 | 26 Oct 09 |
I need your opinion. Am I too cranky?
Last week, I was vacuuming when I was rudely interrupted. I hate housework, but when I am doing it, I just like the world to stay out of my way so I can get it done. Over. Finished.
But two young men thought I needed to be interrupted. They pounded on my front door repeatedly. Loudly. I shut off the vacuum and opened the door.
The man holding a clip board stuck his hand out.
Yeah right. No idea who this guy is and I’m not shaking hands. Yes, I am that cranky. But I don’t know where that hand has been and I hate DDSCs (Door to Door Sales-Crazies) on principle.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, struggling for a tone that was just this side of a cat screech.
Big fake stupid smiles and “Mrs. Apodaca, we’re here to find out why you haven’t signed up for Verizon FIOS!”
First, I had major creeps that they knew my name. Yes they had nifty shirts with Verizon stamped on them, and a fancy smancy clipboard, but I am not a trusting woman. Not when it comes to my safety or my personal information. I say, “I am not interested.”
And there it got rather ugly. This man insisted that Verizon wanted to know why I had not taken the opportunity to sign up and more crap until I finally slammed the door and locked it. At which time they made rude comments on the other side.
I was furious. I have no idea if they were Verizon drones or just sent from hell to annoy me. I don’t like being forced to act in a rude manner, but they left me no choice. And damn it, this is MY home and I feel like I’m being accosted.
It really got me to thinking, does door to door sales even work anymore? The only time I buy anything from the door to door folks is either 1) Girl Scout cookies or 2) neighbor kids selling candy for fundraisers. That is it.
So I’m wondering, what’s your experience with DDSCs? Do you ever buy from door to door salesfolks? Do you think I’m unreasonably cranky?
To celebrate the release of SOUL MAGIC, which will hit the stores tomorrow, I’m going to give away one copy of the first book in the series, BLOOD MAGIC, to one commenter. I’ll announce the winner over the weekend on the blog.
© 2009, Jennifer Lyon. All rights reserved.
Award winning author, Jennifer Lyon, always wanted to be a witch. Since her witch-powers never materialized, she went onto Plan B and now she creates magic in her books. In her new series, the author of the acclaimed Samantha Shaw Mystery Series (written as Jennifer Apodaca) introduces the Witch Hunters, legendary men who must overcome a curse to team up with witches and fight evil.
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I would’ve been a lot crankier, honestly. In this age, sending people door-to-door is plain stupid. I’d report them to Verizon (they should not have made rude remarks after you shut the door, nor should they have stayed when you clearly did not want them).
I definitely would not have shaken someone’s hand, and that’s for safety reasons. Reaching out like that makes you physically more vulnerable and predators have been known to don uniforms of service people (stolen) and used that guise to get into people’s homes. I make anyone who wants me to open my front door back up to the walk, and I make sure there’s no one on the side of the door before I open it. (We had 2 different serial killers who preyed on people right here, not a few blocks away a couple of years ago. Two. I’m not taking chances.)
by toni mcgee causey October 26th, 2009 at 2:13 amToni, wow that’s like Bobbie Faye luck to have two serial killers in your area! Very scary!
You are absolutely right about the shaking hands. Another reason why I didn’t do it. I ONLY answered because they saw me through the window. But I shouldn’t have. Seriously, I have to stop doing this.
I really should get a dog too, but that’s the one and only area my husband and I don’t agree.
I actually got online to try and complain to Verizon and just gave up. I’ve had to call Verizon before for other issues and it’s always a headache. But that’s no excuse, I really should have reported these two. They were more punks than seriously threatening, (based on raising three boys), but still, I should have reported them.
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:24 amJen
by Jessica Scott October 26th, 2009 at 3:21 amI have to say, I agree with you that door to door sales suck. I always get suckered by little kids, regardless of whether they’re the neighbors kids or not. I usually try not to answer the door but at the same time, having done cold calls for the army recruiter, I work extra hard at not losing my temper. It’s hard though, sometimes. I had parents cuss me out and because I was representing the army, I had to thank you for sharing your opinion with me. Awkward and exceptionally difficult for me, considering restraining my temper isn’t among my virtues.
