Jules. Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I just had a bloke from Npower at the door trying to get me to change from British Gas. I put him off his stride straight away when he said to me "hello, are you alright?" to which I replied "no". He kept asking me why I was happy being with the most expensive gas supplier- to get rid of him I had to shut the door on him & say go away . I'm no good at confrontation. I wouldn't have got the door, but he could see me from the front window. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 You need some of those stickers that Clare sent me, that tell everyone that you don't buy or sell (had to tippex that out,as I sell eggs!) at your door. It keeps most of them at bay,& if one still knocks,you can just point to it,smile & wave bye-bye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Ooooo I hate it when they do that I always say that I will have a look on uswitch and decide then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted September 22, 2007 Author Share Posted September 22, 2007 I told him that if I wanted to change suppliers then I would look at USwitch- then he goes on about how that the site is not impartial Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Not what you need at the weekend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 We made a sign which we've stuck by the now non-existent doorbell which says basically clear off unless you've been invited . We used to get double glazing salesmen, fitted kitchen salesmen, conservatory salesmen, energy suppliers, charity direct debiters, odd job men, unemployed/unemployables with bags of tat to buy etc all knocking on the door as we were sitting down to our evening meal and it was so annoying as we could never get rid of them. The sign works to an extent but you always get some smart Alec who thinks it doesn't apply to them. I've grown a thick skin now and as soon as they start their speech, I say "No thank you" as I close the door . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I'm rude if they won't be told that we are quite happy with our present supplier, and give them 10 seconds to get off my property before I call the police/let the dogs out. I know they probably work on a commission basis but the aggressive won't take no for an answer attitude really gets on my wick. Also I really resent having my weekends/evenings intruded upon by these individuals. Most of us are intelligent enough to make choices about these matters and as these things are price fixed /cartel run anyway it only makes a difference in the short term. He says Uswitch is impartial.....is he likely to be.?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 i hate these guys that come door-to-door - i guess their just doing a job, but i would imagine they get paid paid a certain percentage according to how many people they sign up, and they rarely take 'no' for an answer. i always shut the door on them nowadays. Having said that, we did actually sign up for N-power a few years ago in the old house, persuaded by the promise of cheaper bills, and excellent customer service. the customer service was APPALLING, but the bills were certainly cheaper - we ended up getting 2 years worth of electricity for nothing because their customer service department couldn't organise a party in a pub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I'm very firm and make it quite clear I can't be persuaded. I had a cavity wall man last week and was able to use my favourite line - "I haven't really got any walls" It's true, but it makes them stop. We are semi detached, the garage is on the other side and the front and back have big windows with just a half wall underneath. At the back, I know it is already filled as I saw it when we had new windows put in, so that leaves one half wall. Great fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 (edited) Our police are cracking down on 'door knockers' as they are really hot on trading standards, so the ones who choose to ignore my stickers (Obviously can't read ), get their collar felt when I phone one of my mates at the station - by the time thy've reached the bottom of the road, a big hairy bobby is after them. Edited September 22, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I always remember my grandmother receiving a telephone call from window salesman. She told them she already had double glazing. "What about a conservatory" "ooh, that would be lovely - I have always loved the idea of sitting out there on a sunny afternoon" "should we come round then madam" "yes, of course.............theres only one problem" "problems are made to be over come madam" "I live on the fifth floor of an appartment block" "thank you madam and goodbye" go Granny!