Charity collectors door-to-door; can they be stopped?

Juran

Most of us support charity in someor another. I have my own chosen charities based on the cause, their work andthe fact that some charities are close to my heart based on my life experiences. I’m sure most of you will say the same.Some people give up their time, some give financial donations and some donateclothes/ unwanted gifts to their charity of choice. And this is my point - it’sabout your own personal choice.

On Saturday (11thOctober 2013) I watched from inside my living room window door-to-door charitycollectors in action – and I was appalled. I’m not going to reference nameshere, but from my estate window on the west of Galway city, this is what I witnessed.A 131 reg family size car pulled up at the entrance, 4 grown men got out wearingdistinct jackets with a clip-board in their hand and ID around their neck. Iwatched as they split up and went door to door hassling and what I wold considerintimating people. I could see a lady trying to say no and close the door, butthe man was using bullying tactics to keep talking. He did this at another door10 mins later. I didn’t answer my door, but I know they were looking for peopleto sign up to direct debits – yes, hand over your bank account details to completestrangers and sign some contract.

I’m always prepared for all typeof door callers sales people – I’m quick to say ‘no thanks’ and close the door,but there must lots of shy vulnerable people who are too intimidated to say no.

I’m curious to see what other people make of these so calledcharity callers?

Redhairedguy

Start to tell them about your good friend Jesus Christ, and insist on inviting them in for black tea (milk is the devil's nectar), and to meet him, along with your vast collection of vintage porcelain dolls. All named Susan. :pac:

In all reality, the persistent bully tactics are how they make the majority of their money to be honest. Look at the chuggers on Shop street. Same principle, and I've heard many stories from ex-chuggers about how successful and lucrative that is.

Mrs OBumble

Provide they have a licencse (always ask to see it) then what they are doing is legal.

If you believe that it should be illegal, you need to talk to your TD about getting the law changed.

And frankly, if someone is so shy/vulnerable that they cannot tell an unwanted caller to "go away" and close the door, then really someone should be talking to their key-worker about ensuring that they are not put in that position, ie allowed to answer the door.

chargerman

I personally don't see the problem with it. So what if they had a 131 car. You have the option to say no thanks. I signed up with one of these charities before.
If they are bullying people the way you say they did, that's a different story

biko

You could go talk to the neighbours and maybe all get some door signs "No soliciting" or sumsuch. That's how I do it and it works quite well.
There's an AH thread here about this same issue, with more suggestions.

WallyGUFC

chargerman wrote: »

I personally don't see the problem with it. So what if they had a 131 car. You have the option to say no thanks. I signed up with one of these charities before.
If they are bullying people the way you say they did, that's a different story

Why you would sign up to a direct debit, providing a complete stranger with your bank details, is utterly beyond me.

chargerman

WallyGUFC wrote: »

Why you would sign up to a direct debit, providing a complete stranger with your bank details, is utterly beyond me.

Because you get a duplicate for what you have signed for and if there was anything taken out that shouldn't be you have written proof. Also, my bank sends me a letter and a text message every time a new direct debit is set up and for how much it is, that's why. I'm not saying it's right, I choose to make a monthly donation to this charity.
I do agree with the op to a certain extent, I know of one charity who pay the door to door collectors minimum wage plus 50% commission on the donation/first months direct debit, that I don't agree with. The charity I gave to 93% goes to the cause and all I'm saying is if they hadn't called to my door, I may never have donated

Ri na hEireann

chargerman wrote: »

Because you get a duplicate for what you have signed for and if there was anything taken out that shouldn't be you have written proof. Also, my bank sends me a letter and a text message every time a new direct debit is set up and for how much it is, that's why. I'm not saying it's right, I choose to make a monthly donation to this charity.
I do agree with the op to a certain extent, I know of one charity who pay the door to door collectors minimum wage plus 50% commission on the donation/first months direct debit, that I don't agree with. The charity I gave to 93% goes to the cause and all I'm saying is if they hadn't called to my door, I may never have donated

I signed up for one of these this evening but I only did so having got the duplicate emailed to me on the spot. Worst case scenario it could be cancelled.

