How to deal with annoying hawkers?

Question

We have hawkers outside the supermarket every time we go there. They are selling raffle tickets, credit cards, etc. They really annoy me because if I wanted to buy those things I would go over to their table and look. They make me feel uncomfortable when they jump out in front of me waving fliers and stuff. It has gotten to the point where I rudely stick my fingers in my ears and walk past them. Does anyone else have any better ideas on how to deal with them? I have already made a complaint to the authorities. Thanks,

Marie, if you saw my house, car and diamond jewellery you would know am not cheap or stingy, honey. The money is not the point - it is their manners that is the problem. Seems like your manners are a problem too.

Answer 1

I love playing games with salespeople...the pushy, rude unsolicited salespeople that is...

For instance, when a pushy telemarketer calls, and I have the time and patience to mess with them, I will act interested in their pitch/product, ask a bunch of questions, and then act like I want to subscribe to their service/buy a lot of their product, etc. They get all excited, anticipating their huge commission, and then when the time comes to give out CC# information and pay, I say, "oh wait a minute. I forgot. I don't have any money/no credit card/checking account (insert whichever one seems applicable), so never mind." Then I hang up. If they call back, I either don't pick up, or threaten to sue them (I know the laws regarding calling more than once a day).

I almost wish I could see their faces at that. You could do something similar to the hawkers. Act interested in buying 100 boxes of candy bars for instance, then say, oh wait, I'm a broke diabetic, so nevermind. I bet they'll leave you alone after that.

Answer 2

I know isn't it horrible they do make you feel uncomfortable dont they.

But the poor buggers are just doing their job.

I usually just keep my head down, and walk briskly past them or I tell them I'm busy.

But I think the key is to walk really, really fast.

Maybe you could break into a sprint and scream at the same time. It sounds like a good idea, I'll try it next time I go shopping and let you know what happens.lol

Answer 3

hold out your can of mase!
tell them that they are infringing on your personal space.

Once I acted like i was deaf, and sign languaged the people.

it's so rude, and with the holiday season, it won't get much calmer. Complain to the stores where they are hanging out, they will make them leave.

Park close to the store, be alert, and turn in a self defense mode, these people are threatening our freedom of privacy, and carefree shopping experience.

It's like..........where did common mannors go?

I did once hit one of these so called people, they scared me to death! YOU can never be too safe! AND these people are not selling things that are totally on the level!

Be aware of your surroundings, tell them to back off.
call the police, and carry your pepper spray.

Another technique to ward them off is to start talking to the pole, ranting crazy antics, no one wants attention called to them by a crazy person, they will leave you alone.

Do whatever you can to get these parasites away from our malls, and parking lots!

Report to store owners, call police, and carry pepper spray, tell them to "back off" that they are personally attacking your space, and you will call the cops. open your cell phone and watch how quickly they back off.

these people are hussles!
buyer beWARE!!!

Don't let them follow you to your car.
Park in well lit parking lot.
If you feel threatened, go back in the store and ask for an escort out to your car.

Answer 4

Don't lower yourself to their level. Use trickery to put them in the hot seat, possibly by getting them to do something that someone in authority will hear or see. Or maybe befriend someone who isn't as compassionate as yourself, to put the person in the same situation you're in. Fools are their own worse enemy.

Answer 5

"No", it works for me every time.

You can't call the police on them. They have every right to be there. They are fundraising for, what they feel, are important organizations. So, either ignore them or tell them "No". But don't think you have the right to call the law, JUST because you are ashamed of how CHEAP and STINGY you are.

Answer 6

Say that you don't have time or money, just say no and keep walking, or say you already have that item.

You can also tell them that you don't buy stolen items, sure could make them defensive and/or offensive though.

Answer 7

take a friend to talk to while going there, and make it look like your to busy to respond. what i do is that i just pass them, at first it feel like your being rude but you'll get use to it and it well be like if they arnt even there, it becomes a habit.

Answer 8

If its that bad and no one is willing to do anything about it, "accidentally" step on his foot....he'll get the picture soon enough and leave you alone the next time

Answer 9

Pretend you cannot speak english. I know this may seem rude, but they are being rude by acosting you. Good luck

Answer 10

I politely tell them, "No thank you, I'm not interested." If they continue their behavior I ignore them. I keep walking as if they are not even there.