It can be incredibly frustrating to have solicitors constantly knocking on your door, especially when you’re not interested in whatever they’re selling.
Here are 15 tips to how to stop solicitors from bothering you:
1. Put up a “No Solicitation” sign:
This is often the most effective way to deter solicitors, as it makes it clear that you’re not interested in their services.
2. Ask them to leave:
If a solicitor does manage to get past your “No Solicitation” sign, simply telling them that you’re not interested and asking them to leave should suffice.
3. Call the police:
If the solicitor is being particularly persistent or disruptive, you can always call the police to have them removed from your property.
4. Install a security system:
Installing a security system, such as an alarm or surveillance cameras, can help deter solicitors as they’ll know that their actions are being monitored.
5. Get to know your local solicitation laws:
Each city and state has different laws regarding door-to-door solicitation, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules in your area. This way, you’ll know when a solicitor is breaking the law and you can take appropriate action.
6. Keep your doors locked:
This may seem like an obvious one, but keeping your doors locked is one of the best ways to prevent unwanted visitors from entering your home.
7. Create an “exit only” policy:
If you have a door that opens to the outside, make it clear that it’s for exiting only and put up a sign to that effect. This will help deter solicitors from coming in as they’ll know they can’t leave through that door.
8. Use window coverings:
Another way to deter solicitors is to use window coverings, such as curtains or blinds, so they can’t see inside your home and gauge whether or not you’re interested in what they’re selling.
9. Give specific instructions to delivery people:
If you’re expecting a package or other delivery, be sure to give specific instructions to the delivery person on where to leave it. This will help prevent them from mistakenly leaving it with a neighbor or, worse, a solicitor.
10. Join a “no-knock” registry:
There are some cities that have created “no-knock” registries, which list the addresses of people who do not want to be bothered by door-to-door solicitors. If your city has such a registry, be sure to sign up for it.
11. Get an unlisted phone number:
Another way to deter solicitors is to get an unlisted phone number, as they won’t be able to call you to try and sell you something if they don’t have your number.
12. Don’t answer the door:
If you hear someone knocking, simply don’t answer the door. More often than not, if you don’t show any interest, the solicitor will give up and move on.
13. Pretend you’re not home:
If you do happen to answer the door and the solicitor won’t take no for an answer, one tactic you can use is to pretend you’re not actually home. This usually works best if there’s another person in the house who can act as your “roommate” or “spouse.”
14. Be assertive:
It’s important to be assertive with solicitors, as they’re often used to people being polite but ultimately giving in to their sales pitch. Simply state that you’re not interested and ask them to leave in a firm but polite manner.
15. Be creative:
If you’re feeling particularly creative, there are a number of ways you can deter solicitors without actually having to interact with them. For example, you could put up a “Beware of Dog” sign (even if you don’t actually have a dog), or you could put a sign on your door that says “We’re with the CDC – Do Not Disturb!”
Conclusion:
There are a number of ways you can deter solicitors, ranging from being assertive to using creative methods. The best way to deter them is to keep your doors locked and use window coverings so they can’t see inside your home. If you do happen to answer the door, simply state that you’re not interested and ask them to leave.