What I am wondering though; it's for Deaf Child Worldwide and I agreed after talking with the fundraisers for 10 mins or so, but I never asked how much of the money donated gets to those in need. Does anyone have an idea. Can't seem to find out on their website.

Antifa161

I find they can be stopped rather well with a door myself. Don't open it.

chargerman

Ri na hEireann wrote: »

I signed up for one of these this evening but I only did so having got the duplicate emailed to me on the spot. Worst case scenario it could be cancelled.

What I am wondering though; it's for Deaf Child Worldwide and I agreed after talking with the fundraisers for 10 mins or so, but I never asked how much of the money donated gets to those in need. Does anyone have an idea. Can't seem to find out on their website.

Send them an email, some charities are very good and donate over 90% - some not so good.

Eeden

Just say "no thanks, I'm already signed up for direct debits to my own chosen charities".

Had them call here on Saturday just as I was about to sit down for dinner.opened the door to be met by a smug looking wanker with a face you want to punch.

Chugger: Hey man, as you can see were out...
Me: sorry no interest
Chugger: I want to talk to you about Syria
Me: Still no interest. Bye

I Wave at twat as if to say get lost and as I try to close the door, the chugger's hand shot out to hold it open.

Chugger: all I want is 5...
Me: I don't care I'm about to sit down to dinner.

Still trying to close the door but the chugging cnut refuses to budge

Chugger: nice for some but what about all the kids who...
Me: seriously, **** off
Chugger: I'm going to report you to the cops for abuse
Me: you want me to ring them for you.

At this stage I was sick of the git so I stopped trying to close the door and instead opened it enough to let me push the git back before slamming the door in his face. The chugger gave the door a few kicks and screamed some obscenities at the closed door so I just turned up the volume on the TV

Antifa161

Those door to door buckos get paid a pretty handy wage for hassling people. You'd think these so-called charities would just donate that money to whatever cause they are peddling.

They're all such scammers anyway. I'd rather buy a few cans or a bite to eat for a homeless person on the streets in Galway than give money to a sketchy charity who pocket most of it and pass the rest on to some corrupt African state.

Eeden

Deleted User wrote: »

Had them call here on Saturday just as I was about to sit down for dinner.opened the door to be net by a smug looking wanker with a face you want to punch.

Chugger: Hey man, as you can see were out...
Me: sorry no interest
Chugger: I want to talk to you about Syria
Me: Still no interest. Bye

Wave at twat and as I try to close the door the chugger's hand shot out to hold it open.

Chugger: all I want is 5...
Me: I don't care I'm about to sit down to dinner.

Still trying to close the door but the chugging cnut refuses to budge

Chugger: nice for some but what about all the kids who...
Me: seriously, **** off
Chugger: I'm going to reort you to the cops for abuse
Me: you want me to ring them for you.

At this stage I was sick of the hit do I stopped trying to close the door and instead opened it enough to let me push the gut back before slamming the door in his face. The chugger gave the door a few kicks and screamed some obscenities at the closed door so I just turned up the volume on the TV

Seriously? I have never had anyone at the door that I haven't been able to get rid of with politeness. Tell them you're not interested. Tell them you're broke. Tell them they're wasting their time because there's no way you are ever going to buy what they're selling. Wish them well because their job is shit. They have the crappest job in the world.

Victor

A complaint direct to the charity or to the local gardaí is the best option.

Eeden

Eeden wrote: »

Seriously? I have never had anyone at the door that I haven't been able to get rid of with politeness. Tell them you're not interested. Tell them you're broke. Tell them they're wasting their time because there's no way you are ever going to buy what they're selling. Wish them well because their job is shit. They have the crappest job in the world.

It's far from being close to the crappest job imaginable and is in fact generally well paid with many of then earning over €10 euro an hour and being rewarded with expensive gifts or bonuses when they reach certain quotas. I know one ass who did it for a few months and was earning €12 an hour. Sure they get a little abuse but so does the guy serving in McDonalds.

Antifa161

Eeden wrote: »

Seriously? I have never had anyone at the door that I haven't been able to get rid of with politeness. Tell them you're not interested. Tell them you're broke. Tell them they're wasting their time because there's no way you are ever going to buy what they're selling. Wish them well because their job is shit. They have the crappest job in the world.

