Charities and Fundraising

So yesterday whilst I was on lunch break I was minding my own business talking a walk when who should I bump into in the middle of the city but another one of those damn charity fund raising types. Don't get me wrong I'm all for helping the less fortunate and I'm no Ebenezer Scrooge but I try to avoid them when I too also have my own financial situations to deal with. In this instance it was regarding Unicef.

Now this individual introduced herself and I ended up introducing myself or well she saw my work uniform and knew where I worked. She did the whole spiel about helping the less fortunate, clean drinking water etc etc and then at the same time she started taking down my details name, email, account details as well It was like she didn't give me a choice or chance to decide IF I wanted to start a monthly donation or not. There were other fund-raising people nearby so I couldn't exactly attempt to walk away otherwise I would bump into another one. Now I'm stuck having to make phone calls and emails to the charity not to mention my bank as I don't want any funds to be taken out.

what are your thoughts on charities, on these fund-raising processes? how do you handle these individuals? Would love to hear your thoughts….

Comments

      • I just stare at them as I walk past. They usually try and say something funny. In that case, I'll laugh, but I'll keep walking. If you want to be confrontational, ask them how much they get an hour :D

        • +2

          Lol they're usually backpackers I don't wanna get attacked. But yah the handshake, so hard to shake off! >.<

        • +3

          @Bunnyburger: put your hand down your pants before they go to shake it. may or may not work

        • AFAIK they don't paid by the hour

        • @cheng2008: brother did it, got paid by the hour. maybe depends on company? i dont know if theres any jobs in aus that are commission only

      • Excuses continue the conversation. Polite, but firm, "No thank you." Repeat as many times as necessary. Keep your hands in your pockets, if it helps, but I just keep walking.

      • Handshake is easy, they come at you with their hand out towards you, that's when you speak over what ever they are saying and say "no thank you" and they generally retract their hand.

        • +1

          Even if they don't retract, you're under no obligation to shake their hand. I have no problems leaving them hanging.

  • +2

    I think i've come up with the perfect solution for this problem. I simply say 'I'm already donating to insert charity here'. Not once have I even been chased or followed after that. Almost all say 'Good on you!' and leave me be, the rest just smile and quickly turn and look for the next piece of meat

  • +7

    i often donate my time time to schooling less fortunate kids on battlefield lol skooleddd

    • Are you talking about noobs on battlefield?

  • +2

    Alternatively, pretend that you're calling someone on the phone and walk past.

  • +10

    "No habla ingles"

    Just dont try this to one of those border force people.

  • +2

    Is it that hard to say "no thanks" and keep walking? On the rare occasions the chuggers walk with me I tell them I only donate directly to charities not through third parties like themself (and if they are particularly annoying I mention how I don't donate to organisations that pay someone to accost people in the street). 99.9% of the time a no thanks takes a second and they move on to someone else

  • +5

    OP got owend by pushy sales men tactics, they saw you from a mile away

    either avoid eye contact, or if they do talk to you, dont stop walking, smile and say no thanks, keep walking

    or what works for me is to put on your most serious "dont mess with me i just had a bad day" face and they dont even bother trying to talk to you

  • +2

    One my mum signed up for had a clause in the small print saying they could collect up to 97% commission. Whenever they talk to me i make eye contact and say not interested.. Sometimes i ask them to prove they don't get paid or get commission

  • As soon as you saw them, pick up your phone and start to pretend that you are on the phone. They will let you pass without harrasing you.

    • What do you do if the phone starts ringing?

      • +2

        laugh at them and grab your crotch and scream 'sykkkeeee'.

      • stop pretending & pick up the phone =)

  • +5

    Maybe the charity person is hot. That's why the op stop and start chatting.

    • -1

      A hot Sweedish one she was but looks don't entice me… unfortunately I was waiting outside a coffee shop for you guessed it…. coffee… and with nowhere else to go I was stuck. She locked onto her target aka me… and I had nowhere to run…

  • +10

    There should be a law against these charity muggers, they're a blight on society. The money rarely goes where it should, look at the red cross, the $500M raised only built 6 permanent homes in Haiti.

    • -4

      The Red Cross are a disgrace and any aid organisation that is associated with a religion should be banned from operating.

      • +13

        Hmm. This is a tricky point.

        I'm an atheist. Always have been, always will be. Strangely enough though, I kind of owe my life to a private hospital run by Wesley Mission (they operate mental health services in Sydney - part of which is an eating disorder unit.. the very thing that 'saved me' after over a decade of seeking help which didn't actually do much for me). Interestingly enough, the entire duration of my 7 week stay there, there was never a mention of Christianity by any of the staff/nurses/doctors. There may have been some religious symbols around the hospital (crosses and such) but I really don't recall them. Most patients weren't religious.

