I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.

RobR wrote:

I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.

Simple solution, give the uncomfortable employee a camera (with flash)
and have them take the picture of each violator of the no soliciting
sign. Add verbiage to the sign that violators will be reported to the
police and follow through by sending copies of the pictures to the
police. When the same face appears a few times you should be able to get
some action taken.

Pete C.

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.


CCTV camera and recorder.

What kind of office is this where you work? It sounds like your door
is not for any kind of customer. I would suggest that you just paint
over the window or completely cover it up. Then go back to locking it
and be as quiet as a mouse.
I would like to know more about your "office." Does your office open
onto the street? Are you in a building which itself is part of your
business? Etc. --Phil

RobR wrote:

I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.



--
Phil Munro Dept of Electrical & Computer Engin
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio 44555

"Chub" wrote in message
. ..

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.


CCTV camera and recorder.


We have a camera, but there's no state law that I've been able to
find that says they have to heed the NO SOLICITING signs. I
even have one sign that makes it VERY CLEAR we hate solicitors
(though I tried to be humorous about it). I always ask them, did
you read the signs on the door? and they always say Yes.

I don't think I've been visited by the same company more than once,
but this happens 2-3 times a week regardless.

Several other tenants that have businesses here have said they've
had no luck getting the police or the town involved and they've also
resorted to locking their doors, but they don't have the problem
that I do with having an employee on the other side of the door.

what state?

"RobR" wrote in message
news:CX_Mf.836$v34.749@trndny02...

"Chub" wrote in message
. ..

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.


CCTV camera and recorder.


We have a camera, but there's no state law that I've been able to
find that says they have to heed the NO SOLICITING signs. I
even have one sign that makes it VERY CLEAR we hate solicitors
(though I tried to be humorous about it). I always ask them, did
you read the signs on the door? and they always say Yes.

I don't think I've been visited by the same company more than once,
but this happens 2-3 times a week regardless.

Several other tenants that have businesses here have said they've
had no luck getting the police or the town involved and they've also
resorted to locking their doors, but they don't have the problem
that I do with having an employee on the other side of the door.

Newburyport, MA

"Chub" wrote in message
. ..
what state?

"RobR" wrote in message
news:CX_Mf.836$v34.749@trndny02...

"Chub" wrote in message
. ..

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.


CCTV camera and recorder.


We have a camera, but there's no state law that I've been able to
find that says they have to heed the NO SOLICITING signs. I
even have one sign that makes it VERY CLEAR we hate solicitors
(though I tried to be humorous about it). I always ask them, did
you read the signs on the door? and they always say Yes.

I don't think I've been visited by the same company more than once,
but this happens 2-3 times a week regardless.

Several other tenants that have businesses here have said they've
had no luck getting the police or the town involved and they've also
resorted to locking their doors, but they don't have the problem
that I do with having an employee on the other side of the door.

On Tue, 28 Feb 2006 15:13:11 GMT, "RobR" wrote:

I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.



Well, with crows, the solution would be to shoot one of them
and leave the body out where the others could see it.

Dunno about door-to-door salesmen, though.

"Mys Terry" wrote in message
...
Mount an electric air horn outside over the door pointing downward and
wire it to a button at your desk. Use it as needed. If that doesn't
work, switch to water balloons.



Great ideas, I'd love to implement them, as well as a button
that releases tigers, shoots lightning bolts, and opens up the
punji trap in the sidewalk outside. Alas, one call to the
police from these clowns I'm sure will have me either
removing the device or hiring an attorney.

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

Have someone else call the police so the idiot doesn't know that they're
coming.

When they do arrive, make a big fuss about how he refused to leave and that
he was even threatening!

Several other tenants that have businesses here have said they've
had no luck getting the police or the town involved and they've also
resorted to locking their doors, but they don't have the problem
that I do with having an employee on the other side of the door.

Equip said employee with a shakespearean insult generator,
and authorise him/her/it to be as offensive and/or abusive
as it can manage when repelling solicitors.