If you choose to do a job where you annoy people then you clearly value money over respect, so you can't moan when people disrespect you.

TheBoffin

we have 3 signs on our door and all have proven to be effective.

* No Soliciting
* No Exceptions

* Addressed Mail Only (on post box)

If anyone is dumb enough to knock at the door I just ignore them even if im visibly sitting in view of the window.

Juran

Progress --- I heard on Galway Bay FM news today that the Gardaí plan to contact the Attorney General regarding stronger regulations for charity [money] collectors (street & door collectors) ... think the complaints from the public is taking up so much Garda time. At least its a start, and the public voice about these annoying and intrusive collectors is being heard! We'll wait and see.

I will continue to be strong and say NO to these chuggers ... .. though I will make an exception for the local kids selling the odd raffle ticket for their school.

inisboffin

There was an altercation between a collector and a member of public the other day on Shop St. Don't know the full story but at least 3 or 4 Gardai ended up there.

nuac

Deleted User wrote: »

Had them call here on Saturday just as I was about to sit down for dinner.opened the door to be met by a smug looking wanker with a face you want to punch.

Chugger: Hey man, as you can see were out...
Me: sorry no interest
Chugger: I want to talk to you about Syria
Me: Still no interest. Bye

I Wave at twat as if to say get lost and as I try to close the door, the chugger's hand shot out to hold it open.

Chugger: all I want is 5...
Me: I don't care I'm about to sit down to dinner.

Still trying to close the door but the chugging cnut refuses to budge

Chugger: nice for some but what about all the kids who...
Me: seriously, **** off
Chugger: I'm going to report you to the cops for abuse
Me: you want me to ring them for you.

At this stage I was sick of the git so I stopped trying to close the door and instead opened it enough to let me push the git back before slamming the door in his face. The chugger gave the door a few kicks and screamed some obscenities at the closed door so I just turned up the volume on the TV

That behaviour should have been reported to AGS

Antifa161

"Hi is that the guards? Ya, someone is after kicking my door and running off"

They'll have the choppers and Irish Rangers out in no time I'd say.

kevin65

Deleted User wrote: »

Had them call here on Saturday just as I was about to sit down for dinner.opened the door to be met by a smug looking wanker with a face you want to punch.

Chugger: Hey man, as you can see were out...
Me: sorry no interest
Chugger: I want to talk to you about Syria
Me: Still no interest. Bye

I Wave at twat as if to say get lost and as I try to close the door, the chugger's hand shot out to hold it open.

Chugger: all I want is 5...
Me: I don't care I'm about to sit down to dinner.

Still trying to close the door but the chugging cnut refuses to budge

Chugger: nice for some but what about all the kids who...
Me: seriously, **** off
Chugger: I'm going to report you to the cops for abuse
Me: you want me to ring them for you.

At this stage I was sick of the git so I stopped trying to close the door and instead opened it enough to let me push the git back before slamming the door in his face. The chugger gave the door a few kicks and screamed some obscenities at the closed door so I just turned up the volume on the TV

I am somewhat disappointed in your behaviour. Why did you just push him back? Why didn't you give him a good punch in the face?

kevin65

kevin65 wrote: »

I am somewhat disappointed in your behaviour. Why did you just push him back? Why didn't you give him a good punch in the face?

The fact that I'm not a scumbag means that I generally don't resort to violence to solve a trivial matter. Now I'm all for the happy slapping of the more intrusive and intimidating chuggers but for most simply ignoring them and using suitable language is more than enough to get rid of them.

kevin65

Deleted User wrote: »

The fact that I'm not a scumbag means that I generally don't resort to violence to solve a trivial matter. Now I'm all for the happy slapping of the more intrusive and intimidating chuggers but for most simply ignoring them and using suitable language is more than enough to get rid of them.

I would have considered the chugger's behaviour as agressive and trespassing. I think this would be sufficient grounds. You showed great restraint IMHO.

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

Had them call here on Saturday just as I was about to sit down for dinner.opened the door to be met by a smug looking wanker with a face you want to punch.

