I'm not annoyed by them to be honest, more by the horrible way in which they're having to try to scratch out a living. A guy came to my door today and read out his pitch, was very polite and reasonable. I was going to buy something but when I asked how much, everything was about ten pounds (things like a pair of tumble-drier balls or a set of oven gloves). It seemed really excessive. He, frankly, was completely aware that the prices were ridiculous - it's not like it was top quality merchandise - and when I offered him a couple of quid instead, he scrupulously turned it down.
In the end I bought some tea towels for £8 (£8!!!!) because the poor chap looked so defeated. AIBU in thinking the whole scheme is ridiculous because it is selling sub-standard products for over-inflated prices (and I wonder how much the sellers actually see of the profit) which will either result in people slamming the door in their faces or doing what I did which was essentially to give them charity? I can't help but feel that this is not going to do their self-esteem much good and I can't imagine it encouraging them to leave behind a life of crime.
Does anyone know how the scheme actually works? Is it compulsory? I feel really quite angry on this poor bloke's behalf.