start preaching about religion, politics, or any other divisive topic until they are uncomfortable enough to leave on their own volition.
Wow Ive never had anyone yell at me through the window before. But several times I’ve been seen at home by soliciting individuals and I’ve just shut he curtains and not answered the door. If they’re payed at all it’s by the number of people they sign up, they shouldn’t waste much time on someone who clearly doesn’t want to buy into what they’re selling. If they continue to knock after that you may have to open the door ant tell them youre not interested and to leave your property/stop harassing you. Depending on local laws if you document asking them to leave and they keep at it you can try calling the police on them for harassment. Or you could just call the police right away and claim that they’re trying to kick down your door and youre scared for your life. Should get a quick response and will quickly let everyone in the neighborhood know not to knock on your door. Just be careful nkt to cry wolf too much.
@snazzy0933
Maybe try putting up signs saying 'ARMED AND DANGEROUS', 'NO TRESPASSING' and 'BEWARE OF DOG'. If you don't have a dog, you can just play dog barking sounds.
A dog on a chain in front of your door is a pretty good deterrent if you're willing to do that though.
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