Do you open the door to salesmen?

Terri,Houston — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:50:08 GMT

I do not open the door for door to door salespersons. I have a sign at the door stating no soliciting. I don't think it should be banned. If you don't want to deal with it, put up a sign. Then if someone does knock,just tell them no. Usually people do not knock if they see a sign. The reason for my sign is I have small children and I don't want them opening the door to a stranger.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

John Seelie — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:07:32 GMT

During the depression people would come to our door askng for a sandwich. and most of the time(We never turned anybody down) they would try to do something in the yard in return. This was common during that period. Everybody needed a helping hand.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Carol, NY — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:19:27 GMT

When my husband's not home, I don't open doors.My 135 pound Rottie is my early warning system. If she doesn't know them, they do NOT get in. Sorry if that's their living, but I'm not taking any chances. Too many crooks and crazies on the streets these days...

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Jim P., Los ASngeles, CA — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:20:02 GMT

The majority of door to door "sales" are scams, frauds or vastly over-priced "mlm" merchandise. Same for unknown "charitable" solicitors.

If I want what you sell, I'll let you know. If I want to donate to a charity, I will do it directly, not to someone who skims off 95% for "administrative costs".

"The biggest thieves in the world are strangers who just 'want a moment of your time.' For in the end, time is all you have and it is finite and once gone, never returns. - Robert Heinlein (paraphrased as I lack the original quote handy)

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Lee, San Diego, CA — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:29:05 GMT

I work long hours, constantly interacting in great detail with many people all over the country in a variety of ways. When I'm home, that is my refuge from work, and I don't want my time there interrupted. I will never buy anything from someone who interferes with that solitude, so to that end, I do have a "No Soliciting" sign posted. I deliberately chose a quiet neighborhood with strict selling restrictions. Not that I think the practice should be banned. I just don't choose to partake in or condone it. If I am looking to purchase something, I'll research and locate it myself.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Gary Smith — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:08:53 GMT

No, I never open the door to solicitors, and I have instructed everyone in my house to do the same. My neighborhood has few people home during the day, and the last thing I want my wife or daughter to do is open the door to a stranger when home alone. Yes, it's a tough job, and in these times folks are trying to make a living any way they can, and no, I do not desire that door-to-door selling be banned. BUT...we choose not to answer when they knock...anyway, our peep-hole in the door allows us to look them over.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Bigazonie — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:29:29 GMT

We live in AZ, Phoenix is now the "Kidnap Capital of the USA" thanks to illegal aliens and drug deals.
Home Invasions are rampant, criminals blatant and armed.
You knock on my door, I look out the window. If I recognize you, I open the door. If you are collecting for some charity, I tell you to leave an envelope, information etc. I make NO snap decisions.
If you are selling anything, I tell you nicely that I do NOT purchase anything door to door. Leave info.
If I don't know you, I ignore your knock. Persistence gets a 911 call to the cops.
Rattle my doorknob and hear the rachet of my shotgun.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Kenneth, Richomnd, VA — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:46:53 GMT

They are banned in my neighborhood, and they STILL knock on the door and bother us. The police have even gottten involved because some violent home invasions started with someone pretending to sell door-to-door. No way will I let them in!

Do you open the door to salesmen?

LL, Akron, OH — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:51:20 GMT

I never open the door unless I know someone is coming over or they call me from the driveway.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Louise, San Diego, CA — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:55:28 GMT

There has been several reports lately of HOME INVASIONS from people pretending to be door to door salespersons. I don't care how great your product is, opening the door for strangers/salespeople/college kids selling magazines is a safety issue!

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Jane Boudreaux — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:00:51 GMT

No! I don't let anyone onto my home. If you call first and identify yourself and your business first, I will decide, otherwise............ Hell No!

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Murman, NY — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:08:34 GMT

Times are tough for a lot of people. Many are out of work and need a source of income to survive and support their families. Why is it that people seem suspicious of their fellow man (or woman). It's not wrong to be caucious when answering a knock at your door and you can always say NO THANKS to the offer.
We need to give people hope that things will improve.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Chris Indiana — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:20:28 GMT

What's changed is the focus of some peoples attention.

Where it once might have been "How are you? Have you had a meal today? I don't have much but let me try to help you."

There's now a segment that "Why do you have a sign up in your lawn? Don't you know signs, pink flamingos and basketball hoops are not allowed? I really don't want to confront you about the things you do on your property but I'm calling someone to make you stop."

Do you open the door to salesmen?

