Cold Callers

Yes, I have one of those No Cold Caller signs and I think they do put people off calling. The other day someone came collecting and I didn't say a word, just pointed to the sign. He was falling over himself apologizing "ooh sorry luv, didn't notice it" and he shot off down the path.
With nuisance phone calls I was always advised not to just hang up, but say to the caller, "just a moment" then put the handset down on the table. This would block the line so he couldn't make any more calls. I'm not sure that still applies nowadays, as everything is different.
We are entitled to our privacy.

I am so sick of them now, I have a sign it says "No cold callers.... we do not answer the door". They walk past the front room window they see me in, they see the sign and they knock.... and i sit there and dont answer - if they look through the window they get a sign (use your imagination here).

In the past i used to open the door but being polite and saying No doesnt work on them - I think the age of the polite door to door salesperson has ended (well it has round here)!

You do not have to answer your door. If you have a sign up they should respect that and not knock on your door. I do wish people would stop buying from them, then they wouldnt come round any more!

I just say fairly politely; 'I am sorry but I do not buy on the doorstep.' Surprisingly so far this has always elicited a courteous acceptance and departure.

I just don't answer the door anymore, just watch them leave or occassionally look the house over before leaving. Recently one charity worker (well known dog charity) who decided to wander round the side of the house was given a shock when I asked him what he thought he was doing.

One of those that came to my door was after getting people to sign up to pay by direct debit to a charity for deaf children. I told him that I didn`1t have that sort of bank account, the truth at the time, so I couldn`t do it, he said "Oh, go back inside and put your feet up then, don`t worry about the deaf children!" My flabber has never been so gasted!

The ex convict salesmen that knock on my door are practically on first name terms with my OH.
I have enough crap tea towels and dusters to last a life time, and they're not used!

A few years ago, where I used to live, we had a spate of daytime burglaries. Afterwards the police issued all the householders with a package that contained special marker pens and a sticker which said I don't buy anything on my doorstep and underneath it stated this had been issued by the local police. I stuck it right above my door bell at eye level. It still didn't stop the cold callers.

Yes, I think a sneaky look out of the window in future would be on the cards Charley. The thing is when someone comes to the door my dog goes ballistic and alerts the caller to the fact that I'm in as I have to corral said dog into the lounge to go to the door to check who's there.

The reason I posted was because I'd just had one of the ex-offenders call - he looked really fed up and I felt for him but I really didn't want him to offload his enormous holdall and make me feel cornered into buying something that I neither want nor need. When I told him I didn't want anything he gave me such a look - I felt really bad. Then when I thought about it I began to realise that if they choose to call, despite the notice, then they have to realise they'll be turned away... didn't make me feel good about it though.

sunseeker did your fish man have a really lairy hat on - a sort of multi-coloured peruvian type thing?

You were right to be suspicious. Whenever I get one of these salesmen I always say I never buy anything at the door. When someone tried to sell me fish from his van, told him I don't buy from vans - he asked me how I thought my food got to the supermarket! Also had one of those ex-prisoners call. Told him I didn't buy at the door, he insisted on unloading his bag, kept telling him I wasn't interested, when he finally got the message he gave a huge sigh muttered something under his breath and left. I did feel very uncomfortable for a while because of his attitude. With the Air Ambulance I asked for the address, checked it online and then sent a cheque.

Oriel that was one reason why I had a video system installed so I could see who was at the front door and speak to them without opening the door. I live on my own and find this safer.

People should respect your wishes, no doubt about it. Having said that, unfortunately most of the salesmen depend on sales and have no basic salary. Desperation is a terrible thing and probably is to blame for the lack of respect for your wishes