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Original poster

To think this is too late to knock?

33 replies

Catchmeifyoucam · 23/04/2025 21:12

Am I totally out of touch with reality and this is actually fine? Im a big fan of an early night so maybe it’s just me who this irritated! A well known food meal kit brand has been in our area today and knocked on us at 8:40pm. We have a no cold caller sticker very visible, can’t miss it. Kids were fast asleep and I was in my pyjamas watching tv. Someone banged on the door and I jumped out of my skin. I know they have a job to do but…

OP posts:
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BlondeMummyto1 · 24/04/2025 12:07

A charity for the blind knocked at my door at about the same time on winter. I thought it was DD coming home and was shocked when I saw three men at my door and another ran over when they saw I had answered. They tried the usual banter but I have to admit I was very rude. It was pitch black and pissing down and they tried to be my best mate. Nah fuck off.

TheHerboriste · 24/04/2025 12:00

Blondebrownorred · 24/04/2025 06:03

This.
I never realised people went to bed so early until I joined Mumsnet.

Show quote history

with massive insomnia / middle of night waking, and usual rising time of 5am, if I didn’t get to bed by nine or so, I’d not get enough sporadic sleep to manage the next day.

At any rate that’s no one’s business. Cold callers aren’t welcome any time and I won’t do business with them on principle. Neighbours better have a damn good reason to show up any time after 7. In my area, parcel theft is not an issue so deliveries can be left whenever.

Foodframe · 24/04/2025 09:16

I'm not as anti knocking as some people here and come from an upbringing where people wouldn't have used the phone rather than popping round, neighbours in and out of each other's houses, but never after tea!

Tortielady · 24/04/2025 09:07

8.40 hovers at the edge of "too late for this sort of thing" and we are late to bed at our house. If you like to be tucked in under your duvet with book and hot water bottle etc by 9.30 tops, a knock on the door will probably throw your bedtime routine out. I can understand the OPs annoyance.

As pps have said, expected deliveries are different, even late on. So is family (or they would be if they lived nearby) neighbours, etc. Unsolicited callers who aren't related and want bank details rather than say, a handful of tea-bags are not going to be greeted with enthusiasm.

BogRollBOGOF · 24/04/2025 08:04

I was out buying packed lunches and mum-taxi pick-up.

Normally it's dinner time after slightly earlier evening activities.

It's a busy time of day!

RabbitsRock · 24/04/2025 07:53

Pp’s are saying about deliveries but that’s completely different. The OP had a company trying to sell her something & I think 8.40pm is too late for anything like that. I dislike cold callers anyway!

Jc2001 · 24/04/2025 07:47

Rumplestrumpet · 23/04/2025 21:15

8:40?!? I would say anything before 10 is ok? You don't have to answer the door of you don't want to.

Cold callers shouldn't be calling in the first place but if they must, outside of working hours is unreasonable to me. So keep it before 6pm.

It's one of the main reasons I got a ring doorbell. If it's a neighbour or something I'd answer at anytime probably.

If they're carrying a clipboard or wearing a high Vis bib then I don't answer

Floatlikeafeather2 · 24/04/2025 06:37

ItGhoul · 23/04/2025 21:47

People think 8.40pm is unacceptably late?! Really?

I’ve had Amazon deliveries arrive at 10pm. Never occurred to me that anyone would think anything before that would be considered late.

Mind you, half of Mumsnet seems to consist of grown adults who are in bed by about 9pm, which is bafflingly alien to me.

And the other half consists of people who spout this nonsense every time they can shoehorn it in.

MidnightPatrol · 24/04/2025 06:31

We have a real problem round here of charities knocking at night.

Presumably they come late as it means you’ll be home from work - but very annoying. Often has interrupted bath or bed time.

Unsolicited knocking should be limited to business hours tbh. Parcels I am more flexible on.

BoldBlueZebra · 24/04/2025 06:27

my cut offs are:
cold callers/ political parties- 8pm
parcels I am expecting-10pm
family - anytime
neighbour in need - just knock anytime
jehovas witnesses/ other religious factions - never

MidnightPatrol · 24/04/2025 06:06

ItGhoul · 23/04/2025 21:47

People think 8.40pm is unacceptably late?! Really?

