Pushy Door-to-Door Sales People

[RoboVil]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.

[Kenswing]

The joy of having a video doorbell. You can see who it is and decide whether or not you want to answer the door. If you’re curious or feel unsafe you can talk to them without getting off the couch.

[golfing eagles]

The joy of having a video doorbell. You can see who it is and decide whether or not you want to answer the door. If you’re curious or feel unsafe you can talk to them without getting off the couch.

Or.......You can just slam the door in their face

[retiredguy123]

The pushy approach has never worked on me. What's the big deal? If it really bothers you, get a "No Soliiciting" sign for your front door.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

While solicitors can be on the roads - which are public - the Villages has a no soliciting policy. So yeah they can stop in front of your house. But they're not allowed on your property.

What works for me, is being rude to them. If I have to get up off my royal arse to answer the door, and they're not presenting me with the Publisher's Clearing House check, then I tell them to get off my property or I'll defend my property with my recurve bow. I don't say "no" to them, because I don't give them a chance to ask me any question.

[jimhoward]

I’ve been very lucky. Although I get a lot of solicitors, they have all been very polite and not wasted much of my time.

I am in shady brook and all the houses are new so it’s a prime area for people selling services. I say an unambiguous no thank you to every one and so far all have just said thank you for your time and left. I take their cards if they have them but have never called one.

[retiredguy123]

Florida law requires door-to-door salespeople to have a solicitation permit. You can ask to see it, and if they don't have one, you can call law enforcement.

[tophcfa]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.

That’s why I keep a disgusting looking old toilet seat in the closet. Whenever some unwelcomed stranger knocks on the door, I answer with toilet seat in hand, and tell them I am thrilled they stopped by to help me install a new one. They run away before even thinking about their solicitation scam.

[ThirdOfFive]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.
Depends on what you say.

Some years back (not in TV) we had a guy stop by on a Saturday, selling whole home security systems. Half price. The only thing was it was a one-day deal and we would have to get the work done and pay for the system that day.

Very seriously, I told him "I HAVE security. .38 caliber security. My wife, too".

Guy left in a big hurry.

[CarlR33]

It was awful up north (not the north villages either, lol). The mailbox post area was a springtime magnet for the bag with the rock and lawn care business cards inside. Nice not having the mailbox here at the house eliminating one source. I finally put a no soliciting stencil on my door window that helped greatly with detering the door knockers. Still would get the occasional kid throwing stuff on the door step while we were away for a month or more.

[asianthree]

Have zero issues with door to door. I speak enough VN, Cantonese, French, German, they take less than 30second to leave. Spanish doesn’t work, so well.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Florida law requires door-to-door salespeople to have a solicitation permit. You can ask to see it, and if they don't have one, you can call law enforcement.

You can also just order them off your property. You don't have to ask them to present a solicitation permit. Soliciting is not permitted in The Villages. They can have permission from the governor himself, and it won't change that fact.

You don't need to ask for their solicitation permit. You can just tell them to get lost. If they're not invited to your house, AND if they're not law enforcement, THEN they are not entitled to be there. And you can order them to leave. Full stop.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It was awful up north (not the north villages either, lol). The mailbox post area was a springtime magnet for the bag with the rock and lawn care business cards inside. Nice not having the mailbox here at the house eliminating one source. I finally put a no soliciting stencil on my door window that helped greatly with detering the door knockers. Still would get the occasional kid throwing stuff on the door step while we were away for a month or more.

The only people we had up north (in Connecticut) at the door uninvited were Jehovah's Witnesses and the guy who was running for Mayor against the current Mayor. Jehovah's witnesses were easy "No, I don't want to hear your testament, I don't want to read your pamphlet. Have a nice day" and shut (not slammed) the door. The guy running against the current mayor was just as easy: "I don't vote for people who come to my door uninvited. Have a nice day."

[golfing eagles]

The only people we had up north (in Connecticut) at the door uninvited were Jehovah's Witnesses and the guy who was running for Mayor against the current Mayor. Jehovah's witnesses were easy "No, I don't want to hear your testament, I don't want to read your pamphlet. Have a nice day" and shut (not slammed) the door. The guy running against the current mayor was just as easy: "I don't vote for people who come to my door uninvited. Have a nice day."

My Jehovah's Witness line in NY went something like this: Praise the Lord! My lord Beelzebub promised he would deliver 2 virgins for sacrifice at tonight's midnight celebration of the third rectification of the Drules and Azoths. Please come in for a "drink". Their exits would set speed records.

[Arctic Fox]

Or.......You can just slam the door in their face

Most of us don't like to be rude to people, but sometimes it is the only choice. "No thank you", close door. Simples.

