How can you politely turn down walk-in solicitors?

Question

I'm the front office person and i find it awkward to turn down solicitors in person. Telemarketers are easier to turn down because you don't see them.

Answer 1

I used to be one. The poor guys. Many of them are part off door to door multi-level marketing companies or religious groups. Many of them believe that they will become very rich one day by building a sales crew of solicitores. They get lead to believe that they are glorious entrepreneurs for doing the hard job that they do. Many of them answered ads in newspapers that misrepresented the position. They desperately needed a job and decided to try it out and made some money and now they are kind of trapped in their job. They have to work long hours to make just a few dollars - and then this takes time away from finding a legitamate job.

Also - they get trained to ignor soliciting signs. Put up a soliciting sign, but realize that many of them will ignore it.

Be nice. They are human beings and have bills and families just like you.

Be firm. They are violating the wishes of your company, the building and likely the law too. FURTHERMORE - if they are part of some shady get rich quick skeam, mlm or twisted religion - you don't want to monetarily support it!

Let them know that soliciting is not allowed on the premises. Point to the no soliciting sign. They get trained to ignore them, but though they may not show it in their face, they are put on edge and humiliated.

Report them to the building manager.

Report them to the police if soliciting is illegal in your area.

I would not necessarily clue them in on the fact that it is you that are reporting them. They might want to take it out on you - you never know. This may hurt in the short term, but in the long run it is better for them and everyone else.

Wish them luck.

Answer 2

Wow -

If I have time with telemarketers and walkins, I let them talk and talk before I say no. Sometimes I really question them about the priduct or service and make them think.

I had a pest control and frozen foods visit just yesterday.

I convinced the poest man that I can not only do the job cheaper but better than $40.00 per week - it is the truth, he lost.

I told the frozen food guy that the taste of those steaks, meat, fish are not even close to the fresh from the store, marinated and spiced - cooked by me, also the truth - he lost as well.

NEXT

Answer 3

I love it when unsolicited folk drop into my life. It gives me a chance to help them along their way, sometimes all it takes is a smile and a kind word. Everyone deserves a moment, I think the unwanted ones more than most, for what brought them to you in that moment? There is always more going on than we will ever know, perhaps those moments make up a part of the whole that has far greater significance. If it doesn't, la vie; what you have lost can not be saved anyway. A kindness is seldom forgotten and it is wonderful how things do seem to come back round. Take care and good luck with sorting these folk out.

Answer 4

Put out a "No Solicitors" sign at the entrance. Then, if someone comes in to solicit something, just tell them there is a sign posted and that it is the policy of the company not to welcome solicitors onto the property. You can be nice about it, just be firm.

Answer 5

"I'm sorry, we do not accept solicitors in this office. Thank you anyway though."

BTW...the no soliciting signs don't work...here let me see if I can remember..."oh, I'm sorry. I must have been sleeping or something cause i did not see that sign"

These guys work on law of average. 1 of 3 people will buy. So them more people they see the better chance they will get a sale.

Answer 6

Just say "no thank you" and turn away to do something else. (sometimes they don't take no for an answer, so you have to be a bit rude with them)

If they ask to go office to office, just say nobody is allowed back without an appointment.

Tell them they can leave a card or brochure if they want. You'd be happy to put a flyer in someone's mailbox.

Answer 7

I can relate... I actually had one guy who thought he was funny try to scare me as I came around the corner..and then when I told him I wasnt interested in what he had to sell..he said " high five" and held his hand up... and I turned and walked away... Its easy to be mean w/ that type of solicitor..he was very imature..but usually..when they come in.. I just tell them that the person they need to talk w/ is not available..and if they want to leave a card. they can..and I will have someone get back to them..then I usually throw away the card... I know its there livelyhood..but it can get annoying..especially if your phone is ringing... good luck.

Answer 8

It sounds like you might need to be a bit more firm in your polite, "no thank you." Offer that they can leave literature, as long as they promise not to call--if your office is interested, they will call them back.

Then pick up the phone and look away. Call time and weather if you need to, but start on a conversation until the sales person departs.

Answer 9

Let's see, invest 5$ in a sign that says "no soliciting on premises" and then when they come in, tell them you are so sorry that they cannot read and have to do this for a living, and point to the sign.

we have them all the time at our office, it works every time. I really enjoy the ones that swear at me when they stomp out.
tee
hee

Answer 10

Put a "No Soliciting" sign on the door to your office. Without fail, someone will ignore it/not see it and come in. When they start trying to sell you something, interrupt them and say, "I'm sorry for interrupting, but we have a "No Soliciting" sign on the door. I don't think you saw it."