BruceInNH — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:14:14 GMT

Unfortunately, there are too many rip-offs and too many crazies out there these days. If I don't know you the door doesn't open. It's an individual choice, however, and should not be banned. Unlike telemarketing, which should be. I can tell you from experience (like most people) that the Do Not Call List doesn't really work, and I should have the right to shut off my phone to solicitors, surveyors, charities and political campagnes if I choose to. I pay for my phone and I should be able to select what kinds of calls I do and don't want.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Karen R, Chugiak, AK — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:16:13 GMT

My views may be over the top, but nowadays, extra measures of caution are necessary. For the past decade or more, I have made it a rule never to open my door to anyone I don't know. Fortunately, there is a window near the door where I can view the person outside. I've always instructed my children never to answer the door to someone they don't know. I am even very conscious about my husband answering the door to strangers; after all, even brute strength cannot defeat a gun-wielding invader.

Additionally, I never answer the phone but allow the message machine to pick up the call. All my friends, family, and neighbors know that, if they will begin talking, if I am home, I will pick up their call. If it is someone I don't know -a sales call, etc. - then I am not bothered by having to pick up the phone and say "no".

I have explained to some incredulous friends that my home and the entrances to my home -through my doors, phone, and e-mail- are entrances into MY personal space. I am not required to open my personal space out of some misplaced idea of "courteousy". For safety's sake as well as to avoid interruption in my routine, or worse, violence brought upon my family or my person by allowing strangers access, I have made those hard, fast rules.

These rules are no different than buying caller ID to monitor phone calls (why not do it more cheaply by using the message machine?), or installing "peep holes", or installing home burglary monitoring equipment. I simply choose to do it without paying for it.

Besides not opening doors to strangers because of what they might do, it has often crossed my mind that it is quite dangerous for innocent salespersons, especially young women and children- to be going door to door. One never knows what kind of person they will encounter either.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

JC, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:38:58 GMT

My first job out of high school was a door to door sales gig. I was a bit shy and uncomfortable talking to strangers or groups so I figured forcing myself to try and convince complete strangers to buy a discount card for local golf courses and restaurants would help. It did and I'm a much more confident person now so I was glad for the experience. With that said, I ran across many homes where I could tell people were home but no one would answer the door. I cant blame them for doing so, especially in these times. Frakly, I appreciated it as it gave me to opportunity to move on to the next house; the law of averages is the foundation of sales.

So dont feel terrible if you dont answer the door and try not to waste the salesman's time as his time is just as important and it's his livelihood at stake. My favorite line when confronted at the door: "Sorry, you caught me at a bad time; I have to go now. Good Luck!" Be firm, but cheerful if possible.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Russ P., SLC, Utah. — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:46:37 GMT

I actually paid for college doing door-to-door sales. I worked for myself and installed peepholes in front doors in my late teens and early twenties. This supported me as I built a successful small business in real estate. It was great way to get by in tough times and as long as I wasn't pushy I never had problems. People seemed to appreciate the service I provided and if somebody didn't like it I'd just move on.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Sabrina Ertelt Portland OR — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:31:59 GMT

I have worked for an environmental activist group that did go door to door to raise awareness and also fundraise. I had to put up with all types of people who complained, yelled at me, and lied to me. I also had to work through wind, rain, and once got bitten in the leg by a crazy dog. But then there were the days when I was able to meet some really kind and generous people who were just as concerned as I was, and who were able to lend a hand, or a spare dollar or two if they had it. It gave me hope, in an increasingly cynical and apathetic world of people to see the few and far in between who were willing to open a door. And let someone in out of the rain. So please keep on knocking, there's hope out there yet!

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Bill, St Petersburg, FL — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:46:44 GMT

I wouldn't buy anything from a door-to-door salesperson and I resent the fact of them even knocking on my door. Yes, I think the practice should be illegal.

It is no defense to talk about how our economy is tough and people have to do extra stuff to make ends meet. I also live in a tough economy and I also have my problems making ends meet. It doesn't mean that I should go harass my equally broke neighbors.

