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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that 8pm is far too late for a cold caller...?

31 replies

ThoseArentSpiritFingers · 08/10/2013 20:12

Just had someone buzzing my flat, which I ignored because I wasn't expecting anyone. Then about 5 minutes later I had a knock on my flat door. It was a guy from shelter Scotland. I opened the door and told him I didn't have time to talk this late.

I have issues with people gettin into my close and knocking on my flat door, have had it happen when I was home alone at 2am with some drunk guy who was clearly looking for my scummy neighbours, but it was proper hammering and very intimidating.

WIBU if I contacted shelter to let them know that 8pm is far too late?

OP posts:
DSM · 08/10/2013 20:13

I don't know that 8pm is 'far too late', post 10pm maybe but 8 really isn't that late.

Annoying though, yes.

MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 08/10/2013 20:14

They are allowed to do it until 8 or 9 apparently. I checked after a Red Cross chugger knocked late one night.

Dawnywoo · 08/10/2013 20:15

Absolutely. Just had exactly the same problem but at 9pm!!

They were knocking on my neighbours door. She's in her 80's and buzzed them in. I saw it and went ballistic. They couldn't seem to grasp what the problem was.

Definitely contact Shelter. Far too aggressive sales tactics. and getting them a bad name.

Scarifying · 08/10/2013 20:17

Get a sign like THIS.

Then, if they call you can bollock them report them to their company.

Animation · 08/10/2013 20:22

I think it's too late. I have my PJs on at 8! And hammering on the door is out of order. Hmm

DSM · 08/10/2013 20:24

A knock isn't 'hammering'...

thebody · 08/10/2013 20:26

after too late especially now it's dark at 8.

I wouldn't have answered it.

Shallistopnow · 08/10/2013 20:31

I had the JWs at the door of my 2nd floor flat once cos some twerp let them in downstairs. Its really annoying isn't it? You feel like your space has been violated even though communal area aren't your space.

Coupon · 08/10/2013 20:31

Yes 8pm is too late. It's dark, evenings are family time, people may be having dinner, and babies/young children will be asleep. 6pm would be a good cut-off for cold callers (not that I really want them to call any time TBH!)

Coupon · 08/10/2013 20:34

Scarifying I think I'll put this one up just to confuse them Grin

DSM · 08/10/2013 20:34

6pm? Most people aren't even home yet, or just in the door!

Not that I advocate cold callers at any time, but I have one of the stickers so they don't ring my bell. However - I also can appreciate that they are just doing their job, and it must work /be amenable for some people or they wouldn't do it.

Coupon · 08/10/2013 20:40

6pm? Most people aren't even home yet, or just in the door!

I'm sure they'll be disappointed to miss out Grin

As for the stickers, why should people have to slap a stern sticker on their door to avoid the cold callers? Maybe cold calls should be opt-in instead.

I'd rather they were banned TBH. People will always need to buy goods so overall sales won't drop, it will just mean the companies who don't use annoying cold callers will get more sales instead.

Original poster
ThoseArentSpiritFingers · 08/10/2013 20:45

Sorry, my op was a bit confusing, this guy knocked, t was the bad experience of the drunken guy looking for my neighbour that was hammering.

I'm maybe slightly skewed by my bad experience, but especially with the area I'm in which isn't that nice, I find it intimidating. As nice as the guy might be, I don't know who he is and he's right outside my door.

OP posts:
urtwistingmymelonman · 09/10/2013 07:42

anytime is too late for cold callers.
if you are not invited to my house don't come.

Bubbles1066 · 09/10/2013 11:40

I loathe chuggers. Got one at 7pm last night as I was trying to get kids to bed. Shelter are repeat offenders, I would never give them money now. YANBU at all.

angelos02 · 09/10/2013 11:47

Cold calling, sales phone calls, religious types knocking on doors, anything like that should be illegal.

Coupon · 09/10/2013 11:48

Maybe there should at least be a "door knocking preference service" like there is a Telephone Preference Service and Mailing Preference Service, for avoiding cold calls and junk mail?

coldwinter · 09/10/2013 11:48

I don't think so. Up till 9pm is fine. Many people who work full time aren't even home until 7pm.

angelos02 · 09/10/2013 11:49

It is fucking disgusting, invading peoples time like that. Can you tell I loathe it?!

Coupon · 09/10/2013 11:49

Many people who work full time aren't even home until 7pm.

So it's more convenient for the cold-callers as there will be more people in. What about the inconvenience of people at home?

coldwinter · 09/10/2013 11:50

I have a notice up saying cold callers are not welcome. But if cold callers are allowed, then I think 8pm is fine.

angelos02 · 09/10/2013 11:51

What amazes me is that some suckers must fall for it otherwise sales callers etc wouldn't bother.

TeaAndSconesTwice · 09/10/2013 11:51

Yes I think it is, I don't like cold callers knocking at our door anyway.

womma · 09/10/2013 11:54

I used to get a lot if chuggers, some we're quite aggressive and they always came at DD's bedtime or bath time.

I printed off a free sign you can get from the Money Saving Expert website (Google it) and stuck it on my front door, and we haven't had one since.

BadSeedsAddict · 09/10/2013 11:59

8pm not fine!! I am reading stories with my kids then, unless they are already asleep. I want a sticker that says 'Cold callers unwelcome. If you ignore this sticker and persist in knocking I will be VERY RUDE INDEED'.