Chugger: Hey man, as you can see were out...
Me: sorry no interest
Chugger: I want to talk to you about Syria
Me: Still no interest. Bye

I Wave at twat as if to say get lost and as I try to close the door, the chugger's hand shot out to hold it open.

Chugger: all I want is 5...
Me: I don't care I'm about to sit down to dinner.

Still trying to close the door but the chugging cnut refuses to budge

Chugger: nice for some but what about all the kids who...
Me: seriously, **** off
Chugger: I'm going to report you to the cops for abuse
Me: you want me to ring them for you.

At this stage I was sick of the git so I stopped trying to close the door and instead opened it enough to let me push the git back before slamming the door in his face. The chugger gave the door a few kicks and screamed some obscenities at the closed door so I just turned up the volume on the TV

I'd have escorted him off my property i.e. landed him out on the road, especially after kicking the door. No way I'd stand for someone kicking my door.

Mrs OBumble

Antifa161 wrote: »

"Hi is that the guards? Ya, someone is after kicking my door and running off"

They'll have the choppers and Irish Rangers out in no time I'd say.

Your experience may be different, I've always found that if you call the guards, are clear about what has happened, and have realistic expectations about their response, then the response is appropriate. (And yes, living in the inner city I've had to call them a few times.)

A calm call to Mill St (on their regular number not 112/999), in which the poster was clear that the aim was just to let them know what had happened, would have alerted the guards to the fact that an overly aggressive person was calling to doors in the neighbourhood, and potentially trespassing.

If there has been calls from other people in the neighbourhood, then it's likely that a car would be dispatched to give the chugger at least a talking too.

antoobrien

Antifa161 wrote: »

"Hi is that the guards? Ya, someone is after kicking my door and running off"

They'll have the choppers and Irish Rangers out in no time I'd say.

Reporting which charity they are representing is important as the charities have to apply to the Gardaí for licenses. Given enough complaints about a particular charity, the Gardaí might reconsider giving them a door to door license again.

GekkePrutser

There's crazy many lately... I think there should be some kind of license/permit in place to limit the amount.

When I backpacked in Australia I did this myself for one day (not door to door but collecting at a traffic light) and it turned out what I believe to be a scam. I just came along with some of my roommates in the hostel who said it was decent money. When we got back to the office we got a big percentage (Think it was more than 50%) paid out of what we collected, way more than I would have expected considering it was a charity. I'm sure the rest went to the organisers. They had this 'dodgy' air to them, definitely not the kind people you'd associate with charity. We were all issued with official-looking ID 'permits' that were freshly laminated right next door, at the time we were told that they were authorised to issue an X amount of permits per day but I guess it was a pure scam. I should have trusted my instincts when I first walked in and left.

I've been a lot more critical of door to door charities since. It was really a wakeup call. I only give something to the reputable ones now, and only if they still take coins instead of direct debit mandates.

inisboffin

GekkePrutser wrote: »

There's crazy many lately... I think there should be some kind of license/permit in place to limit the amount.

When I backpacked in Australia I did this myself for one day (not door to door but collecting at a traffic light) and it turned out what I believe to be a scam. I just came along with some of my roommates in the hostel who said it was decent money. When we got back to the office we got a big percentage (Think it was more than 50%) paid out of what we collected, way more than I would have expected considering it was a charity. I'm sure the rest went to the organisers. They had this 'dodgy' air to them, definitely not the kind people you'd associate with charity. We were all issued with official-looking ID 'permits' that were freshly laminated right next door, at the time we were told that they were authorised to issue an X amount of permits per day but I guess it was a pure scam. I should have trusted my instincts when I first walked in and left.

I've been a lot more critical of door to door charities since. It was really a wakeup call. I only give something to the reputable ones now, and only if they still take coins instead of direct debit mandates.

I know of a major charity that pays 30% to collectors, 30% to admin, and I believe the final 40% goes directly to the intended source. This was from collecting envelopes that were dropped in all year round, and an annual 'flag day' with buckets. Students mainly do the work. They are fairly transparent about this. The theory is that overall they will collect more in the long run and it is run as a business. Stuff costs money to do. People do 'work' for charities too.