I would urge EVERYONE to simply shut the door in EVERY salesman's face. As long as a few of us buy the practice will continue. We must clearly demonstrate our dislike of their disturbance by showing them it's NOT going to get our money - what little we have left.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Anonymous, San Jose, CA — Thu, 07 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I absolutely do not open the door to anyone that I do not know and/or am not expecting. I don't even like letting repairpeople in sent by my landlord--I try to get names and titles of people in advance if at all possible. In fact, I didn't even open the door when the FBI came to my door unannounced regarding a security clearance--I called them back and said that I don't open doors to strangers. So, there is no way in the world I would open my door to a salesperson. I agree that the practice of going door to door should be banned, and I don't think even the FBI should be conducting door to door checks. It's just too dangerous in this day and age to open doors to strangers. I don't appreciate being approached in this manner.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

J Bernabe — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:55:32 GMT

I believe there is so many scams, people we are desperate to earn money but for sure there is so many Honest person that really want to share an a opportunity how I know if there is a real opportunity or scam? simple, if some body offer to you make money with out any effort for sure is a scam, But I repeat there is so many honest people in our world you have the choice to close the doors to them. but you will gain karma to. I like to open my doors to all who came in peace. thanks

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Richard Lewis, Little Rock, Arkansas — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:09:27 GMT

It is just amazing how fearful and distrustful all the comments are presented here of their fellow citizens. I sit everyday working at my computer with my door wide open with only a pet barricade (I also love my fresh air). I would not live in an area or a place that requires me to lock myself up in some stronghold away from life. You folks are one of the cause of this country becoming so twisted in our politics, our religious activities, and even our national identity. I only hope one day you become one of those 'citizens' that fall on hard times and find yourself needing to ask your neighbor for help or find yourself knocking on a stranger's door hoping for a little work to get you through. You turn your back on people so simply that one day you may find yourself without a neighbor who is willing to help you - or a neighbor refusing to "get involved" when your house catches fire. Your misguided and twisted mindset hasn't made your house a home - it has made it a prison.
I would suggest that it is not the fence that makes good neighbors, but the gate with a welcome sign that makes our homes a part of a neighborhood.
Fear is a sour thing - and the majority of the comments here seem to ooze with that sourness.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

MuchAdo — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:50:29 GMT

I started my selling career selling door to door. It is one of the most effective ways at times to get out the message about a great product or service and also one of the best ways for a new salesperson to learn body language and the other rapport building skills one must possess. Yes, like anything, from a gun to a kitchen knife, it is something that when not used properly can result in problems, however I think the negative reaction many people have to it is not that it is so “bad” but because the people reacting so negatively are basically rather lazy.

If you don’t like someone knocking on your door; PUT UP A SIGN – rather than wasting your time getting all bent out of shape and making ridiculous gross generalizations about “no one should buy from ‘these people’”. Or perhaps, it is that you like to complain about things you could change if you took responsibility and did something about it? Anyone who is a professional who sees such a sign is not going waste their valuable time on you! I guarantee it. Door to door, in this day and age when only about 30 percent, if that, of people are actually home during the day anymore is not that efficient frankly – in terms of making contact.

Door to door selling is merely one of the many ways that one can “sell”. And what is selling? Simply the process of bringing to the attention of likely prospects a product or service that may benefit from. Our entire society is built on selling things; nothing happens, no one has a job until a salesman goes out there finds someone who needs the product and arranges for them to buy it. Most of the people bitching and complaining here wouldn’t have jobs if the truth be told if some poor salesman wasn’t out there taking rejection everyday selling the product that supports them in the style to which they have become accustomed. Behind every salesman there are secretaries, CEO’s, production people etc, etc, etc. ALL in the end relying on that salesman to make a sale to keep the pipeline and the product flowing out the doors – so they can live in their closed off, restricted communities that don’t allow “sales people”. Talk about short-sighted hypocrisy.

Now I know all those closed off – stay away from – types out there will say, “If I want something, I’ll go to a store.” In that case, you should not turn on the TV because you are going to get hit with a whole lot of “unsolicited” sales messages about things you hadn’t been thinking about.

The point is, if you don’t like something, then take the simple step needed to solve your problem. Don’t try to make the lives of others, whose source of income may depend on selling this way, difficult. Most communities already have solicitation ordinances that require those who wish to go door to door to apply for and pay for a permit; those permits state the hours that one can go door to door and have other guidelines/rule. They also usually require a background check if not fingerprinting as well.

Anyone who can pass this type of muster and who is coming to your door is probably someone who has a proper, legitimate offering; probably knows very well who can or cannot benefit from what they offer and is not someone to be treated badly just because you are in a bad mood and feel intruded upon. They are exercising their right of free speech. You, by the same token, have the right to put up a sign on your lawn saying “No Trespassing/No Soliciting”. So why don’t you do that - where’s the problem?

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Sandy Thatcher, New Haven, Indiana — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:10:02 GMT

we have had several lawn services knocking on our door. I realize this is probably one of the luxuries that many people eliminate from their budget when cutting expenses. I also realize these companies are struggling in this economy. However, if I want their services, I will contact them. They don't need to knock on my door. Put a flier in the door or a postcard in the mail to offer services. Don't knock on my door as I won't answer it.