We all have those days and to be honest, they should have taken your no thanks and left it at that. I probably would have done the exact same thing you did only once the profanity started through the door, I’d have called the cops:)
We all do the best we can. That’s all we can do.
Jessica, thanks for sharing the other side! Honestly, I don’t understand cussing you out for representing the army. I personally want to thank you for your service! Now having said that, I’ve dealt with recruiters cold calling, and I just say no (except for one son who wanted to talk to them).
With door to door folks, these last couple years they seem to be getting more aggressive. I was starting to wonder if it’s just me getting crankier.
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:29 amIf they’re kids from my neighborhood, I try to be polite. I might buy something. MIGHT.
If they’re the kids who are part of some “program” selling magazine subscriptions or whatever to earn “points” for something or other, I say I’m not interested and close the door.
If they’re Jehovah’s Witnesses, I point to the mezuzzah on my doorpost and say they should know they’re wasting their time.
(Although I did like one friend who said she asked them if they believed there was a finite number of souls who could get into heaven, and when they said, “yes”, she smiled and said she didn’t want to take up their slots.)
Most of the time, I don’t even answer the door.
by Terry Odell October 26th, 2009 at 5:08 amTerry, “Not wanting to take up one of their slots,” is funny! It’s all about context. I wouldn’t laugh at that if your friend said that at a cocktail party in general discussion, but when they come to her door? Very funny!
I have to stop answering the door. You guys are just smarter than me!
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:33 amDefinitely not. They were accosting you on your own property. At that point, you could’ve called the police, especially if you felt threatened. I’m just glad you’re okay and they weren’t really crazies. I’m with Toni – report them. When I had a cell phone (back in the day), I used Verizon and they were a good, conscientious company. If they still are, they need to know what kind of people are out representing them.
by B.E. Sanderson October 26th, 2009 at 5:12 amB.E., glad it’s not just me!
I really should have called Verizon. I just hate dealing with their phone system. I swear they make it hard on purpose. Yet when I had my DSL repaired, the guy who came out was profession, helpful and fixed the line with no problems.
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:37 amHi Jennifer
by RKCharron October 26th, 2009 at 6:00 amThose two guys sound creepy!
Like Jessica Scott I would’ve called the cops. And OhMyGod Toni! Two Serial Killers in your neighborhood! Gives a whole new meaning to the Sesame Street song, “Who are the people in your neighborhood”.
I don’t think door-to-door sales work. Especially in the 21st Century. Luckily besides grade schoolers selling candy bars the only other door-to-door sales I’ve been subjected to are religious zealots. Even the Scouts & Guides don’t go door-to-door anymore (here anyway) but set up outside grocery stores and mall entrances.
I’m still a little creeped out by your experience.
Love & Best Wishes,
RKCharron
xoxo
R.K., I agree with you that door to door sales is an outdated method. I’m really surprised that companies still do it. Neighborhood kids are one thing, I usually know them, or their mom or dad is with them. I get a lot of pest control and alarm folks too.
Thanks for making me feel better!
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:42 amI don’t answer the door any more–and it’s solid glass, so they see me. Usually I just yell, ‘no thanks’ and go about my biz.
by Margaret A. Golla October 26th, 2009 at 7:08 amI’d call Verizon and complain about the harassment, and then I’d call the Better Business Bureau or cops–it could be a new way for thieves to case the joint.
Margaret, you’re in the same situation. There’s a window close to my door and they can often see me.
But this is MY fault for feeling compelled to answer the door. I realize it’s just stupid on my part.
I understand the sales concept of using someone’s name, but Verizon giving it out to people to use in door to door sales is wrong. They knew too much and it made me very uneasy.
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:45 amI don’t think that’s cranky at all.