        They do a wonderful thing in Sydney to help people suffering from a dire illness where there is very little help in the public sector (unless you're on death's door - and even then, there are very few beds for those people). I wouldn't even hesitate to say that without Wesley, I'd probably be dead. Many other people I know would probably be too.

        So while I agree with you on principle.. in practice, I think things aren't entirely black and white. Some of those organisations still do some good that warrant their existence.

      • no need to ban, perhaps, just dont support them

    • I hadn't heard of this.
      Do you have a source for the red cross' spending vs collection anywhere?
      Thnaks

    • More than a decade ago and with all the unhappy version of 'regaled' detail removed, so take this as you will.

      My younger brother, at a time when he was still particularly idealistic (as opposed to just, still, very) worked for a certain 'recently-mentioned-somewhere-above-in-this-thread' ('not-the-lauded-by-turnip-one') charity.

      He was only there for a couple of years, but through sheer hard work and initiative found himself in a position of some influence, but far more an awareness of how things get done, or too often, don't get done. Dollars spent vs. useful, needed, outcomes.

      The amount of - plaintive - effort he put in to effect change, saw him ultimately leave in utter despair. Went trekking, as you do.

      Happy counter to the above is that after I glanced at this thread yesterday, it did cross my mind that one day (when OzBargain has as many Australian users as Facebook and has become a bargain and other-content sharing juggernaut that it is maybe destined to be) Scotty (I genuinely don't doubt) will happily and without prompting become a major and engaged philanthropist.

      (At least and as opposed to a Bond villain evilly stroking a non-bargain, pedigree cat, anyway…)

  • +3

    carry some charity forms yourself and then do what they do to you and ask if they would like to donate to your charity first!

    • -1

      my pockets are not large enough for that :)

  • -2

    Only about 1/3 of aussies give any money to charity which is very disheartening. Don't be like the majority and make an excuse not to help any charity. You shouldn't give out of compulsion though. Find some good charities that support a worthy need and help out where you can.

    • +5

      Why don't you worry about what YOU do with your money and leave the rest of us to worry about what we do with ours.

      • Just suggesting people be more generous to help out the less fortunate and help save lives.

  • +1

    Pull out your phone and start talking…this always works. They do not approach people talking on the phone.

  • +3

    Just repeat this out loud;
    https://youtu.be/XebF2cgmFmU

  • +1

    I really dislike the monthly plan thing donation, i have many monthly bills to pay and to keep track of, so i don't need another. What's wrong with the good old fashion money donations in the bucket, if i have loose change I'll toss some in the bucket or if I'm on top of my finances, i don't mind giving a note(no greens or yellows) from time to time, don't need to feel obligated to one charity,share it around. Every dollar you give to these types of charities, only about 20 to 35 percent actually goes to help, just wish they cut out the middle men/lady/transgender… you get the picture.

    I usually say to them "me no english"

    • Every dollar you give to these types of charities, only about 20 to 35 percent actually goes to help

      It depends on the charity. For instance, 91% of donations to GiveDirectly are delivered directly to extremely poor families in rural Kenya and Uganda. Admittedly, GiveDirectly is one of the world's most effective charities.

      Set up a monthly donation with them and I guarantee you you'll never feel guilty for turning down a bucket rattler again ;-)

  • +7

    I used to be one of those charity-collecting people. If you're not interested, just say 'sorry, no thanks' or change your path to avoid them. Yes, they can be persistent, but as long as you make it clear you're uninterested, they'll let you go because they'll be wasting their time on you, which could be spent on someone more sympathetic.

    Just reading this, the OP sounds like a socially awkward doormat who doesn't know how to extricate himself from delicate situations. O RLY? They just read your credit card information from your name tag? Bullshit. You willingly read it out to them, accept some responsibility and grow a spine.

    • +3

      Exactly. The OP had it coming.

  • +1

    I usually just give them a mean look or the good old 'get (profanity)' does the job too. All jokes aside just a simple no thanks usually does it.

  • +2

    Why do I get the feeling the OP is doing social research on us in this forum, and his predicament is a hypothetical ?

    He articulates very well his stories - and in them appears to have no spine and attracts crazy people into his life, read his other post here:
    What to Do When She Cant Accept That Its over?
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/199902

    I have often wondered how many OP's in forums are social or market researchers creating stories to gain data ?

    Mr OP if you are genuine, then read a book or take a pill which assists you to say this single word…… "NO" ! [if you are in a polite mood you can tack thank you on the end].

