How to deter of door to door salespeople?

[mbhunter]

Originally Posted by trustno1

Why do you feel obligated to answer the door?
Everyone I know calls me before coming over to visit. How often do you answer the door after a random doorbell ring, to find someone you actually know?

My doorbell is disconnected. I have a motion sensor that sets off a (quiet) alert chime inside the house, to notify me of someone on the front porch. I look at my security camera to see who it is. I never blindly open a door to a stranger...ever. That ship sailed with the days of picking up hitch-hikers. lol

Ok, if you want to have some fun... I bought a motion activated sprinkler called "The ScareCrow". It is sold for deterring deer and wild animals. It is available at most hardware stores and costs about $80. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is worth every penny in entertainment value. I have it set up so that anyone that crosses a "line" that is 10 feet from the front door sets it off, and gets sprayed with a 5 second burst of water. It is a "blast" watching those pesky salespeople get the "message".

I do have a small sign at beginning of my walk warning people. I also informed the mailman, UPS, Amex, etc it is there. (they all think it is a riot!)

You're not at all concerned about squirting a police officer or an FBI agent? And are you sure that what you're doing isn't assault?

That's overkill in my book.

[trustno1]

"Hello, I am xxxx, with xxxx, and I happened to notice that your xxxxxx was xxxxx, …so I stopped by to give you the opportunity to xxxx . It will only take a few minutes of your time to take advantage of this xxxx …"

Hehehehe……hiya mbhunter


This is one of those volatile topics everybody can relate to! You have highlighted some viable points for both "sides" to consider on this emotionally charged issue!

I understand that my "sprinkler" set-up may appear to be analogous to "using a hammer to swat a fly", since you have not had the opportunity to observe it’s operation. (It is a single, few-second spray from a water sprinkler). It is simply an "annoyance" consequence for the solicitor, who chooses to ignore my other conspicuously posted requests for privacy and annoy me at my residence.

I respect every persons’ efforts to carry out the responsibilities and duties required by the position of their employment. I admire the courage of people who are willing to face the challenges that accompany careers requiring uninvited door-to-door solicitations. Although I respect the legal rights to solicit my residence, I reserve my right to protect my property from being defaced by methods used to post flyers. (Scotch tape on windows/ nails, tacks, staples on house, etc).

In specific response to your ("legal") questions…

I am a self-employed "confidential" security consultant (providing Custom/confidential security systems/personal protection training for clients). It does require a solid background on applicable legal issues, which I always carefully consider prior to any actions I take.

"Squirting" law enforcement"??? …
The "sprinkler" is a legal product, being used in the location and for purposes listed in manual. I also have conspicuous warning signs posted about a "sprinkler" system.
I am concerned about strangers "casing" my house, requesting personal data, etc. I am not concerned about "law enforcement" visits. (FBI does not operate that way, and most local Police already "know" me.)…And BTW, they think it is amusing…

"Sure that what I am doing isn’t assault?"
Assault requires "intent to cause injury" (absent)

"Assault (first degree) …generally requires intent to cause "serious bodily injury", as well as a "deadly weapon". None of these exist.
"Assault (second degree)…generally requires intent to cause "bodily injury", as well as a "deadly weapon. None of these exist.
Specific Intent, evidence, motive, potential "weapon" proof, etc, etc, etc are just a few of many additional issues to substantiate to warrant an Assault case filing. (in real life, not television shows, lol). Too big of a stretch for any credible legal approach in this case.

"Overkill"???
I have experienced overzealous salespeople setting off my alarms by trying to open my screen door to deposit flyers. I am required to patch holes left by nails, tacks and staples on house. I must use razor blades to remove baked-on scotch tape stuck to windows. Pick up flyers that blow into my yard. Asking my kids playing outside for personal data. Approaching me in garage as I am exiting car. Removing or writing msgs on "no soliciting" signs I’ve posted. Copying license number, personal info on flyers and posting them on door. (I know it sounds like a "ghetto", but it is actually considered to be an affluent neighborhood)

I am a patient/reasonable guy and believe in trying simple actions to resolve issues…Then slowly increasing the response to unsuccessful solutions, until they become effective. I certainly welcome any suggestions you are willing to share on effective problem solving techniques.

Hey, thanks for posting a reply and sharing your thoughts! Forums are more fun when people reply with their opinions!

Everything that I post is just my opinion. I never intend to offend, discount or invalidate anyone else or their opinions in the process. IMO, that would defeat the whole purpose of a forum…lol (and life is too short…lol). Hopefully, I am successful in making that obvious...

cya

[mbhunter]

Oh, I wasn't offended. I had never heard of anyone going to that extreme so I was a little surprised.

I have been visited by local police on my property and squirting them with water isn't the way I'd want to introduce myself, intentionally or otherwise.

Further, I could warn people with signs and notices until the cows come home, but if I sprayed someone, and it startled them enough that they fell down the steps and broke their neck, it's still on my property, and probably my fault, even though they completely brought it upon themselves. The amusement isn't worth the risk.

But, bottom line is you've thought of these things and more, so thanks for your response.

[lizzy_09]

My neighbor has this sign that say "BEWARE OF THE OWNER. NOT THE DOG"Nobody goes there. LOL

[bhkyra]

I once had a neighbor that invited the Jehovah's Witness folks in, and showed them all of his books on Satanism. They never came back.

[FinanciallySMART]

Why not have a peep hole with this then you can monitor who you want to talk with. Some sales persons can be annoying but remember that this is the way he/she get an income and sometimes we need to practice tolerance with them.

[bhkyra]

Originally Posted by FinanciallySMART

Why not have a peep hole with this then you can monitor who you want to talk with. Some sales persons can be annoying but remember that this is the way he/she get an income and sometimes we need to practice tolerance with them.

If I'm not interested in whatever it is that they're selling.. I'm just wasting everyone's time by answering the door.

[trustno1]

Originally Posted by bhkyra

If I'm not interested in whatever it is that they're selling.. I'm just wasting everyone's time by answering the door.

I agree. In my opinion, it is more efficient to go shopping for things when I feel the need, instead of answering every salesman ringing my doorbell, hoping he/she is selling the product or service I am interested in.

I work from my house and each time I answer the door I am sacrificing time that I would otherwise be spending making money. I used to leave a pen and notepad outside with a note that said...

"Please write down your name and home address. I will stop by your house sometime when you are not working to see if you are selling something I am interested in...Thank You"

for some reason, nobody ever left their name...lol