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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to boycott shops that facilitate chugging in their store?

96 replies

bibbitybobbityyhat · 19/01/2017 21:04

In a smallish branch of M&S today.

1 exit.

Have to run the gauntlet of getting past 2 chuggers for the British Heart Foundation.

The sum total effect of this decision by M&S afaiac is that I won't go to their shop again.

Aibu?

OP posts:
IHaveBrilloHair · 19/01/2017 21:07

YANBU.
Similar in the Co Op by me, I hate it.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 19/01/2017 21:08

yanbu. Same in our local corner shop.

Oysterbabe · 19/01/2017 21:09

They always have them in Tesco by me. Fucking annoying.

ItsThatBeverleyMacca · 19/01/2017 21:12

YANBU. I find them so cringe and awkward, the way they dance up to you or try to engage you in fake friendly conversation. I walked past WH Smith's when I saw some in the entrance way, I was going to go in for some packing tape but I went to the pound shop for it instead, cheaper and no chuggers.

isthistoonosy · 19/01/2017 21:15

I.don't get.the issue you don't want to give amy money you just walk past. There beggars right in the doorway at pur supermarket and one at least has a kid that we know from nursery. I never give her money as I know she must get benefits and has the opportunity to.study for free and I don't agree with begging in her situation. Generally I don't give to.beggars.

FrizzBombDelight · 19/01/2017 21:22

I thought the usual deal in those big supermarkets was they are allowed to be there if they don't approach people? The most I ever see is a bit of a bucket jingle.

GoodEyebrowDay · 19/01/2017 21:23

This reply has been deleted

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CasperGutman · 19/01/2017 21:24

I think I've only ever seen chuggers in a shop when they're at the door of our big Tesco Extra. I assumed Tesco must have a policy that they mustn't approach customers unless they approach them, as none of them has ever spoken to me or taken a step towards me. It seems like a good policy to me.

MargoChanning · 19/01/2017 21:24

Had the British heart foundation in my local sainsburys the other day. Shouted out 'do you know cpr?' at me when I was passing so I assumed they were talking about their latest campaign to make people aware of local cpr courses which I'm interested in finding out more about. Started to chat to them and then it became clear that they knew nothing of this campaign and wanted me to sign up to direct debits. Couldn't give me a leaflet as didn't have any. They then tried to get my details so someone could give me a ring in a couple of weeks time about my direct debit. So gave my excuses and walked away.

Really did not like the fact they were giving the impression of raising awareness about their cpr campaign when really they wanted me to sign up for donations. And they wanted £12 a month too!

WorraLiberty · 19/01/2017 21:26

If they're approaching you and hassling you, that's not on and you need to complain to the manager and/or head office.

If they're just standing there quietly collecting, then it's not exactly running the gauntlet.

MargoChanning · 19/01/2017 21:27

Just to add, I have no problem with people wanting to raise awareness of campaigns or with a charity bucket - but do have a problem with them implying they are about raising awareness when it's actually spiel to get you to sign up to regular donations.

DropZoneOne · 19/01/2017 21:31

Sat in caffe nero at the weekend and was approached by someone representing a local children's cancer charity. He went from table to table. I was disappointed the management allowed it, if it happened again it would put me off.

sonyaya · 19/01/2017 21:35

YANBU, I HATE chuggers with a passion.

OliviaBensonOnAGoodDay · 19/01/2017 21:46

I think YABU. Face to face fundraising (aka chugging) works, that's why charities do it. It raises millions every year, which in this case goes towards research into heart diseases and defects. The discoveries those BHF funded scientists make are translated into hospitals and clinics, saving and improving the lives of heart patients.

That research would not take place without fundraising. You don't have to give them money, but I think they should be allowed to ask.

In 2009, charities were told by the government that they would be expected to plug the gaps caused by cuts to public services. The increase in 'chugging', and direct mailings asking for money, are a result of that.

Twooter · 19/01/2017 21:51

I don't mind buckets to collect money, but our local supermarket has Guide Dogs stand in fairly frequently and it's only to get people to set up direct debits. I would happily have given money there and then, but I wasn't going to start writing out all my bank details.

Prawnofthepatriarchy · 19/01/2017 21:57

I like bucket collections, and give if they're for charities I can support. I hate chuggers and walk past in a determined way. I often thank bucket collectors for giving up their time to prompt me to give.

I haven't got much money, so prioritize my Big Issue guy.

Original poster
bibbitybobbityyhat · 19/01/2017 21:59

Worra

These were chuggers in the British Heart Foundation t-shirts, with a desk plus logo and an i-pad each. They were proper chuggers.

Ironically, I would always put money in a collection bucket but never stop for someone calling out "Hi, how is your day going?" or whatever. I've been subject to that on every high street in London since the late 90s.

OP posts:
Original poster
bibbitybobbityyhat · 19/01/2017 22:06

MargoChanning

That was exactly what they were doing in M&S today. How can charities ever hope to get people on side like that?

OP posts:
GerdaLovesLili · 19/01/2017 22:21

I have no problem with a direct-giving bucket, I have a very big problem with paid third party chuggers where so little of the money raised by the direct debits ends up with the charity.

I stopped going to our main local town because it was impossible to walk down the road without one bunch or another of the chuggers blocking the pavement and bugging shoppers.

Guavaf1sh · 19/01/2017 22:27

Yanbu

Collaborate · 19/01/2017 22:34

My local tesco often has school kids or guides/scouts standing at the tills ready to pack your bags. Often they're collecting to fund a trip somewhere. Always puts me off.

faceremovinghaircream · 19/01/2017 22:35

I always just whip out my mobile as if answering a call. They are not allowed to approach people on the phone. I know it's a bit daft but just saves the awkwardness. Especially if you can see another 4 ahead.
Always the 'gap yaaah' types. Irritating.

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 19/01/2017 22:50

I was accosted in Boots by a woman trying to get people to sign up to direct debits for a local hospice. I should have walked on by, but I foolishly allowed her to hijack me. She really tried the moral blackmail and I felt awful. I contribute to the charities I believe in and have one direct charity debit. She refused to accept that, on a fixed income, I had to be careful with money and was rude. Put me right off.

Novinosincebambino · 19/01/2017 22:51

I completely disagree with chuggers. Most of your donations in the first year will go to the company who facilitate the chuggers not the charity. If you want to support a charity go online to their website and give them money or set up a direct debit. I worked for a charity and the cost of chuggers would shock you. Yes they raise awareness and funds but they are very very well paid for it.

sniffle12 · 19/01/2017 22:51

Same as others, I don't mind if they're just standing there and don't talk to you/approach you - in fact that way I'm actually quite likely to drop a bit of change in there.

But the ones who literally run after you or get in your way - no thanks.