"Mys Terry" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 28 Feb 2006 16:59:59 GMT, "RobR" wrote:


"Mys Terry" wrote in message
. ..
Mount an electric air horn outside over the door pointing downward and
wire it to a button at your desk. Use it as needed. If that doesn't
work, switch to water balloons.



Great ideas, I'd love to implement them, as well as a button
that releases tigers, shoots lightning bolts, and opens up the
punji trap in the sidewalk outside. Alas, one call to the
police from these clowns I'm sure will have me either
removing the device or hiring an attorney.


If the police won't respond when you call, why would you think the
police would come for them?

I think you might benefit from some assertiveness training. Honest.



The police have said they won't respond unless the sales people refuse
to leave. We've been told they are breaking no laws by soliciting. On
the other hand, if I assult them, now I've broken a law (and there's
always the possibilty some DA might consider an airhorn to be an assault).

There is NO problem with assertiveness here. The newest sign is quite
assertive and I've resorted to screaming GTFO of my business when
required (and on bad days when I feel like yelling at someone who feels
my signs don't apply to them). At this point though it's difficult to be
assertive through a locked door when they are standing outside it annoying
an employee. I should not have to deal with disruptions to my business
because of these people.

We've gotten way off topic here though. I'm looking
for suggestions on one-way tinting during daylight hours.... unless you
know of some MA law I can invoke that actually would have consequences
for people ignoring my signs.

"Noozer" wrote in message
news:mx%Mf.79803$H%4.36603@pd7tw2no...

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

Have someone else call the police so the idiot doesn't know that they're
coming.

When they do arrive, make a big fuss about how he refused to leave and
that he was even threatening!

That's an interesting idea, however unless door to door salesmen are like
ants and go back to their salesman hangout with salesmen from other
companies, word wont spread and I'd have to do this several times a
week.

RobR wrote:
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Throw their skanky asses in jail:

Massachusetts General Laws:

Chapter 266, Section 120: Entry Upon Private Property After Being Forbidden
As Trespass.
"Whoever, without right enters or remains in or upon the dwelling house,
buildings, boats or improved or enclosed land, wharf, or pier of another, or
enters or remains in a school bus, as defined in section 1 of chapter 90,
after having been forbidden so to do by the person who has lawful control of
said premises, whether directly or by notice posted thereon ... shall be
punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment
for not more than thirty days or both such fine and imprisonment. "

Nice find. I'm adding that to my door, thank you! I also
just called the police again who had me modify my signage
somewhat. Thank you, hopefully this will be a bit more of
a deterrent.


"HeyBub" wrote in message
...
RobR wrote:
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Throw their skanky asses in jail:

Massachusetts General Laws:

Chapter 266, Section 120: Entry Upon Private Property After Being
Forbidden As Trespass.
"Whoever, without right enters or remains in or upon the dwelling house,
buildings, boats or improved or enclosed land, wharf, or pier of another,
or enters or remains in a school bus, as defined in section 1 of chapter
90, after having been forbidden so to do by the person who has lawful
control of said premises, whether directly or by notice posted thereon ...
shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by
imprisonment for not more than thirty days or both such fine and
imprisonment. "

"Ron" wrote in message
ups.com...

RobR wrote:
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.

You can have the glass tinted with a mirror/reflective type tint and
ppl will not be able to see in as long as the lights inside aren't
brighter than the natural light is outside.

At night, it will work just the opposite, you will not be able to see
out as long as the lights are on the the office space.


Thanks, if this new sign doesn't work, that will be the way to
go (and conveniently there's a glass tinting place right in the
office complex about 200' from me). Solicitors don't come
by at night, so people seeing in at night isn't an issue.

RobR wrote:
"Ron" wrote in message
ups.com...

RobR wrote:
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.

You can have the glass tinted with a mirror/reflective type tint and
ppl will not be able to see in as long as the lights inside aren't
brighter than the natural light is outside.

At night, it will work just the opposite, you will not be able to see
out as long as the lights are on the the office space.


Thanks, if this new sign doesn't work, that will be the way to
go (and conveniently there's a glass tinting place right in the
office complex about 200' from me). Solicitors don't come
by at night, so people seeing in at night isn't an issue.