[dtennent]

The only people we had up north (in Connecticut) at the door uninvited were Jehovah's Witnesses and the guy who was running for Mayor against the current Mayor. Jehovah's witnesses were easy "No, I don't want to hear your testament, I don't want to read your pamphlet. Have a nice day" and shut (not slammed) the door. The guy running against the current mayor was just as easy: "I don't vote for people who come to my door uninvited. Have a nice day."
Many years ago, when I ran for Town Supervisor in a rural, small town in Western New York, I knocked on over 800 doors handing out flyers to all introduce myself and my positions. (I had lived in the town for about 15 years so was not really well known.) With the exception of two people, everyone I met was friendly and courteous. Ended up winning the election with over 76% of the vote. I understand not wanting unsolicited people knocking on your door but, occasionally, you might find someone who has something in which you are interested.

[ThirdOfFive]

The only people we had up north (in Connecticut) at the door uninvited were Jehovah's Witnesses and the guy who was running for Mayor against the current Mayor. Jehovah's witnesses were easy "No, I don't want to hear your testament, I don't want to read your pamphlet. Have a nice day" and shut (not slammed) the door. The guy running against the current mayor was just as easy: "I don't vote for people who come to my door uninvited. Have a nice day."
We had a fair number of missionaries come by when we lived in MN. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, etc. If they stopped by in the winter I always invited them in for coffee: I figured that if someone was suffering in that cold for free they were pretty dedicated people. Some declined, but those who accepted appreciated the warm-up.

Drove my wife nuts.

[MrFlorida]

Just say no thanks, close the door and walk away.

[golfing eagles]

We had a fair number of missionaries come by when we lived in MN. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, etc. If they stopped by in the winter I always invited them in for coffee: I figured that if someone was suffering in that cold for free they were pretty dedicated people. Some declined, but those who accepted appreciated the warm-up.

Drove my wife nuts.

That's nice, but once they sat down for coffee they had no idea what to say----they never got that far before :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Velvet]

Have zero issues with door to door. I speak enough VN, Cantonese, French, German, they take less than 30second to leave. Spanish doesn’t work, so well.

Yep, you can try gibberish (loud) as well. It works.

If I open the door then I just say, “No thank you” and shut the door.

[fdpaq0580]

My Jehovah's Witness line in NY went something like this: Praise the Lord! My lord Beelzebub promised he would deliver 2 virgins for sacrifice at tonight's midnight celebration of the third rectification of the Drules and Azoths. Please come in for a "drink". Their exits would set speed records.

I like your style! 😀😈💀👹

[fdpaq0580]

Many years ago, when I ran for Town Supervisor in a rural, small town in Western New York, I knocked on over 800 doors handing out flyers to all introduce myself and my positions. (I had lived in the town for about 15 years so was not really well known.) With the exception of two people, everyone I met was friendly and courteous. Ended up winning the election with over 76% of the vote. I understand not wanting unsolicited people knocking on your door but, occasionally, you might find someone who has something in which you are interested.

Not yet. Not even once. One time, though, a lady came to ask if she could have a flower from my plant for an arrangement she was making. I said, "yes".

[Two Bills]

Have zero issues with door to door. I speak enough VN, Cantonese, French, German, they take less than 30second to leave. Spanish doesn’t work, so well.

I can do enough French and German to get by.
Learned some Cantonese when stationed in Hong Kong for a while, many years ago.
I still remember most of the niceties, and can still swear profusely.
It's a colorful language for obscene insults!

[fdpaq0580]

I can do enough French and German to get by.
Learned some Cantonese when stationed in Hong Kong for a while, many years ago.
I still remember most of the niceties, and can still swear profusely.
It's a colorful language for obscene insults!

A good insult requires thought and a bit of artistry. One of my all time favorites was, "may you be blessed with the breath of a thousand camels." Still makes me laugh.

[Pairadocs]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.

First, no soliciting is more a "suggestion" than a policy. This is not a private community as you know, and there is no provision for ENFORCEMENT of any of the suggestions here. We finally learned to not even answer the door, safest policy of all. Next, if you have a ring type app, is to simply say, NO SOLICITING, and of course do not go to door. Found it useful IF you are so curious you feel compelled to actually open the door, put up a hand and say " Sorry, I don't handle ANY of that, you'll have to call the landlord and talk to him", that also works to stop their line immediately; they don't want to waste their time on someone who is not the owner. But bottom line is, answering is foolish at best (even if is something you might be considering; new windows, roof, landscaping, etc. would you not want to talk ONLY to those YOU chose to contact to come out?), and, it could actually be dangerous, you never know.

[Velvet]

There is a saying by the “travelers” in Europe; “May you live in a beautiful large mansion with many floors. Which has no stairs or elevators, and the tremors and shakes from your illness take you upstairs and downstairs.” (Loses a bit in transition, but you can get that it is a curse.)

