On Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:10:28 +0100, fred wrote:

In article , sweetheart
hotmail.com@?.? writes
I know this isn't DIY. Does anyone know how to deal with hawkers and such
who come to the door? I have had this three times in the last six months.
Each time these people claim they do not speak English (one occasion
claimed to be deaf!) and are toting wares ( dusters and towels) or pictures
of various kinds they want to sell me.


It scares me. I usually do not answer the door. I cannot afford to buy the
things anyway but if I get caught I am stuck. How do you deal with this?

I don't want to sound prejudiced but I noticed this when I first moved to
my house 12 years ago. Then these people disappeared and now, since the new
recession they have returned. I just don't like it. My husband must be
equally afraid because he dealt with yesterdays caller and just gave home a
fiver to go away!

Open door.

spiel starts (or doesn't)

2 secs into spiel, smile, say, "no thank you" and close the door.

Do not interact with them in any way and particularly do not respond if
they attempt to bait you. If they do then, smile, say, "goodbye" and
close the door.

There are ruder versions of this but I find the polite version more
satisfying in the long run.


That is also my technique. It seems to work.

I have a friend who engages them in conversation for as long as it
takes for them to give up on him and leave. He says they never come
back. but I lack the patience for this. ;-)