I’ve had Amazon deliveries arrive at 10pm. Never occurred to me that anyone would think anything before that would be considered late.

Mind you, half of Mumsnet seems to consist of grown adults who are in bed by about 9pm, which is bafflingly alien to me.

Survival technique.

I was a night owl before I had kids. Now with the likelihood I may get worked in the night, plus 6am wake ups every day (plus a full time job and commute)… going to bed early is the only way I can guarantee enough rest to function effectively.

Blondebrownorred · 24/04/2025 06:03

ItGhoul · 23/04/2025 21:47

People think 8.40pm is unacceptably late?! Really?

I’ve had Amazon deliveries arrive at 10pm. Never occurred to me that anyone would think anything before that would be considered late.

Mind you, half of Mumsnet seems to consist of grown adults who are in bed by about 9pm, which is bafflingly alien to me.

This.
I never realised people went to bed so early until I joined Mumsnet.

FortyElephants · 24/04/2025 06:00

Cold callers banging the door at 8.40pm when you're relaxing at home is outrageous and they would have a massive piece of my mind if they tried that with me!

TheHerboriste · 24/04/2025 05:58

Livpool · 23/04/2025 21:38

I think it’s fine to knock until about 10. Annoyed someone knocked before 9 seems a bit precious

10pm, seriously??

I get up at 5am and frequently am in bed by 8pm.

MoistVonL · 24/04/2025 02:45

After 9 is impolite, before 9 is fine.

Original poster
Catchmeifyoucam · 24/04/2025 02:42

DenholmElliot11 · 23/04/2025 21:38

If the parcel is for you it's just about ok but if they wanted you to take it for someone else then it's fucking cheeky. but i don't understand who it was for?

It wasn’t a parcel. Was a food meal kit company trying to get people to sign up

OP posts:
Cleoleo · 23/04/2025 21:49

I used to do electoral register canvassing for local authorities - our official cut off time was 9pm. Knocking on a door anytime before that was considered fine and 7-9 pm likely the best time to find people at home.

If you're not keen on door knocks at that time, make sure you do your electoral registration on time - it could spare you being disturbed!

ItGhoul · 23/04/2025 21:47

People think 8.40pm is unacceptably late?! Really?

I’ve had Amazon deliveries arrive at 10pm. Never occurred to me that anyone would think anything before that would be considered late.

Mind you, half of Mumsnet seems to consist of grown adults who are in bed by about 9pm, which is bafflingly alien to me.

BoredZelda · 23/04/2025 21:41

DenholmElliot11 · 23/04/2025 21:38

If the parcel is for you it's just about ok but if they wanted you to take it for someone else then it's fucking cheeky. but i don't understand who it was for?

There was no parcel.

VivIsBlonde · 23/04/2025 21:40

Catchmeifyoucam · 23/04/2025 21:18

Blimey, i’m normally fast asleep by 9:30! I’d not be best pleased if the door woke me just as I’d drifted off! I’d run down thinking it’s an emergency as I’ve never know anyone who knocks that late!

Show quote history

I’m sure if you’re in bed and your house is in darkness, they wouldn’t come knocking at your door!!

AppleBlossomMay · 23/04/2025 21:39

Definitely not ok with me to have cold callers coming to the door at that time. I want to relax in the evenings so wouldn't be pleased to answer the door only to find someone trying to sell me something or other.

DenholmElliot11 · 23/04/2025 21:38

If the parcel is for you it's just about ok but if they wanted you to take it for someone else then it's fucking cheeky. but i don't understand who it was for?

Livpool · 23/04/2025 21:38

I think it’s fine to knock until about 10. Annoyed someone knocked before 9 seems a bit precious

Wheech · 23/04/2025 21:30

Cold callers annoy me anyway but anytime after 8 they are risking getting me out of a bath or winding down if not already asleep. I'd be unhappy too.

Original poster
Catchmeifyoucam · 23/04/2025 21:25

KrisAkabusi · 23/04/2025 21:24

This is mumsnet, where the majority appear to never answer the door, regardless of time of day!

I answer the door always, the suspense of not knowing who it was would kill me else lol

OP posts: