"Chuggers"

[horseshoes]

http://uk.news.yahoo....nnoying-shoppers.html

I find it quite easy to say "Sorry I'm busy" or whatever if I don't want to talk to somebody, but these chuggers (I didn't know they had this name) do seem to becoming a bit of a pest around our high streets. Others are constantly in the doorway of the supermarket - there were 3 different ones last week. We had some come to the house a few weeks ago too (RSPCA). I think that could be quite intimidating for someone on their own. What do other ABers think.

[ummmm]

They do my head in.

[cathfromsaron]

i inform them that i do not give out bank detials but if they give me a leaflet i will think about it!

the poor chaps are on commission and very desperate but i think itshould be banned!

[didoatwork]

I just say, no, sorry and walk on by.

[albaqwerty]

I thought all they could do was shake their can and not ask for donations.

[horseshoes]

Ooh Alba - you've obviously not had the pleasure yet! The "chuggers" don't have cans, just clip-boards usually.

I think that it is illegal to actually shake the tins at people; the are supposed just to hold them out.

[albaqwerty]

Aaah, the clip-boarders. I do my darndest to cross the road!!

[horseshoes]

You're very wise Alba!

[Euphemia]

I just tell them that I already give to several charities.

[fliptheswitch]

I know it's a bit wrong, but I check out which charity they're representing and then tell them I already give to that one... and then feel guilty when they thank me.

[Zeuhl]

I think they should be entitled to ask politely but should graciously accept a refusal. Much of it is now 'door2door' as it doesn't need the same licensing as High Street.

Now that Direct Mail and TeleMarketing have run out of steam it is charities main source of new donors though attrition is very high including a large proportion of 'Non Starters'.

Most use specialist Agencies to do this for them except for Greenpeace who employ their own people who are committed to the cause.

A shake up in the law overall could be imminent, largely prompted by concerns over doorstep collections of clothes etc that are 'going astray'.

[daffy654]

The ones that come to the door get told that I do not give out personal information to anyone I don't know who comes to the door, the street ones used to get told that I was too busy/in a hurry to stop.