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Original poster

Pushy doorstop salesman!

52 replies

WTF0ver · 01/10/2021 21:53

Was busy working today, trying to concentrate and there was a knock at the door. I assumed it was a delivery person as DH is always ordering stuff. Instead there was a young guy who immediately launched into a sales pitch. He was representing a (very randomly named) company that gets deals with one of the big energy suppliers and told me he'd spoken to neighbours and signed them up blah blah. I was immediately annoyed because I have a sign on the door saying no cold callers and I didn't have time to speak to anyone right then. I said I was busy working but he was very pushy and kept on at me, asking who I'm with just now and how much I pay. He was also asking personal questions like where do I work, do I have a good salary etc.

I'm not good at getting rid of people so despite my disapproving looks and protesting that I really had to get back to work he basically talked me into giving my phone number. He was also a bit pseudo-flirtatious/over-familiar - kept calling me doll and pal Hmm - (he looked about 12 so that no effect on me but it was just the pushiness, he was practically in my hallway, I imagine he's like this in other areas of his life too. My DH was upstairs on a work call, this guy's loud voice was too much, eventually I heard DH close the door to block out the sound. The guy then texted me the energy supplier's phone number to chat to them about a quote while he disappeared next door to harass my neighbour. So then I had to talk to this other guy while he waffled on about how much the quote would be. I was seething and agitated because I had a deadline, so not really listening but I think he mentioned £180 pm! Which is way more than I'm currently paying.

I managed to get rid of the other guy by telling him I'd need to discuss it with my husband so he said he'd phone back tomorrow but I'm so annoyed. At myself for being such a walkover and this guy for being so damn pushy. I think I'll just ignore the call tomorrow or block the number. I just worry about repercussions though.

I did some searching and saw some posts about similar and people commented that these companies had switched them over despite no contract being in place - all they needed was your address and current supplier. So now I'm paranoid that they'll somehow sign me up even if I don't agree to it. Should I contact my current supplier to make them aware?

Also how do I go about getting rid of unwanted people at my door? It's so annoying and the sign obviously doesn't deter them. Am considering telling them that I have a client waiting upstairs or similar!!

OP posts:
GoodWeatherforDucks · 01/10/2021 22:34

You have obviously not been able to get rid of your manners. Because unfortunately you actually will have to be rude to people like this to get them away from your doorstep. But they are the rude ones, coming to your door and ignoring the “No cold callers” sign and then also ignoring all of your non-verbal “go away” cues too. Simply say “I’m not interested” and close the door. My mother was too polite and on one occasion as children we ended up all having to pray in a circle in our own living room with some Mormon missionaries who came to our door one day. Mum was mortified, and us kids teased her about it for years afterwards!

MargaretThursday · 01/10/2021 22:37

I say we're signed into a three year... or is it five year contract... Or maybe it's 10... dh deals with that anyway.
They leave quickly. 🤣

Hoppinggreen · 01/10/2021 22:37

I just say no thank you and shut the door.
Takes seconds, no idea why you would get into a conversation if you didn’t want to
It’s actually better for them as well since it doesn’t waste their time if you aren’t going to buy

Bontanics · 01/10/2021 22:42

Shut the door.

NowEvenBetter · 01/10/2021 22:48

‘Go away’ close the door.

Ta daaaah. 🙄

Ironfloor269 · 01/10/2021 22:50

Yes, just say 'sorry, I'm not interested' and just close the door. Ignore their protestations.

Let me get this straight, you actually CALLED the second guy on the number pushy-twatface texted you? Why on earth didn't you just ignore it or say you'll call them later???

TheDuchessOfBeddington · 01/10/2021 22:51

I have this all the time at the restaurant where I work. We get cold calls from energy suppliers. I used to be very polite as I worked in telesales myself before.

But then the owner of the business told me that most of them are scam artists only looking to get your bank details. Be aware!

AdoraBell · 01/10/2021 22:52

A family member used to tell door salesmen- I can’t talk to you for long, I’ve got smallpox. It always worked.

NoTimeToDye · 01/10/2021 22:58

I used to have this problem and read that the best way to manage it is to have a 'rule' that I never buy anything at the door. Then just keep repeating it until they go away or I close the door. It works fabulously and I think I've only needed to actually close the door once in years.