I once was so aggravated by the members of a certain religion who came banging on my door recruiting that I let my pit bull out on my deck to bark at them….of course I’d forgotten the gate to the deck was open and the Dog of Death took off after them…they never came back. (that might be considered cranky)
by Jen October 26th, 2009 at 7:42 amJen, LOLOL! That might be considered cranky, but since it appears the dog of death didn’t actually hurt them, I find it funny.
I so need a dog. I’m thinking a huge German shepherd named Chomper. I’m guessing I’d be safer on my morning walks too
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:49 amI would have been furious if they continued after I said I wasn’t interested and I sure as hell would have called the company to complain.
I try to avoid the shaking hands thing too.
I buy from kids, if it is someting I want. Afterall, I have to buy from my own kids.
When I was a kid we lived on 2 acres of land. My mom & I were sunbathing in the backyard & she had untied her bikini top. All of a sudden we hear excuse me Maam. She lifts up & the top stays on the chair. She was very large breasted. We didn’t have to deal w/ the Jehovah’s Witnesses at our house for years.
Now I just politely explain our family is Catholic and NOT going to change.
by HollyD October 26th, 2009 at 8:29 amHollyD,
You’re right, I should have called the company.
My question is what the heck were these people doing in your backyard? But hey, whatever it takes to get rid of them, right? Your mom really put herself out there to get rid of them!
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 8:51 amI get more people selling religion than anything else in my neighborhood. I’d gladly exchange that for some cute Girl Scouts with yummy cookies! I try to be nice, but sometimes it’s tempting to hide in my office until they’re gone.
by Louisa Edwards October 26th, 2009 at 9:38 amLouisa, hiding in your office is a better solution than opening the door to wingnuts.
Although I’d open the door for a couple girl scouts with cookies right now!
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 10:26 amJen, you’ve seen how big my dogs are. I keep the storm door closed and let them bark. Most adults back up, say “never mind” and boogie. The neighbor kids know them and want to come in and pet while I dig around for money or look through the gift catalogue. LOL
Don’t ever open the outside door. Talk through it. And keep your cell or a portable phone in your hand if you are compelled to answer the door. Better safe than sorry. And do report those jerks.
by Silver James October 26th, 2009 at 9:58 amSilver, I would have loved to borrow your dogs!
You are 100% correct about not opening the door. I’m stupid to put myself in the situation to begin with
But it’s a great reason to get a dog!
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 10:28 amOkay. I know I’m on drugs at the moment. (FLU, people! What were you thinkin’!?!) But now I have this song running through my head: I’m too cranky for my shirt… Thanks.
by Silver James October 26th, 2009 at 10:36 amSilver, I think I’d buy that shirt
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 12:36 pmWe live in a gated community, and no one gets past the Rottwielers at the guard house. If they somehow slip in they are nabbed pretty quickly. We pay a hefty association fee so that when they *do* squeeze through all we have to do is call the gate and they are handled.
Before we lived here I think our old house had a beacon on it for door to door types. If we weren’t’ getting the religious folks trying to convert us we were getting the guy who poured crap on your carpet and cleaned it up before you could get your hands around his throat. I so do not miss those days.
by Karin Tabke October 26th, 2009 at 10:50 amKarin, that sounds like bliss!
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 12:36 pmI buy nothing from d-d sales. Except GS cookies and the neighbor kids fundraisers. In this day and age I will go to a store or order online, don’t come to my door!!
by Jill James October 26th, 2009 at 11:59 amJill, same with me! But not buying GG Cookies is unnatural.
True story: My grown son called me last year and said, “I just bought 8 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from a coworkers daughter. I couldn’t stop!” Did I raise that boy right or what?
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 12:38 pmI have a policy. I don’t answer the door unless it’s a neighbor or a friend, and especially not when someone pounds on it.
Occasionally, I’ve been known to crank the window outward and ask what they want. (Don’t have an outside door.) Or I go out the sliding door to the back yard and look over the gate, which is bolted. That’s if I’m feeling friendly.
There’s a real safety issue here.
I agree, those guys sounded creepy—or desperate! You’re not cranky, you’re just justified.
by J. JCarson Black October 26th, 2009 at 12:01 pmJake, thanks for the reassurance!
More and more, I’m realizing I’m the idiot for answering the door. No more (unless I get a really big German shepherd with a bad attitude!)
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pmI think you were remarkably patient. I usually just say “No, thank you, and close the door.”
by Marlyn October 26th, 2009 at 2:56 pmMaryln, that’s because you’re smarter than me
But I’m learning!
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 4:04 pmI have a standard pat answer for DDSC and Telemarketers who are rude.
“Right… insult me that will make me buy.”
Do not shake the hand
Do not be polite
Take names of all offenders and turn them into their higher ups when you complain about your name being given out to ANY DDSC they happen to meet.
I’m not cranky, I’m bitchy.
As too Girl Scout cookies, Cub Scout sales, and UNICEP trick or treaters – I was a Girl Scout for nine years, I sold plenty of cookies – I buy at least nine boxes a year (one for each year I sold and for Brownies.) But if it’s their parents selling for them I get ticked, I want mom or dad ther, but it is a learning tool as well as a sales tool for kids.
by Cele October 26th, 2009 at 3:32 pmWhen I sold GS cookies, they were 35 cents a box. I hated going door to door and approaching strangers. But back then (you can imagine how long ago it was from the price), it wasn’t dangerous. We were pretty much on our own.
by Terry Odell October 26th, 2009 at 3:38 pmTerry, I wish they were still that price! I’d stuff my freezer! These days, it’s just not safe to go door to door for kids (without parents).
Actually, it probably wasn’t all that safe ever. We’re just more aware
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 4:12 pmCele, I don’t think you’re being bitchy at all! And great line about insult me like that will make me buy.
I agree with you about parents trying to sell for their kids. That I can usually get around by ignoring the parent and talking to the kid.
Great formula for buying GG cookies!
by Jennifer Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 4:10 pmby Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I don’t think you’re cranky, but I’m from the school of “get the f*** off my front porch” thought. Hence the presence of a PERPETUALLY LOCKED GATE barring all intruders from darkening my doorway. It’s the best I could hope for considering subdivisions don’t allow electric fences or moats boasting Nessie’s American cousins.
And you thought you were cranky?
by catie james October 26th, 2009 at 4:16 pmCatie, where do I sign up for that school???? I’m so there!
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 6:23 pmCranky can be good sometimes! I do not like door-to-door sales! In my neighborhood it’s taken to a whole new level. On Saturday my husband was painting the house (trying to finish before winter weather descends). A lady stopped at the gate and asked if he lived here. He said yes and she proceeded to offer her services to trim three of our many, many bushes for a mere $5.00. When he said no thanks, she then offered to sell him a recliner she had in the back of her van for a mere $5.00. She insisted it had only been sat in once or twice. Obviously she’d picked it up on the side of the road. Ragged, dirty, and clearly it had been sat in much more than once or twice. When I returned home and my husband related this tale, I had one question: “Why did you look in her van?” Seemed like a fair question to me. His response was that he didn’t want to be rude. Ha! Now that made me cranky!
by Debra Webb October 26th, 2009 at 5:17 pmDebra, that would make me cranky too! Most women wouldn’t go NEAR the van!
I keep wondering if these bully tactics work. They must, but they sure don’t work on me!
by Jen Lyon October 26th, 2009 at 6:25 pmDebra, I would have asked him what else she was offering since $5 seemed to be her going rate.
by Jill James October 26th, 2009 at 6:57 pmHi, you were nice when you went to the door!! I don’t even answer the phone when I’m busy. I NEVER open my door for strangers!! We taught my DD this years ago and I go by it too. I’m just not a trusting person anymore. I also don’t answer my phone if I don’t know who’s calling. Next just keep on working!! I’d love to win your book too!! Thanks, Sue
by QLady48 October 26th, 2009 at 10:36 pmI do still answer the door, but usually manage to say no thanks & shut the door. Those Verizon guys were out of line! My husband baits the religious sales pitchers with outright lies. I could never do that.
by Jody October 28th, 2009 at 5:35 am