How do you deal with door to door magazine salesmen?

David Koresh · 11-20-2007, 09:20 PM

I just don't have the heart to slam the door in someone's face who has resorted to soliciting. And neither do I have the audacity to be a jerk to someone trying to make an honest buck. So then what? You listen to their pitch and politely decline right? Well thats what I normally do but not this time. This guy, Donovan from Chicago, gave me his sob story about growing up in the ghetto, having a 2 year old kid, a mom on welfare, and a shameful past. All he is trying to do now is improve himself through communicating with others to build the confidence it takes to have a positive influence on himself and society. If he could just get 20,000 points!

So yeah I felt bad and the guy really tried hard even though he studdered like crazy. I couldn't help but appreciate his persistence so I ended up buying a one year subscription to US News and World Report for less than a dollar an issue. Not that bad of a deal really. But this will be the last time I buy anything from a solicitor. I have enough magazine subscriptions at this point. I get these people about once a month so I need a good plan of attack from here on out.

So how do you usually react to these people? Do you listen to their pitch or just say "not interested" and slam the door? How many of you have actually bought something from a door to door salesman?

dylanransom · 11-20-2007, 09:24 PM

I cut them off as soon as they go into their pitch, wish them luck, and a word of encouragement.

Unless they're hawt...then it's straight to the dungeon.

Alcoholica · 11-20-2007, 09:28 PM

I used to sell magazines door-to-door. It was the worst job I ever had.

We all had some stupid story we could tell people, to try and get them to buy our overpriced magazines. It was all bullshit though, and the people who actually DID have a rough childhood, parents on welfare, etc, didn't want to tell people that because it would depress them even more then working that horrible job.

David Koresh · 11-20-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylanransom

I cut them off as soon as they go into their pitch, wish them luck, and a word of encouragement.

Unless they're hawt...then it's straight to the dungeon.

The good ones don't give you a chance to cut them off. Or they somehow suck you into a conversation and build repertoire before telling you what they are even selling. I really hate it when they do that.

Alcoholica · 11-20-2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Koresh

The good ones don't give you a chance to cut them off. Or they somehow suck you into a conversation and build repertoire before telling you what they are even selling. I really hate it when they do that.

Yeah, we would pretend to be a new neighbor or something to get people off guard. Then BAM! Magazine sales time.

Execute · 11-20-2007, 09:35 PM

Some guy tried getting me to apply for the job since he made about "$70,000" a year and was going to retire at 30.

I knew he was bullshitting so I just stood there in the doorway not saying anything until he finished.

JSN · 11-20-2007, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylanransom

I cut them off as soon as they go into their pitch, wish them luck, and a word of encouragement.

Unless they're hawt...then it's straight to the dungeon.

hawt? the're all black males either of college age or older who give you a crackhead spiel.

don't be a passive little pussy with those guys, just say "no thanks" and go back inside. n o one wants magazines and everyone knows it.

Magooglie · 11-20-2007, 09:39 PM

You can get US News and World Report for 28 cents an issue by subscribing on the internet. You can also break out a snickers bar and try to sell it to the magazine salesman by claiming he must be tired and why should he wait for lunch, he can grab a snickers! Its nougatocity is right across the caramel river from the peanutopolis that's quite satisfectellent. Truly substantilicious, it'll definitely solve his hungerectomy.

David Koresh · 11-20-2007, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magooglie

You can get US News and World Report for 28 cents an issue by subscribing on the internet. You can also break out a snickers bar and try to sell it to the magazine salesman by claiming he must be tired and why should he wait for lunch, he can grab a snickers! Its nougatocity is right across the caramel river from the peanutopolis that's quite satisfectellent. Truly substantilicious, it'll definitely solve his hungerectomy.

Yes but the internet doesn't have a poor old disabled mother on welfare...

dylanransom · 11-20-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSN

hawt? the're all black males either of college age or older who give you a crackhead spiel.

don't be a passive little pussy with those guys, just say "no thanks" and go back inside. n o one wants magazines and everyone knows it.

Everybody who comes to my home gets decency and respect. I've got no beef with a polite person trying to make a dollar- I've been there- shit I'm kind of still there...

I'm in Utah, btw, so I haven't seen a black person in years...