I think the "No solicitations" sign is a great idea.

In today's world, it is too risky to open the door to strangers.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Steve — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:11:50 GMT

My dog barks and the salesman backs away from the door slowly. Then I open the door and politely say, "Not interested." Then, they leave, never knowing that in my hand behind the door is a 9mm pistol, ready for casers.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Nikki — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:58:56 GMT

As a young woman with a baby living in a decently nice neighborhood, I do not open the door to anyone. There were so many people knocking on my door or leaving trash on my doorstep that eventually I put up a sign that said:

NO!
And Take Your:
-Advertising
-Menu
-Religious Pamphlet
-Charity Info
-Sales Pitch
-Petition
-Survey
-Etc.
With You!

It seems to have worked. (Also, I don't have a peephole, so I can't see who's there-- if I don't know you, you're not getting in!)

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Mike — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:32:23 GMT

"No Soliciting" sign right on the door. If violated, I tell them their breaking the law and next time, I'll call the cops.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

jen, south,uk — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:37:54 GMT

Hey everyone,

I saw the comments about wishing people good luck, and since it is exam time coming up and my little brother is freaking out I wanted to add a quick comment. I really enjoy sending my friends ‘Good Luck’ greetings, I think it is such a nice touch as it shows you are thinking of them and hope the very best for them. I started to find that paper greetings were getting more and more expensive which really wasn’t good! So I looked for an alternative, and found a really cool free Good Luck eCard site that I adore. There are so many cards to choose from so I have not become bored, and they always seem to be updating the site which is cool. There are quite a few sites out there, so it might be worth taking a browse around yourself, but I found this site really helpful.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Dallas Alice Mcgee — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:35:24 GMT

Do we open our door to strangers? Absolutely not; never have and never will.
Case in point: a lady in a near by upscale neighborhood got a knock at her door one evening around 21:00. Although she and her husband were expecting no one, she opened the door. Two gang members shot her to death.
Back in the depression of the 30's my great uncle Tom welcomed many a homeless person into his Pennsylvania home. He and his wife didn't have much themselves but fed and clothed many a 'brother who needed a dime.'
Unfortunately, these days it isn't even safe to aid a stranded motorist. Case it point: a young man was driving near the area where I used to work. He noticed that a car near him had a seat belt stuck in the passengers side door. At the next stop light he motioned for the driver to roll down his car window. The driver opened his window to display the machine guns being wielded by each of his other three passengers.
"What would Jesus do?"
I'm afraid that He would cry.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Joanna, Ohio — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:49:26 GMT

A home is the only private, personal, safe, place left in this world. I live in the country and have more than my share of strangers at the door, some have been really scary. As suggested here, I will purchase a "no soliciting" sign from somewhere and post it. Meanwhile my dog has fun protecting his & my private space. I vote for banning the practice of visiting anyones home unannounced, soliciting or not. Guns are legal here, so we have that option should things get hairier due to whatever you want to make as an excuse for trespassing.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Lazarus Long — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:52:48 GMT

@JimP from Los Angeles:

"Do not confuse "duty" with what other people expect of you; they are utterly different. Duty is a debt you owe to yourself to fulfill obligations you have assumed voluntarily. Paying that debt can entail anything from years of patient work to instant willingness to die. Difficult it may be, but the reward is self-respect.

But there is no reward at all for doing what other people expect of you, and to do so is not merely difficult, but impossible. It is easier to deal with a footpad than it is with the leech who wants "just a few minutes of your time, please -- this won't take long." Time is your total capital, and the minutes of your life are painfully few. If you allow yourself to fall into the vice of agreeing to such requests, they quickly snowball to the point where these parasites will use up 100 percent of your time -- and squawk for more!

So learn to say No -- and be rude about it when necessary.

Otherwise you will not have time to carry out your duty, or to do your own work, and certainly no time for love and happiness. The termites will nibble away your life and leave none of it for you.

(This rule does not mean that you must not do a favor for a friend, or even for a stranger. But let the choice be yours. Don't do it because it is "expected" of you.)"