Salesperson: Hi there...other sales pitch stuff

Me: I'm sorry but I never buy anything at the door.

Salesperson: continues sales pitch

Me: I don't want to waste your time or mine.

Salesperson: continues sales pitch

Me: Thanks for calling. I have a rule that I never buy anything at the door so I'm going to close it now.

Click.

katemuff · 01/10/2021 23:09

Say 'I've got covid, grin, and shut the door' Grin

Mantlemoose · 01/10/2021 23:09

No thanks, door closes.

NeedNewGlasses · 01/10/2021 23:16

Surely ypu just say, "No thank you. I'm not interested," and close the door.

It's not difficult!

Bogeyes · 01/10/2021 23:52

Thank you for offering me xyz but I am not interested...please go away or I will become abusive

simitra · 02/10/2021 00:39

One of the good things about the pandemic was no sales people/religious/political/charity collectors.

This is where a "ring" type door bell comes in. You can talk to the buggers and tell them to jog on without even opening the door.

Just sent for one.

At present I have cameras above the door and anyone who does not look like a courier/postie or expected caller gets ignored.

I agree you have to be rude. Had a sales person once who, when challenged about my notice, claimed my neighbour said I might be interested.

"Was that the (ethnic group) lady?"

"Yes"

"Well your a bloody liar because none of my neighbours are (ethnic group). Jog on!"

Mariell · 02/10/2021 02:02

‘I’m not good at getting rid of people....’.

That’s your problem, not him.

No, I’m not interested and close door.

5zeds · 02/10/2021 02:08

How is it rude to say you are busy and ask him to leave? Stop saying “I’ll ask my husband” and just say “no” like the grown up you are. This is your life, live it.

Original poster
WTF0ver · 02/10/2021 12:02

I did actually think about telling him I've got Covid - DH has just had it!

I think they have ways of talking/manipulating to keep you talking. It's just saying no and being firm/closing the door before they get. I'm a people pleaser and too nice/polite. I need to stop giving a shit!

This is only the 2nd doorstop salesperson we've had since we moved here last winter, so I'm glad it's not constant but I want to not get drawn in.

Does anyone know if it's true that they can switch you over with your address and current supplier detaiils? I bloody hope not!

OP posts:
mbosnz · 02/10/2021 12:06

I've been known to glare at them and say, 'can't you read?'

'Yes, of course!'

'Well then why have you ignored the bloody big sign saying no cold callers?' And slam the door.

But then again, I've lost my manners, somewhere along the way. And I don't care

YoComoManzanas · 02/10/2021 12:13

Just say no thankyou over the top of their spiel and close the door. Firm and polite.

5zeds · 02/10/2021 12:15

I'm a people pleaser and too nice/polite. you can choose not to be

Mariell · 02/10/2021 12:18

Tell the next one that you are part of a sting operation and armed police are watching the house and he needs to turn around slowly and walk away and not to run or put his hand in his pocket and then shut the door.

You could even lift your collar to your mouth as if talking into a hidden microphone and say, “Do not shoot, he works for British Gas etc!”

TheWoleb · 02/10/2021 12:19

I cant believe this. You're a grown adult. Shut the damn door.

You're going on like you had bo choice, you had to give your phone number and then you actually answered the phone to some random? Why?

Literally all you needed to do was, "I'm on a work call and I'm not interested" and then shut the door. You weren't a captive audience. You weren't trapped. You had your whole bloody house to hide in. Just shut the door!!

Were you scared of upsetting him? Dont like saying no to men?

Grow a backbone.

GreenClock · 02/10/2021 12:21

You really need to work on your assertiveness. That story was ridiculous.

You can be robust without being impolite. “No thank you, I’m not interested, all the best”

nokimandaggie · 02/10/2021 12:22

@mbosnz

I've been known to glare at them and say, 'can't you read?'

'Yes, of course!'

'Well then why have you ignored the bloody big sign saying no cold callers?' And slam the door.

But then again, I've lost my manners, somewhere along the way. And I don't care

Same here! Grin
actingsergeant · 02/10/2021 12:23

this is a you problem. grow a spine