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Original poster

To not want the electricity company in my face upon leaving the supermarket?

43 replies

PassingStranger · 14/08/2025 13:01

Coming out of a well.known supermarket yesterday, an electricity company was in my face asking who I have my electricity with/do I want to save money etc?

I just object to this intrusion. There's often charities outside/set up in the foyer, I think businesses is taking it to far though.
It's like running the gauntlet when you've done the shopping?

Yes you can ignore I know but it's the fact they are there and questioning you that annoys me .you have got to start thinking how to act?
How does this work? I'm assuming they apply to the supermarket and then they pay to be there?

Do the supermarkets not consider their customers might not want to be accosted?
I don't really get it. I've gone into a private shop to do some shopping, then outside I've another business wanting my attention and asking me questions?

Am I the only one it annoys?

OP posts:
Fountofwisdom · 14/08/2025 13:25

I just blank them. I haven’t invited conversation so I don’t owe them a response. I find the chuggers far more annoying and they often have a sarcastic comment when they are ignored. If more people ignored them, there’d be fewer of them about

Bambamhoohoo · 14/08/2025 13:25

It’s awful isn’t it. So intrusive talking about your bills on the street.

it seems so old fashioned too, like something from 2004

MumOfTwoLittleOnes24 · 14/08/2025 13:23

Know how you feel, PassingStranger. I avoid eye contact and have a purposeful look on my face that gives off an “I’m busy” vibe whenever I see salespeople by the supermarket exit/entrance in the hope that they’ll ignore me.
However, this does not always work, last Christmas I was literally weighed down holding a massive box of stuff in both hands accompanied by two squabbling kids and a very persistent sales rep for a charity pretty much barred our way out of the store. I gave a sharp “No, thank you!” and he moved. Seriously, read the room mate!!
I try to demonstrate good manners and curtesy to my children but it’s not always easy.

JDM625 · 14/08/2025 13:19

Was it Morrisons? I can't stand it either.

I once offered a few coins for a charity I agree with- but they didn't take cash and only wanted me to sign up to a monthly subscription- no thanks.

hannonle · 14/08/2025 13:18

I had this with the air ambulance as I went in to pay for petrol. I would happily put a few quid in a collection box, but they wanted you to sign up and do a regular donation. Other people were saying no once they realised but it was really uncomfortable. In fact they would've got a fair few donations if they had a collection box instead. It did feel very pressured, especially if you got caught in the trap of them starting to fill out the form. The guy was calling out to customers and being pushy too.

I am very happy to donate to them in general but also thought this was out of line.

Sahara123 · 14/08/2025 13:16

I remember this years back. Must be a soul destroying job, who is likely to say ah yes that reminds me I must change my electricity supplier outside a supermarket. I just say no thank you and walk on, same as anyone accosting me in the street really. Don’t hesitate to, just keep walking !

Hoppinggreen · 14/08/2025 13:14

No thank you as you walk past and then forget about it

saveforthat · 14/08/2025 13:14

I don't engage at all. We have all (mostly) been brought up to be polite so ignoring people can be hard at first. This is one of those occasions I allow myself to be rude. I treat them like scam callers.

ilovesooty · 14/08/2025 13:14

PhilippaGeorgiou · 14/08/2025 13:06

"Not today thank you..."

Job done. Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you must think about it or answer it.

Exactly. If you don't stop they can't question you.

MamaElephantMama · 14/08/2025 13:13

My local Morrisons tends to have them at the self service exit. I make sure I am always polite as I have seen many that look a little defeated but I do say no thank you.

Original poster
PassingStranger · 14/08/2025 13:12

PhilippaGeorgiou · 14/08/2025 13:08

I think businesses is taking it to far though.

PS I had a job doing exactly this for wall cladding when I was a student. That was 1975, so it isn't exactly a new practice.

In supermarkets though? I don't remember it?
Lidl and Aldi never have anyone there?

OP posts:
Laserwho · 14/08/2025 13:11

I just say no thanks and continue walking.

AnPiscin · 14/08/2025 13:11

PassingStranger · 14/08/2025 13:09

Quite hard,when they are right in your path as she was.

Does anyone know the other side of it?
Do supermarkets make much from this?
Do they get asked alot?

Show quote history

The supermarkets get paid to allow them to be there.

I just walk around them and completely ignore them. They find it confusing - I find it quite satisfying.

verycloakanddaggers · 14/08/2025 13:10

This isn't new. Just say 'no thank you' with a smile and go back to your day.

Original poster
PassingStranger · 14/08/2025 13:09

AnPiscin · 14/08/2025 13:07

It is very annoying. I just pretend they aren't there.

Quite hard,when they are right in your path as she was.

Does anyone know the other side of it?
Do supermarkets make much from this?
Do they get asked alot?

OP posts:
PhilippaGeorgiou · 14/08/2025 13:08

I think businesses is taking it to far though.

PS I had a job doing exactly this for wall cladding when I was a student. That was 1975, so it isn't exactly a new practice.

AnPiscin · 14/08/2025 13:07

It is very annoying. I just pretend they aren't there.

PhilippaGeorgiou · 14/08/2025 13:06

"Not today thank you..."

Job done. Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you must think about it or answer it.