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I got collared by one of these chaps in Sainsbury's trying to sign me up advising him that we are shortly switching to Ecotricity for green leccy. Ok I know it's not as cheap as others but we're happier that its greener energy. He asked who they were initially (like he didn't know ) and then asked if we'd be happy to pay more (so, if he didn't know them how did he know they were more expensive ) He was told in short thrift - Yes! and I had to get on with my shopping. Joe had a nasty experience with Scottish Power in our old house. They chatted to him for a bit and he said he'd talk it over with me first when I got in but got him to sign to say that the chap had been. I get in and "Why have you signed us up to Scottish Power ???" Dirty Tricksters! Mel, I love the double glazing one - we'd have them chatting for ages on the phone get them all excited then we'd say they'd have to speak to the Landlord, Caerphilly County Borough Council - they soon bu**ered off! A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Considering we are ex-directory we are currently getting lots of phone calls from sales people stating we have been 'specially selected' for something or other. This drives me mad! Only family and close friends have my home number so im always aware that when the phone goes it will be someone i know and want to speak to. I ask the sales folks how they got my number and they say it was randomly chosen. I do feel for the folks with telesales jobs as they probably spend the whole of their shift having the phone put down on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladylucan Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 My DH designed a card to go on our door which read. 'No charity envelopes unless they have money in, and no MENUs, Different, no one read them though!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I've now got a 'Visitors by appointment only!' sign on my front door as we cannot stand the sales people disturbing our evenings. If someone knocks at our door we have to put the dog in the kitchen as she barks so much you cannot hear what the person is saying, then the dog barking wakes the kids and it all turns into such a performance only to find out that the person is knocking to ask if I would like to have my gas/electric with them!!! I have also had my energy supplier changed before without my consent. It turned out that the rep had decided to just forge my signature. The first I knew of it is when I recieved a letter from British Gas saying that they were sorry to hear that I was leaving them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I just used to let the dog out to 'ave 'em Served them right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I think i would be arrested if i let Ted & Pop loose! That said at least the sales person would run a mile eh?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I was just 'Oooops, how did she get out....?' All innocent like. Jezebel gave a good bark but wouldn't hurt a fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I have to admit that when i lived in my flat, i would often get 'door knockers' trying to sell things. One night, the buzzer went and i answered. It was British Gas (no supply to the flats ). He went on and on and on about my gas bill and i tried for a good 10 mins to tell him there was no gas at the property. In the end i said 'You know, you have lovely eyes'! He ran a mile! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Nice one Christian! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Good one! My mother tells people to call in business hours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I always remember my grandmother receiving a telephone call from window salesman. She told them she already had double glazing."What about a conservatory" "ooh, that would be lovely - I have always loved the idea of sitting out there on a sunny afternoon" "should we come round then madam" "yes, of course.............theres only one problem" "problems are made to be over come madam" "I live on the fifth floor of an appartment block" "thank you madam and goodbye" go Granny!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 We had no end of grief a few years back when we suddenly got served with a final demand gas bill because we were apparently closing our account with the existing suppliers It took a lot of phone calls before we worked out that we'd recieved a telephone call that was taken by our au-pair at the time, who's English was very poor, and she quite clearly gave some non-committal, maybe type response (not really understanding wha on earth the call was about). We were furious that a gas supplier could take over our account without the consent of the account holders and cancel our existing account Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Clare, you've got me in stitches with your 'big hairy bobby' remark - where I come from that has such a different meaning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I'm rude if they won't be told that we are quite happy with our present supplier, and give them 10 seconds to get off my property before I call the police/let the dogs out. I know they probably work on a commission basis but the aggressive won't take no for an answer attitude really gets on my wick. Also I really resent having my weekends/evenings intruded upon by these individuals. Most of us are intelligent enough to make choices about these matters and as these things are price fixed /cartel run anyway it only makes a difference in the short term. He says Uswitch is impartial.....is he likely to be.?! That's what I told him, and it made him stop and think for a short while. Telling him my current supplier was the cheapest, also threw him a bit. I got a guy on Friday doing exactly the same from NPower. I'm not exactly assertive (at the moment?) and eventually just agreed to look on various websites instead of believing USwitch. Not that I will... I complained to NPower as someone came to our door and made out they would impartially run a survey and didn't represent a company, and yet she had an NPower card. I got a letter back saying I could complain and they didn't condone it, but couldn't be bothered taking it further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
