Dealing with people that pass out flyers?

Question

Lately (it's spring), I've seen more people passing out flyers on campus. I dislike solicitors, and even if I'm interested in the product/message I ignore them. I like to think it discourages solicitors from being a nuisance.

How do you deal with solicitors? Is it polite or acceptable to ignore them?

*BTW, by solicitor I mean the American definition.

Answer 1

I hate that! They place flyers on the cars and then it flys all over campus, making it look trashy. It's worse than littering. Actually it is quite a problem and I would mention it at a campus meeting. Like a student government meeting.

Honestly it depends on their technique. If they offer me a flyer, I can politely say "no thank you" and move on. It is definitely more polite to say no thank you, especially if they are fellow students. But yes it is fine to just ignore them and avoid.

But many of them will stand in your way and attempt to force it into your hand or bag that you are carrying. In that case I feel the need to stand up for my personal space and their rudeness. I have mentioned to them that I hoped they were planning on cleaning up all these flyers trashing the campus. I have also told them that following me to class would not make me more likely to go to their event. If they attempt to put something in your bag, I get highly offended and inform them that I don't appreciate strangers grabbing at my bag/personal items.

It's one thing if it's students wanting to inform you of something about campus. Either a student event, or an upcoming election or something of relevance. But when strangers come on campus and pass out literature that litters the campus--that makes the campus an unsafe place.

Answer 2

I usually just hold my hand up (as if I am waving) and say, "oh, no thank you," and give a polite little smile (and keep walking, of course). Normally that does the trick without coming off as heartless or self-absorbed (I think ignoring people can be a little harsh). Of course, sometimes you get the ones who continue to talk and follow you even after you've done all of the above (normally those who want you to sign some sort of petition). In that case I think it's fine to ignore them.

Answer 3

I used to dread going through a certain part of campus, when I was in college, because there were always people passing out flyers. I ignore them. One time a guy handed a flyer to me by putting it against my chest, and I just let it fall to the ground. He looked at me like I was a freak.
It's a low paying, thankless, and pathetic job.
It reminds me of trying to go past a Chinese restaurant in the food court at the mall without having a sample shoved in my face.

Answer 4

i usually just smile and say no thank you. I figure it's there job or something... even if it's a witnessing person for a religion or a non profit organization I still smile and accept whatever they hand me or say no thankyou. I don't ignore them though cuz I don't like to be ignored. Then again... i'm not bugging random people on campus either. Just my oppinion. I'm sure they are used to getting ignored.

Answer 5

I have the same problem on my campus. I just say "No thank you" and walk away. No need to explain yourself, it only encourages them. In my case, some have become aggressive, and they have even chastised students for not listening to their solicitations. In said cases I would threaten them with the campus police. If they block you, say "excuse me" and walk away. If they refuse, threaten them with the campus police. I always try to look as if I'm in a hurry, this usually keeps people away. I've know some people to wear headphones, so they can pretend they cannot hear them. Good luck, I know how annoying it can be.

Answer 6

I totally love them , because they give me info on a 1 page keeper !
But if you don't like them , there is never anything wrong with ignoring people you don't want to deal with.
I am a little surprised, however, I thought only girls would be so hyper sensitive about that as etiquette.
Thanx for changing the stereotype !

Answer 7

If they bother you ignore them. Or say no thank you and do not extend your hand. It's not as if they will come up to you, grab your hand and insist that you take the flyer. If they do - call the cops.

Answer 8

This is one approach. Invest in a paper shredder, accumulate enough grindage and find out where the offending party lives. Give him some confetti in order to show your appreciation for a job well done. Dump it on his lawn.

Answer 9

I ignore them, or tear them up and throw them away, unless it is something I am interested in (which 100% of the time it hasn't been).

If they shove it in my hand, I open my hand and let it fall to the ground.

Answer 10

I ignore them, but if they're persistently getting in my way, I'll be just as rude and shove them out of my way. I'm a busy man and I don't have time for this "turn the other cheek" crap!