    • its hardly reliable data :p

    • I don't work in marketing… but indeed I don't have the courage to say "no" either… as these incidents have proven…

  • +1

    Here is the solution. Visit India for a month. Everyone (well, not everyone but a lot) of sales people, beggars, people wanting to 'make friends', give you an ear clean etc etc. But the vast majority of them know its 'a game' and you deal with them as a game, become a bit hard hearted (because there are plenty who need money, but you cant pick and choose or it becomes messy) and have a good time. Haggle just like in the Life of Brian ('what do you mean you wont aggle?'). I don't mean bargain down to the last 10c, pay them a $1 above market price or whatever, don't be a pr##k.

    Then, when you get back to Australia, the chuggers and beggars and the guys wanting $2 for a bus fair are just amateurs. You laugh at them (internally) and walk on unbothered, unconcerned and without any feeling of guilt.

  • +5

    I carry a Super Soaker and give it a few pumps whenever I spot a charity mugger.

    They usually get the message, usually…

    • …but, Scrooge, in your neck of the woods / reeds of the pond, wouldn't that be just water off a… back?
      #muscovymuggers?

      Very confused / easily confused :(

    • +1

      A super soaker is a euphemism for something else right?

      Or do you mean - this

  • +1

    Too many charities on the street these days. I get stopped many times every day so I usually try to walk pass without making eye contact. When I get stopped I just smile and tell them I have to go.

  • +4

    Once in Balmain (Sydney) there were these 3 girls from Greenpeace who, I kid you not, stretched out their arms in unison to block me from continuing on. Do they genuinely believe people will give them money after that? So stupid. Had to listen to their spiel on how great Greenpeace is before they finally let me move on.

    Then there's the random, unwarranted hugs. Personal space, please.

    • +3

      there were these 3 girls from Greenpeace who, I kid you not, stretched out their arms in unison to block me from continuing on.

      That's messed up. I would've been so tempted to stare at the ground while charging towards them. Screw their human barrier. That's just plain invasive and inconsiderate.

    • Then there's the random, unwarranted hugs. Personal space, please.

      ^THIS. So much.

  • usually walk past without acknowledging them, most charities are scams anyway, especially ones going 3rd world

  • This is how I would like to deal with most of them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgd2FBEh49c

  • +1

    I don't work in the CBD, so no one to hassle me…except maybe that same dude who tries to clean my car windscreen every damn morning at the same traffic lights.

    • its not just in the CBD… last month I had a 20 minutes spiel from a guy from Cancer Council in my local Westfields… all that talking by him… and the promise if "you could also win a new car" and he wasted his breath… in the end I say… ahh ill walk to the bank and be right back… but I never do come back…

  • +1

    Over the years I tried many things (just out of curiosity, they in turn also tried various tactics) and no polite approach works. Predatory sales tactics are to latch on to easy prey and not let go unless they provide sufficient resistance. In the end, as these collectors became more and more frequent, I decided that I am just wasting both our time as they will never get a cent out of me to contribute to the continuation of such tactics.

    My problem is that I always look around when I walk, so seeing me make eye contact, they then think 'here is a 'customer', instantly develop a big grin and start approaching me all too enthusiastically with their arm outstretched. And to their "Hiiiii" I give a big grin in return, say hi back and lift my hand, greeting like, as I keep walking past while still grinning and watching as their grin gradually reduces to a sour smile as my distance increases and the realisation sets in. It helps to have long legs and default walking speed setting of very fast, though mainly giving 0 fks…

    Sometimes I would even shake their hand and move past, though I prefer not to exchange germs with people shaking hands whole day long with those fresh off the public transport.

    • +1

      I just leave them hanging, I don't know them, don't want to touch them.

  • +7

    I don't give to charities that have a paid organisational body which chews up a large proportion of monies.

    Tim Costello CEO of World Vision Australia has a “total remuneration” package of $328,000 per year. Source - World Vision Website.

    In World Visions 2014 Annual Report it states, Pg 40, it had income of $87,762,000. Expenses for the year included "Employee benefits expense" of $51,663,000. Seems a lot.

    In 2013 Red Cross Australia had income of $1,023.7 million. 10% of this was donations from the community. the rest was government grants. Employee expenses was just over $500,000,000. Source -Red Cross 2013 Financial Statement.

    The Red Cross no longer gives a break down of salaries. It's last publication of salaries in the 2011 Financial Statement -Pg 43 states that 1 of the board members earns between $570,000 to $579,999. The next $110,000 to $119,999 and then 2 at $60,000 to $69,999, 5 at $50,000 to $59,999 and 17 receive no renumeration.

