Why is Doorstepping and Cold Calling still legal?

Brecon_Beacons

This is definitely a vent!

If the Government can introduce new legislation for some things, within a few weeks, WHY are the poor downtrodden decent citizens of this nation still having to put up with Cold Calling - and I don't just mean the phone pests, I also mean the door-rappers and leaflet pests and all the other low life that make going about our daily business, in our own homes and gardens, such a misery?

It's summer. I have a large front garden. But I guarantee, whenever I go out to work in it - even though I live in a rural area - I shan't be on my own for long!

You see, an A road passes my property; and as soon as I am visible, out there in the garden, I am accosted by a stream of supposed "workmen" pushing their dubious trades. Their white vans and trailers lurch to a halt, and I am asked if I want my hedges trimming, or my trees removing, or any stupid b**** thing they can think of, to try to get some money out of me, and justify their trespassing. And all the while the patter is pouring out their mouths, their sharp little eyes are scanning the house, the car, the garage door (is it open? Is there anything that can be taken?)

I am absolutely SICK of it. I would never, ever, EVER employ someone in a white van, with just a mobile number, who stops and tries it on for work. Our county has a lot of green spaces, and more than its fair share of "travellers" , all supposedly working on "building services" or "garden maintenance" or "roofing" - although I sincerely doubt that a penny of tax is paid!

But what can I do about this harassment? It's not only intimidating, to look up when you're on your knees weeding, to find some stranger (often with poor or accented English) looming over you, asking to clean your path or move your rubbish;- it's also alarming, to know that your house is under scrutiny in this way, and beady little eyes are taking in every thing you do, from cutting a hedge to leaving rubbish by your bins.

I'm always polite, saying "no, thank you" - but inside I'm seething! WHY can't they pass a law to make this practice illegal? Nobody wants to be harassed in this way - and allowing people to doorstep allows them access to harass the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled, who will be at home and can't avoid them; or are too afraid to say "no".

Can anyone offer me even one reason why it's allowed to continue, when no-one wants it?

Madbags

I'd probably build a fence.


Or maybe if that was going to impact my garden I might put up my own fake trade sign with a fictitious phone number.


"A Smith's Roofing, Gardening & Building Services"
"Call 077XXXXXXXX"


Other than changing the law I don't really know what you can do but I would definitely get fed up myself.

societys_child

I find a clear, definite "No thanks mate" with a slight smile, turn away and carry on with what I was doing works.

Powered_By_Pies

Just put a sign up on the lawn..

"Trespassers will be shot.

Survivors will be shot again."

Done! :-D

Elsewhere

Contact your MP and complain seems to be the official advice

http://www.tradingstandardsblog.com/doorstep-cold-calling-the-law/

SailorSam

Not everyone who knocks on your door is some sort of 'white van man traveller'
I did cold calling when selling double glazing for Everest.
I found it a horrible job, i hated it. But i was just trying to earn a living.
I wasn't a good salesman. But i was always polite to anyone i met, i don't think there's any need to be offensive to them. Just say No thanks.

SunReader

Businesses get plagued with cold callers too, not just punters at home.
We are all bombarded with marketing messages all the time.

These "workmen" who hustle for business would get just the same hatred if they were "lazy" unemployed I suspect. And some may be both..

lots of people do buy as a result of cold calls.

Brecon_Beacons

sun Reader -

I take your point about the pervasiveness of the hard sell - but I really think that hustling for business within someone's home environment (where we are supposed to feel safe!) is a whole lot more than just 'marketing'.

I agree, a lot of people DO buy as a result of cold calls - but did they really want to? I've never known anyone who wanted to be hassled in this way. Cold calls and Doorstep Calls work because Pressure WORKS - on the weak, the vulnerable, those too afraid to say 'no'. Even when you are strong enough to say 'no', it can leave you feeling intimidated.

If businesses can be regulated elsewhere to conform to strict codes of practice, why are the Cold Callers and Doorsteppers still left free to rely on talking their way through your defences?

Get rid of 'em! If it were made illegal, think of the wonderful peace of not having evening phone calls about PPI/double glazing/can we have your Bank account details. Think of being able to go about your home and garden without every spivvy opportunist thinking he has the right to stomp up your path and try his luck.

PS: I'm very sorry for Sailor Sam's experience. Nobody should have to do that kind of thing, just to put bread on the table. If Businesses in this country spent a little more time thinking about ethical behaviour, instead of relying on the quickest way to make a fast buck by using cheap labour and sharp practices, consumers might trust them a little more!

Brecon_Beacons

Elsewhere -

Thanks for very interesting link - here's a quote:

The Trading Standards Institute published a survey in 2003 which suggested 95.7% of people said they did not want doorstep cold callers.

katejo

When chuggers stop me (or try to) in the street, I have a burning urge to say something like
"Don't take this personally but I will NEVER EVER donate money via a chugger. Not only do I avoid them but i also mentally blacklist the charity. On occasions when I do wish to donate to charity, this charity will not benefit"

I haven't done it yet but.....

SunReader

The Trading Standards Institute published a survey in 2003 which suggested 95.7% of people said they did not want doorstep cold callers.

Ok 4.3 % left want to be informed on latest marketing news

Think a big ticket item like double glazing or solar panels, each lead average order value 5k, I in 4 close rate makes each lead worth £50-100.

I used to do it for a job. Phone numbers not from the phone book but from a marketing company including ex directory numbers supplied (sold by) their credit cards and banks, we even had a non-CCJ list to avoid cancellations due to lack of finance approval. When knocking I would always avoid no canvassing signs.

Your internet usage and spending patterns being monitored by dozens of tracking cookies and probably this site too are more of a threat to your privacy imo.