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Original poster

AIBU to be surprised by a charity fundraiser knocking at 7.30pm?

56 replies

Crumpettime · 16/09/2026 19:56

My door bell just rang and I didn’t really want to open it. It’s 7:30pm and fairly dark outside already but I thought it could be my husband so I opened it. It was a charity fundraiser asking if I have time for a chat. I said no
sorry I’m just about to put my kids to bed (lie) closed the door. He was polite and left. I haven’t had anyone knocking on door at night for charity donation ever. Is it common?

OP posts:
PoloThePolarBear · 16/09/2026 20:02

I think 7.30 is a reasonable time for people to call round tbh, we’ve certainly had neighbours pop over or delivery drivers knock later than that.

Are you very anxious about opening the door when it’s dark? Is it possible to install more lighting around your door and a peephole in your door so you feel safer?

SeptemberRains · 16/09/2026 20:03

Yes it’s common.

CurbsideProphet · 16/09/2026 20:05

They wouldn't knock at this time here. They usually get back on the minibus around 5pm after spending the day doing the rounds of the village.

Spiffingdarling88 · 16/09/2026 20:07

Seems the must logical, people will be home from work.

ChocolateApples · 16/09/2026 20:11

7:30 is an entirely reasonable time. Less keen on unsolicited charity collectors going door to door.

Left · 16/09/2026 20:12

They’re annoying at any time.

Kate0726 · 16/09/2026 20:14

I find it really annoying as I am usually busy putting children to bed or with dinner. Now I have a ring doorbell I just don't answer.

Pumpkindice · 16/09/2026 20:16

Here they seem to go round in the daytime and then again after 6pm to houses that haven't answered earlier.

ShakyBake · 16/09/2026 20:21

This reminds me of the time (and I am still angry about it) on October 4th last year when I had a knock on the door at 10.30pm from someone asking if I wanted my windows cleaned, I stupidly paid them £20 upfront (I still kick myself) and when I retured with a bucket of hot water which he asked for there was no one to be seen

fridaynightzzz · 16/09/2026 20:22

Usually at the start of term we are plagued with them but the last 2 years it seems to have stopped thank goodness.
we had one some at a similar time whilst trying to get a child in the bath who was having a massive meltdown. They still were trying the hard sell and I couldn’t get a word in, until I had to say ‘are you fucking kidding me’ and slammed the door on them.

MagneticSquirrel · 16/09/2026 20:23

YABU - 7:30pm is perfectly reasonable and fairly common.

During the day some people are working so you’d never catch them without evening visits.

Personally I never give money on the doorstep but as long as they don’t call later than 9pm (bedtime) then they are welcome to try.

ExistWHY · 16/09/2026 20:29

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BashfulClam · 16/09/2026 20:32

I haf one who turned up during the day I said ‘I’m working!’ She started her spiel and I just shut the door in her face as I already said I was working! They tend to come around between 6-8pm as well and I don’t answer.

BashfulClam · 16/09/2026 20:33

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What?

TheLambtonWorm · 16/09/2026 20:36

We had a hello fresh guy knock half 7 the other night just was bedtime meltdowns began. I get why they come at that time but they can all fuck off, it shouldn't be allowed imo. It's predatory and invasive.

ExistWHY · 16/09/2026 20:46

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ArseSkinForAFriend · 16/09/2026 20:48

I mean it’s by no means late is it?

Given how many people get home from work about 6pm, it’s pretty prime time for them I expect.

Grumpyoldcat · 16/09/2026 20:48

I dont like these calls end of. I feel sorry for them.

Timeforachange26 · 16/09/2026 21:33

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???

Timeforachange26 · 16/09/2026 21:33

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Why would you be in bed at7.30 pm

ExistWHY · 16/09/2026 21:38

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Sartre · 16/09/2026 21:43

Get a doorbell so you can avoid opening the door to strangers, it’s the only reason I got one.

Original poster
Crumpettime · 16/09/2026 21:45

l see. Didn’t realised how common it is for them to knock on the door at 7:30pm Before the lockdown I used to get them knock on my door during the day but I have never had one doing it at night and I have been living in this village for 16 years. I do feel sorry for them, they can’t be getting many people signing up for donation.

OP posts:
Original poster
Crumpettime · 16/09/2026 21:46

ShakyBake · 16/09/2026 20:21

This reminds me of the time (and I am still angry about it) on October 4th last year when I had a knock on the door at 10.30pm from someone asking if I wanted my windows cleaned, I stupidly paid them £20 upfront (I still kick myself) and when I retured with a bucket of hot water which he asked for there was no one to be seen

Edited

Oh you poor thing, I would be so angry too 😢

OP posts:
bababamama · 16/09/2026 21:56

I would think that’s a really normal time, if a bit early because many people are barely home from work.

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