TO be really bloody sick of door and phone chuggers

[CherryChasingDotMuncher]

Just answered the door while having tea to a chugger from the RSPCA. I'm expecting a parcel otherwise I'd usually ignore. He started his spiel, asked if we were an animal loving household were really not and I stopped him after about 15 seconds (didn't wanna waste his time) and said really sorry but we wouldn't be interested in making any donations. His face changes completely, said "Whatever" then stomped off. I mean FFS you turned up at my door asking for money, and you're not 2 years old, let's be a little grown up about it.

I also saw a FB ad for a free DVD from st John's Ambulance about child first aid. Thought "what a great thing to get" and put my email and phone number in, expecting the next page to ask for my address, but all it said on the next page was "we'll be in touch shortly about you receiving your free DVD". Or something. Since then, I've had no DVD, but about 3 calls a day looking for me to set up a regular direct debit. I was clear that I was happy to make a one-off payment through PayPal seeing as I was getting a very useful DVD for nothing (I'd have done this anyway) but they made it clear that I wouldn't be getting the DVD unless I set up a donation. I've managed to ow block all their numbers.

Don't get me stated on street chuggers. I've had smelly men come up and put their arm around me to stop me, and in the summer I wore a skirt as it was baking outside and one actually tried to stop me by saying "have a couple of minutes for a chat sexy legs?" I told him sorry I don't speak to random men who sexually harass women in the street.

AIBU to be really pissed off about these tactics? I mean do people really give their bank details over the phone or at the door or in the high street? I feel sorry for the workers as it can't be an easy job, but they always seem to pick people with stinking attitudes or annoying blokes who are completely inappropriate.

Can you get a sticker for your door that says no soliciting? I see them all of the time.

Well, yes. People do. That's why it's used still. Also, the people who do sign up are offering regular donations which charities can rely on, and which goes into unrestricted funding which government grants etc won't be.

It's massively effective. Whether it's ethical or not is a totally different argument but it definitely works. I've seen the figures.

Do they work 7? My local trading standards allows streets/villages to sign up to be "no cold calling zones" and they send all the houses door stickers and pay to put little signs up on the lamp posts. Might look into that as we do seem to get quite a lot round these parts

They do for some, if they ignore them you can request their ID number etc and contact their organisation to explain they're ignoring the sign. I would for sure get the Trading Standards ones you're talking about if possible :)

Yanbu. I had one outside a shop last week- left with armfuls of shopping and as he started his spiel I said it wasn't really a good time and looked at all my shopping which he took out of my hands to carry on yakking

I absolutely hate them. I do understand charities need funds, but I hate those shady, pushy practices. A couple of months ago, a girl from I can't remember which major charity managed to get into my building and rang my bell. As I opened, she asked cheerily if she could step in. I said no as I don't let strangers in my flat. She explained me about the charity and started asking me whether I know "Barry" who lived next door or "Barbara" from accross the road who was making great cups of tea and was a regular donor. I smelled bs, so I just politely declined and closed my door, but I was infuriated by those very pushy and deceiving methods (I am pretty sure those people don;t exist!)
I twitted the charity to tell them they will not get one penny from me after using such tactics. They immediately contacted me to ask me details about the chugger and apologized, saying they don't condone those methods.
As a result of that constant harassing on the street etc, I just stopped giving to big charities. I generally give to small local charities.