[retiredguy123]

First, no soliciting is more a "suggestion" than a policy. This is not a private community as you know, and there is no provision for ENFORCEMENT of any of the suggestions here. We finally learned to not even answer the door, safest policy of all. Next, if you have a ring type app, is to simply say, NO SOLICITING, and of course do not go to door. Found it useful IF you are so curious you feel compelled to actually open the door, put up a hand and say " Sorry, I don't handle ANY of that, you'll have to call the landlord and talk to him", that also works to stop their line immediately; they don't want to waste their time on someone who is not the owner. But bottom line is, answering is foolish at best (even if is something you might be considering; new windows, roof, landscaping, etc. would you not want to talk ONLY to those YOU chose to contact to come out?), and, it could actually be dangerous, you never know.
I agree. And the fact that the counties charge for and issue Florida state solicitation permits is proof that they consider The Villages to be fair game for door-to-door solicitation. If you have a state permit, then you are allowed to sell your product or service door-to-door, unless the permit specifically states that you cannot do it in The Villages.

[Pairadocs]

The joy of having a video doorbell. You can see who it is and decide whether or not you want to answer the door. If you’re curious or feel unsafe you can talk to them without getting off the couch.

And the "ring type" systems are getting so inexpensive they are available to anyone these days. A relative who lives on a VERY limited retirement just purchased a light bulb camera that comes with app to connect to door bell, it was unbelievably inexpensive and she says it works great (but only had it since June, so don't know the longevity), she loves it. Got it on Amazon. She has NO tech skills what so ever, and she was able to use it immediately !

[vintageogauge]

When we first moved in I put a small NO SOLICITING" sign on the front door and in seven+ years only 2 or 3 solicitors bothered us and I just told them to read the sign and closed the door.

[Stu from NYC]

My Jehovah's Witness line in NY went something like this: Praise the Lord! My lord Beelzebub promised he would deliver 2 virgins for sacrifice at tonight's midnight celebration of the third rectification of the Drules and Azoths. Please come in for a "drink". Their exits would set speed records.

Why does anyone think sacrificing virgins is a good thing. Lots of that went on years ago

[USOTR]

Call Community Watch 24/7 at 352-753-0550 and report these people

[BrianM]

Or.......You can just slam the door in their face

Of course without injury so they do not call Morgan and Morgan. 😂

[golfing eagles]

Of course without injury so they do not call Morgan and Morgan. 😂

On the other hand, if they are injured by a slamming door that means that some part of their body is on the inside of the inside/outside boundary of my house, so technically I could shoot them as home invaders.

[NoMo50]

Release the hounds!

[opinionist]

I had a roofing scammer offer me a free inspection on a three-year-old roof. I told him I did not want an inspection or his card, and he went away.

[Stu from NYC]

I had a roofing scammer offer me a free inspection on a three-year-old roof. I told him I did not want an inspection or his card, and he went away.

With roofing crooks have to tell them numerous times to go away and make sure there is no ladder against our home

[RoseyRed]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:My Jehovah's Witness line in NY went something like this: Praise the Lord! My lord Beelzebub promised he would deliver 2 virgins for sacrifice at tonight's midnight celebration of the third rectification of the Drules and Azoths. Please come in for a "drink". Their exits would set speed records.

[Shelbyh]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.

Every new neighborhood has this problem. We placed a no solicitors sign. Don’t answer the door, or call the police for anyone behaving in a threatening manner ( exactly what the police told us to do). Technically there is no solicitation permitted in TV from what I understand.

[Bill14564]

Every new neighborhood has this problem. We placed a no solicitors sign. Don’t answer the door, or call the police for anyone behaving in a threatening manner ( exactly what the police told us to do). Technically there is no solicitation permitted in TV from what I understand.

That may have been the case when the Villages was a truly gated community with private roads. It no longer is.

Florida statute 501.022 (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0501/Sections/0501.022.html) requires a permit for solicitation of sales at a consumer's home BUT there are several exclusions including one for certain religious organizations.

[biker1]

I am not sure why this is considered a problem. I occasionally get solicitations at my front door. It is typically vendors working on a neighbors house; landscape folks are the most common. I just say “no thanks”, wish them a nice day, and close the door. No drama is required.


Every new neighborhood has this problem. We placed a no solicitors sign. Don’t answer the door, or call the police for anyone behaving in a threatening manner ( exactly what the police told us to do). Technically there is no solicitation permitted in TV from what I understand.

[GATORBILL66]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.

No Soliciting in the Villages!

[rsmurano]

Just report them to both the villages and to the police, we aren’t supposed to have door to door solicitors

[SoCalGal]

No Soliciting in the Villages!

Get off my lawn! ~Villagers

[Velvet]

Get off my lawn! ~Villagers

‘Or pay the $3000.00 annual bill I have to to upkeep it…’ lol…

[Two Bills]

No Soliciting in the Villages!