    In their Other Key Personnel ledger they provide the figure of $420,000 to $429,999 for the highest earning employee, followed by 2 at $410,000 to $419,999, 2 at $310,000 to $319,999, etc.

    Obviously charities are businesses and need to attract competent people to run them and make money but…

    • +2

      +1 for doing research before choosing a charity. If I might add a couple further points:

      1. It's more important that a charity is effective than whether or not their employees are highly paid or whether their overhead is high; the latter are relevant only insofar as they affect the former. A simple thought experiment should be enough to confirm this.

      2. Neither World Vision nor the Red Cross make it onto this top 10 list of most effective charities. There are effective charities out there, but (as any Ozbargainer would agree) it sure pays to do your research! :-)

  • +2

    While walking through a mall in Canberra, I had one put his hand on my chest to stop me walking past him. "Can you excuse me a moment please I have something to deal with" to my caller, "remove your hand or you will lose it" to the chugger. I was astounded! I really hate that type of charity mugging. Another once called me a tight arse through my door after I closed it on him after politely saying "no thank you" That one I chased up the street, got his name and ID, rang the company he was collecting for. They told me they would 'let him go' nfi if they did or not. I donate on my own terms. I work for a charity now and we don't use those tactics, there is no need.

  • +2

    Tips to people who don't like to be approached by chuggers, in order of easiness.

    1. politely say "no thanks" while quickly walk away. Speed is the key here.
    2. If you are not a person who can say no, especially to a seemingly noble cause - take out your phone and pretend you are on it. You need to know what's ahead of you though.
    3. put on your headphones ALL the time. It doesn't matter whether you are actually listening to anything. No one would annoy you - if they did you could just walk pass them.
    4. If all above fail and you find yourselves walk right into a cluster of chuggers, speed up and try to walk right behind someone in front of you (have to be quite close) - they either stop the person in front so you can be spared or they don'bother any of you.

    Lastly please do whatever you can to help others, be it donating to charity (efficient ones I'd hope) or just being a nice person to others.

  • +1

    As long as I don't have my work tag on, I give them the straight up answer that I find street fundraising extremely aggressive and I don't like the sales/guilt tripping tactics that they use, so I will not be encouraging this form of fundraising. It catches them off guard.

    I also find it amusing how they carefully choose ambush points in the bottlenecks of a busy thoroughfare.

  • +1

    Just say you're already signed up with them. It's not like they're going to check.

  • +2

    Haha!! OP has been roasted a number of times on this thread. My personal favourite to avoid the chuggers is 'Me No Understand English'. Works everytime

    • -3

      Hi, I saw you posting about working at 7-11. Hoping you could email me ASAP? [email protected] Thanks

      • wot is this

        • Systematic underpaying of workers by some of 7-Eleven franchisees. It was in the news last week.
          Also on 4 Corners, tonight.

          Qartas clearly looking for a radio interview, tomorrow.

          Kkmenon1156 seems to be in the know, but doesn't have their messaging turned on.

          G+ linked, but hasn't posted anything for two months. Actually surprising to see an account with any activity that recent on it!

          I didn't neg you, qartas.
          I suggest that you post a reply to him in that 7-Eleven thread. He may not be interested in actively following this thread, but may be more likely to respond to that one after receiving the email update.

          Best of luck.

        • @Tas: Hm, is that news? I was on $5 an hour for my first job, employed by a large australian fast food company. Every Chinese restaurant around australia is underpaying staff. Every small convenience store underpays staff and pays in cash. Many people in many jobs work overtime for free. media outlets already steal content from reddit and youtube, without giving credit to OP. will news outlets start stealing content from ozbargain now?

  • Politely "no thanks" is a good approach to get rid of those fund raisers.

    If they keep following me i would say "I need charity supports".

    If still following and bla bla bla, "stay away or I will call cops onya."

  • -2

    Last time this happened to me, I signed up because it was the easiest way to get out of the situation

    Then rang up and cancelled it that afternoon

  • +3

    I never donate to those Shopping Centre based charities because those people are being paid, they are not volunteers doing it out of their hearts

    A donation goes straight into their pocket to pay their commission or wage

    • they are never volunteers unless they are selling products for the charity like bandanas or pens.

      it's all commission, i was paid $120 for one sign up so yes, their paycheck will depend on you which is why they're so persistent.

  • +2

    I can’t believe how many people have trouble with this!

    Also i can now blame you all as the reason these people are everywhere!

    I just say NO and don’t give them another answer
    EG: would you like to help starving children? NO. But without your help children may die! NO. They quickly see you’re never going to do what they want & stop wasting their time & mine

    I don’t care how it makes me look, i don’t have to justify myself to strangers on the street, don’t waste your time on them.

