[net.consumers] unwanted sales solicitations

david1@aluxe.UUCP (nelson) (03/15/84)

I've found it effective to tell salesman that I don't have a job
as a way of getting rid of them.  It has also been effective
telling people that are selling religion that I'm Jewish.

wa@hplabsb.UUCP (Wayne Ashby) (03/20/84)

+
I don't understand why you feel it is necessary to LIE to someone
(saying you are Jewish when you're not or saying you don't have a
a job when you do) who is just trying to make a living or is doing 
something that they beleive in.  Are you so afraid of those people 
that you feel you don't have the courage to tell them the simple 
truth: YOU AREN'T INTERESTED!  If they still persist, you can simply 
shut the door or hang up the phone.  At least you have been honest!

				Wayne Ashby (..!hplabs!ashby)

labelle@hplabsc.UUCP (WB6YZZ) (03/20/84)

               Being honest to door to door salesmen is not always
  the most efficient way to handle the situation Wayne!

               i.e.  A salesman ignores my no solicitor sign, rings the
  bell and inquires "would you like to subscribe to the Evening Rag?"
  At this point 1)  I'm already upset.
                2)  The clock has started, and my time is wasting.

               I can answer (honestly) that I'm not interested as you
  propose-however this invites (90% of the time) some further discussion
  or argument on the part of the salesman-and then I really get mad slamming
  the door, shouting obscenities,etc. etc.MY BLOOD PREASURE THEN NEEDLESSLY
  RISES!              or
               I can answer (a little white lie) "I already receive that
  at work". 90% of the time they walk away immediately, I CLOSE the door,
  and I don't have to increase the degree to which my anger has risen!!