CANVASSERS' METHODS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 202, 27 August 1931, Page 6

CANVASSERS' METHODS.

A CUSTOMER'S SUGGESTIONS I i ' Lam sure that few people are more sympa thetic for people m trouble than mvsiT even I quail before the noisy and detemi£ methods of i several people who have calß my home lately, selling or asking for L„ - In your paper of a few weeks ago "Canvaier'' remarked that many people, who now tZt these callers with indifference' or rudeS might some day be "down on their upS and glad to receive the courtesy thev tU, selves deny. I agree with that, and if iZ' not .buy I usually offer a cup of tea or Sen a few pence to give a little help. But 3 patience has been sadly frayed latelv for fh« last few canvassers have tried rin°-in-r rt! front-door bell with loud and violent twkf! of the bell until it is a wonder-it does n«S come: off This prolonged ringing is usually employed by telegraph messengers with bad news; and, as my mother is ill i n bed at present, it is easily imagined how upsetti™ it is for her nerves. Then, when the door is opened, some ingratiating person will'insinuate that, their sealing-wax, art union tickets or needles and thread are to be "ratefullv requested ,by the householder.. This - verv thing happened this morning. The "bell ran* so violently that we were all electrified woii dering what had happened. I rushed to the door, and discovered a suave youn"- man sell ing.art union tickets. For the first time, to date I let my feelings run away with me- I asked him how dared he ring so madly'at the door bell when he was selling things and also that my mother was ill. With a superior smile he gently, in a would-be cultured accent said aloofly, "Ai am not a canvasser." Question: What was he? My solution is this: If canvassers want reasonable treatment always go to-the back door, speak quietly, and do not insist. FAIR PLAY.