Monday, September 26, 2011

SOUND OFF!

I usually use my blog as a platform for pleasant, dreamy things like crafts and projects and even a little elbow grease.  But today I'm a little fired up!
My soapbox platform: How annoying are door to door solicitors!?! 
IMO: Very!
Today is a coveted day off for me.  I woke up early and drank my coffee while making a menu list for the week.
I grocery shopped.
I baked! 
I budgeted.
I giggled to myself about things I read on Facebook.
I was having a lovely afternoon with the rain pouring down and the candles lit.
Then the doorbell rang.
There's a beautiful young girl standing there out of breath and soaking wet.
I am worried she's in danger or needs help.
Then, she launches into a whirlwind sales pitch...full of panting and rambling...
"Have-you-heard-of-Kirby-vaccuums?-They-are-the-ones-used-in-Mrs.Doubtfire-and-we-need-to-vaccuum-something, anything- in-your-house-we-have-to-do-seven-more-before-we-can-go-home-GULP!- and-many-of-your-neighbors-have-helped-us-and-even-GULP!-a-rug-or-anything-will-do!
I say... "I'm sorry, I'm just not interested."
She says "But-why-wouldn't-you-want-a-free-cleaning?!"
I say..."It's the end of one of my few days off and this just isn't how I want to spend it."
She says "But-all-you-have-to-do-is-reccomend-us-to-your-friends- it's Kirby's-way-of-advertising..."
(Me shutting door mid-sentence.)
WHY DID YOU ASK ME WHAT MY REASON WAS IF YOU WEREN'T GOING TO RESPECT IT ANYWAY?
So, I quickly whipped this up...
I do feel sort of sad for this dripping wet, gorgeous young lady...but,
I don't shop through my front door.
I really don't like shutting the door on your face.
I don't think I can go so far as to say "get another job."
But really, wouldn't you want to?

So, I ask you- do you have a "No Soliciting" sign?  If so, does it work?  I searched them online after this afternoon's events and read some reviews- that sales people see them as the doors to knock on because it means those people are bad at saying no.  (Not so in my case since I've never bought a single thing through my front door.) Or that good sales people just see them as a challenge.  I also read that some people still knock because they don't know what soliciting means (have mercy!) so I thought I'd be a bit more descript with mine.

Maybe tomorrow I will wake up and decide this is too forward and un-welcoming.  Or perhaps I'll decide my next project is to spell it out in lights.  I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the subject or experiences you've had!

7 comments:

katie said...

Not too forward at all! It isn't your job to keep them employed, I can't believe they try and guilt you like that! Thankfully, I don't get any solicitors.. (knock wood) just the occasional guys on bikes with white shirts and black ties... but I don't open the door. Just pretend I'm not home, even if it's really clear that SOMEONE is in there.... lol.

Getting Dirty with the Derksemas said...

I have done my share of holding my breath at the peephole! I guess that is the best way to do it- just don't answer the door... but I alway instantly regret it simply because I start wondering "Was that one of my neighbors who needed something?" Or someone I knew but didn't recognize or something to that effect. Damned if you do, damned if you don't!

Jodi@FreshVintageHome said...

I had a Kirby lady come to my door in the 90's and she would NOT take no for an answer! Even after telling her that my husband and I were wanting to give more to our church & cut out unnecessary stuff. Her response "Well, cleanliness is next to Godliness, God wants you to have a clean house"!!! And worse yet... After FOUR hours of her not leaving...I fell for it. $1100 dollars and a sick stomach. Yay for you not letting her in. BTW, Im a much stronger woman now days:) Enjoy your day off:)
Jodi

Getting Dirty with the Derksemas said...

Wow Jodi! Please tell me it's the best investment you've ever made and still use it today! :)

Carla in Seattle said...

We have a no soliciting sign and it doesn't seem to matter... and it's always during nap time.
The door bell rings, big, loud, overgrown guard dogs bark and I hold my breath and pray they didn't wake the baby up.
I go set person at door straight.

Dragonbug said...

so cute!

Jodi@FreshVintageHome said...

Hi Kelly, I couldnt find a way to email you privately about the conversation we had on my blog, but you can contact me at freshvintagehome@gmail.com if you would like to meet up sometime and chat. BTW...the Kirby...It was a nice (but HEAVY) vacuum and lasted about 6 years. Im REALLY hard on vacuums. Have a nice week, Jodi :)