Lazarus Long
madblogger@rocketmail.com

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Jay , Las Vegas , Nevada. — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:53 GMT

I use to open my door for salespersons , not anymore , one of my experience is in NY before Christmas .A girl about 12 years old with his dad knock on my door and trying to sell me wrapping paper , I end up buying about $ 30 dollars worth of papers, also they told me they live around the neighborhood, believe me, never saw thier face again and even after Christmas I did not recieved my order, and in Las vegas is even worse , I can tell some of them looks like they have been taking illigal drugs, trying to sell magazine or house cleaning materials , she was showing me how good it clean my garrage using the cleaning material with her steel brush, look steel brush will the the work by just adding water . no way i am gonna open my door for sales people. My neighbor told me someone knock on her door, because she didn't open the door the man went back to his car send the boy to get in to the bathroom window and when she was walking down stairs she saw this boy inside her house.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Matt H, Aliso Viejo, CA — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:13:40 GMT

Having handled personal security for executives for many years I find it comical the state of fear that Americans live in. Even in the worst neighborhood in the country I would walk down the street with little concern. Stop living your lives in fear. I will take you on a trip to some lovely places in the Middle East and Mexico City, then you might have something to worry about.

If someone is willing to take the 99% rejection from going door to door just to try and make some money then I say, "open the door and listen to what they have to say." We Americans think the worst of everyone else. There is no boogie man coming to get you. These salespeople are just people trying to make some money. If you like what they have to offer than buy. If you do not then just politely say "no thank you" and carry on with your day.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Yulia, Plano TX — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:21:25 GMT

I do not open the front door to strangers for safety reasons. I was told by a 911 operator that when someone knocks on your door to acknowledge them but to not open the door. There was a string on home burglaries in our area where they would ring the doorbell and if no one answered, they broke in thought he patio door. So, I will generally talk to whoever rings the doorbell, but I do not open the door.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Rob, San Diego — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:04:16 GMT

If I want something I go out and buy it. I don't need anyone knocking on my door trying to sell me something I don't want anymore than I needed then calling me on the phone during dinner. Thanks do not call registry! I don't need all the advertising pollution either. The post office has turned into a screaming joke. I empty my mailbox straight into the garbage can once a week when the garbage goes out to the curb. Thanks firefox for a browser that works with adblock. No more ads on the internet, not even on msnbc (-; If people need to make money there are way more useful jobs!

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Brian F, Los Angeles California — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:39:13 GMT

It is sad but true, I think that door to door salespeople are a thing of the past, most people including myself would be hard pressed to let some person into our houses. I grew up with my mom letting the Avon Lady, the Fuller Brush Man and other door to door salespeople into our home. But I also used to walk to school!!!! LOL

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Chuck — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:42:15 GMT

"...I only hope one day you become one of those 'citizens' that fall on hard times and find yourself needing to ask your neighbor for help or find yourself knocking on a stranger's door hoping for a little work to get you through..."

I suppose we could wish that your home be violated and your family killed but that would make us no better than you. I suggest it is judgemental people such as yourself that are destroying the country

Do you open the door to salesmen?

lynda rosemus — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:51:10 GMT

As usual, the bad ones have ruined it for the good ones. If I knew for certain which person at the door was honest and is doing what he says he is doing, I would be happy to give them a chance. Now I just let my dog answer the door sometimes...they don't argue with him.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

Careful Mom, American Fork, Utah — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:35:19 GMT

A door-to-door salesman raped a woman just a year ago. This is actually the second time this has happened here in our relatively safe and friendly community. I don't ever open the door now if I don't know the person. I've noticed a huge decrease of sales-people which I suspect is a result of this terrible incident.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

John Gravina, Tucson, AZ — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:26:43 GMT

I enjoyed your note. I really, really resent the interruption & don't answer or let in sales people. Perhaps some of it is fear. I feel terribly taken advantage of by them. I go further and won't meet w/ salespeople & insist on doing it by mail, phone. During my education as a mgr., years ago, a prof. told the class that salespeople run businesses. It shouldn't be that way, and it's no way to run a business because of the inherent conflict, but that was simply how a number of managers did run businesses. I suppose it's ok, if they are good salespeople, but they have been few & far between.

Do you open the door to salesmen?

David C, Newark, DE — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:42:00 GMT

I am a door to door salesman and work sometimes late into the evening. I represent a national phone company and sell a very fine product for home use and most of the time can save them money on their monthly home entertainment. I knock about 30 doors a day and return for followup. I am respectful of peoples property, never walk across the lawn, don't smoke and careful to make sure the storm door is latched before leaving the porch if no one answers. The people who think we are all bad are the same people who will not look you in the face and say hello when walking down the street. They are afraid of their own shadows. I have met some very nice people who have invited me into their homes and I respect hometime for busy families. I say what needs to be said and if sold do the paperwork, if not have a nice day and thank you for your time. You the scared need to travel to another country and learn what being scared is all about.