So City Fire outside bar is closing? :shrug:

[Gpsma]

Just report them to both the villages and to the police, we aren’t supposed to have door to door solicitors

Im sure both will rush down with sirens blowing to take care of this very dangerous sitution.

[Marathon Man]

Im sure both will rush down with sirens blowing to take care of this very dangerous sitution.

Well said. After all, they probably are not very busy.

[bopat]

I love just talking to them, figure the more time I spend with them the less time they have to scam others. It's usually pretty easy to steer them into conversations about their family and Florida and stuff like that.

[retiredguy123]

I love just talking to them, figure the more time I spend with them the less time they have to scam others. It's usually pretty easy to steer them into conversations about their family and Florida and stuff like that.
I agree. I am definitely not intimidated by pushy salespeople. They can push all they want.

[kcrazorbackfan]

With my Law Enforcement flag out front, I very rarely have solicitors come to the house; when they do brave the trek up to the door, I can quickly put on my best State Trooper look and they usually leave very quickly.

[BlueStarAirlines]

For my older parents, having a phone ring and not answering it was a sin beyond comprehension. Having it go to voicemail was beyond the pale and only happened during extreme emergencies.

It seems like the same issue with people that knock on the door. Why answer? Look at your video doorbell....peek out the window. Its okay not not answer a door....especially for an unexpected stranger.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For my older parents, having a phone ring and not answering it was a sin beyond comprehension. Having it go to voicemail was beyond the pale and only happened during extreme emergencies.

It seems like the same issue with people that knock on the door. Why answer? Look at your video doorbell....peek out the window. Its okay not not answer a door....especially for an unexpected stranger.

Once upon a time when we lived in Connecticut, someone came to our door super late at night (after midnight). My neighborhood was mostly white, mostly families. The guy at the door was black. But he was standing back from the door at the edge of the porch. We figured - no burglar in his right mind would be coming to THIS neighborhood at THIS hour of the night, and ring the doorbell. So it must be something else.

So we answered the door. Turned out the guy's car had conked out on the highway, which ran behind the senior housing behind my house. Ours was the first house at the end of the senior housing driveway. We let him use our phone to call AAA, gave him some water, and sent him back to be with his family in their broken-down car.

Turned out to be a totally unexciting moment in our lives. The only time we didn't answer the door was Halloween, because people from the projects in another town bussed their kids to our neighborhood and we didn't want to have to buy candy for our own neighborhood kids PLUS over 200 kids who didn't even live in the same town. Plus there were some spoiled brat teenagers who DID live in the area, who wouldn't dress up, and just walked around ringing doorbells and expecting us to dump candy in their empty pillowcases without so much as a Trick or Treat. That got old REALLY quickly. So on Halloween we turned the light off, shut the drapes, and were "closed for business."

[KCornman]

I just tell them that I charge $800/hour for my time and charge in 15 minute increments, then I ask them how much of my time they would like to purchase. If they say anything other than a farewell, I tell them that the first 15 are cash in advance, they normally get the message at that point.

Religious solicitors I have even more fun with, but at the risk of offending any of our good folks here, I won't elaborate.

[golfing eagles]

I just tell them that I charge $800/hour for my time and charge in 15 minute increments, then I ask them how much of my time they would like to purchase. If they say anything other than a farewell, I tell them that the first 15 are cash in advance, they normally get the message at that point.

Religious solicitors I have even more fun with, but at the risk of offending any of our good folks here, I won't elaborate.

No worries, I think I already did that :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[BrianL99]

No Soliciting in the Villages!

Just report them to both the villages and to the police, we aren’t supposed to have door to door solicitors

There is no prohibition against soliciting in most of The Villages. Arguably, they could prohibit door-to-door in Villa neighborhoods, as most of them don't have public streets.

In most of Florida, door-to-door soliciting in legal with the proper permits. Sumter County requires a permit.

[Kelevision]

Today, starting early, I have had two pushy sales reps come calling at my door. The first was 'Deluxe' wanting to wash my windows, and the second was "Freedom Forever" wanting to install solar panels on my roof. So much for the non-soliciting policy of the Villages. They were really pushy and did not take the first three 'No's if not more.

I feel like you’d benefit from a ring doorbell or similar. I’ve never encountered any sales people at my door because I don’t answer my door if I don’t know who it is on the video camera.

[retiredguy123]

There is no prohibition against soliciting in most of The Villages. Arguably, they could prohibit door-to-door in Villa neighborhoods, as most of them don't have public streets.

In most of Florida, door-to-door soliciting in legal with the proper permits. Sumter County requires a permit.
Florida Statute 501.022 requires a solicitation permit to sell certain products and services door-to-door. This is a state law, but it is administered by the counties. I don't know if Sumter County has their own law, or if they are just enforcing the state law.