Since you have a tinting shop right there in the same complex, I would
have them over there tomorrow.

"Should" only cost you about $25 (or less) to tint the glass. Then of
course there is always the option for, you do something for me, I do
something for you.

I used to have a glass business in a place exactly like what you are
describing, it was pretty cool the amount of exchanged services that
went on there.

I just can't believe those solicitors won't leave when you say "NO
THANKS". Gezz

I never had a problem, they would just leave.

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.

Is it possible to use a venetian type shade at the door that could be
positioned to let light in but would only afford a view of the floor or
ceiling. Or if the louvers are vertical only a view where you can't see
anyone. Or maybe one with fabric louvers that will let light in but not
allow looking in. I'll wager that most of the time the delivery people are
regulars who cover the same route. Teach them the "secret" knock.

Charlie

"Ron" wrote in message
ups.com...

Since you have a tinting shop right there in the same complex, I would
have them over there tomorrow.

"Should" only cost you about $25 (or less) to tint the glass. Then of
course there is always the option for, you do something for me, I do
something for you.

I used to have a glass business in a place exactly like what you are
describing, it was pretty cool the amount of exchanged services that
went on there.

I just can't believe those solicitors won't leave when you say "NO
THANKS". Gezz

I never had a problem, they would just leave.


For the most part, they do just leave when asked, but with
the numbers that come in the door, I want to stop them from
even entering, and to make them think twice about bothering
us. It has gotten to the point where work is disrupted. Even
after they leave, my people sit around for the next 10 minutes
and talk about how persistant and annoying they are.

"Charlie Bress" wrote in message
...

"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.

Is it possible to use a venetian type shade at the door that could be
positioned to let light in but would only afford a view of the floor or
ceiling. Or if the louvers are vertical only a view where you can't see
anyone. Or maybe one with fabric louvers that will let light in but not
allow looking in. I'll wager that most of the time the delivery people are
regulars who cover the same route. Teach them the "secret" knock.

Charlie

That's a pretty good idea too. My wife suggested something similar
this evening. (The guys at the office wanted to put a bead curtain
up, I'm not sure if they were serious or not ). This is more practical
if we can attach it to the door.

UNBELIEVABLE!!! Another one walked in today
despite the new sign with the NO TRESPASSING
and the POSTED AT DIRECTION OF THE NBPT
POLICE (I called and they recommended the wording
yesterday). I also included the text from the MA law
regarding trespass and postings. The guy left after
I told him he was trespassing, but then stood outside
the door with a notebook taking notes from my new
sign. ARGGGHHH!!!!!!!! (Yes, I left the door
unlocked today hoping the new sign would deter
them. You need a key to get out if it's locked
and that's a PITA - I'll change the lock once I
decide if the door needs to remain locked).

"Did you see my sign?" Yes. "Then why are you
here?" The bank sent me. "The bank? Which
bank? This 'bank' sent you to my business,
told you to ignore any signs you might see
and to trespass? You're TRESPASSING!"

He then walked out without a word. I have to get
into the habit of taking their cards first. I just hate
being nice and then turning into a dick. I don't mind
being a dick right off the bat, but I feel like a phony
if I pretend to be nice just to get their card ... sort
of like lowering myself to their level. Argh!!!

The police told me to call them next time it happens
just so they have a report (and perhaps the town can
use that data to enact new town ordinances).
I've put them on speed dial. I'll take the card next
time then immediately speed dial the police on speakerphone
while they stand there wondering who I'm calling.


"RobR" wrote in message
news:bMZMf.2295$SJ2.280@trndny01...
I have a problem at the office. Door to door sales. I've posted
signs all over the door to discourage them, but they think the
signs don't apply to them. I've had a couple of indidents where
they've refused to leave until I pick up the phone to call the
police.

I've started locking the door, but now they sit outside and
bang on the door and I have an employee just inside who is
being made very uncomfortable. I'd like to still be able to
see out the windows while making it difficult for the people
outside to see in. Obviously we always have lights on here,
but this also only happens during daylight hours.

I hate the thought of giving up advertising space on the door
(we only have one window and that's in the break room) but
we can live with that.

Thanks for any ideas.