    (Agree with others i don’t like regular debits, will donate what i want, to who i want, when i want!)

  • +1

    they have a habit of standing out front of my inner city uni and trying to get us to donate. i get stopped quite alot , i think it's cos i am a mature aged student so they think i am staff or something. seriously, the struggling student stereotype is pretty much spot on. i have actully called uni security on them multiple times when they encroached onto uni property. the uni runs them off pretty quickly than.

    than if it's not the chuggers, it's the socialist alliance, the paintballers or recently the JW's ahve been setting up as well

  • +1

    I just say no thank you and keep walking. That usually works, just once that it didn't - the guy responded with "I'm not leaving until I get you to sign up" when I said a polite no thank you.

    He followed me the entire length of the main street (over 1km). When we got to the end of the street I turned to him and said "It's a long walk back to my place…" and he looked at me and said "I'm not going to beat you am I?". Just shook my head and smiled and walked home alone. You just need to have more resolve than they do.

  • +4

    I usually just spit in their face and slam the clipboard out of their hands.

  • +3

    This fundraising tactic is designed to prey on feelings of guilt and sympathy and comes down to the "target/victim's" level of confidence and assertiveness.

    That's great for those of you that are assertive!

    For those that aren't so great at being assertive:
    1. Keep walking - Ignore the person completely and walk past them. They will tend to block your path, say hello and extend a hand for a handshake; don't stop walking, simply say "Hello", "excuse me", or "No, thank you" and just keep going. I feel rude by not acknowledging them, so these days I say "Hello, how are you? Have a nice day!" as I walk on by.
    2. Body Language - Walk with a purpose like you're running late to something and can't be stopped. Upright, chest out, brisk pace. You need to BE somewhere, now get there.
    3. Talk on your phone - If you are on a call on your phone, most people will avoid interrupting you. Fake it if you have to, just don't start too close to them or the jig is up! If someone stops you, either ignore them or FIRST talk to your phone and say "sorry, one sec" THEN turn to the person and tell them you are busy, then get back to your call.

    If you actually get stuck in the conversation they will deliberately avoid giving you opportunities to back out and ask you questions to guilt you. If you are uncomfortable at any time, especially when they ask for bank card details, say "Sorry, I'm uncomfortable with this, excuse me" and walk away. If they try to follow up simply repeat and leave.

    For those that want to have some fun try:
    "Sorry I don't speak english", if confronted about it follow with "I have only learnt this sentence and the one before it"

    or High/Low five the hand that is extended for the handshake, and with a big smile tell the person to have a great day and keep walking!

  • I have tried telling them I'm in a hurry but happy to walk and talk. They won't leave their spot :)

  • try and practice to walk through these people a few times without stopping (e.g. walk up and down Martin Pl or Pitts St). That would hopfully help you to build up immunity to them, and they would be familiarise with you not stopping for them.

  • Just say "OMG L-O-L" and keep walking

  • I usually don't have problems with these sales guys, they usually say have a nice day or something when I ignore them or say goodbye.
    But I'm subscribed to 3 of these charities. They don't stop trying to talk to you in the street no matter how many your subscribed to, there's an endless amount of charities out there. Once you subscribe, they'll continue to send you glossy stuff in the mail once in a while asking for more money or to increase your subscription.
    You really have to look at the annual report of the charity when you donate, some of them spend most of their money on sales, admin, etc.
    They usually give you some time to change your mind after you first sign up, you can call them up to cancel it if you only signed up to chat to the pretty sales person.

  • With a firm voice, say NO! Then give them a tap on the nose with a rolled up newspaper. BAD!

    In my dreams. I usually just look sheepish and shake my head while I stair at my feet and keep walking. I sure as hell don't let em start talking, my time is more valuable to me than my money cause I'm always late.

  • Allowing these people to make ridiculous demands of $600/yr from people who are poor (e.g. 7-11 managers, students, pensioners) every time they walk in and out of a supermarket is just plain wrong.

    Don't give money to any charity to operates in shopping centres - they don't deserve your support

    • -1

      but it's tax deductible! (for those who don't earn enough to pay tax)

  • -2

    Would you like to private message me your credit card details as well? Thanks xoxo having some troubles with the bills this week - pls help

  • +4

    I run a charity which gives 100% of donations to those it supports.

    Founded in 1991, "Beer For Altomic" provides essential beer, and beer related beverages, for Altomic.

    For just the price of a cup of coffee you can help.

    Donations over $2 are tacks deductible.

    Help Altomic meet his full potential by giving generously.

    Payments can be made by Western Union.

  • +1

    I worked for marketing company for a week which used similar tactics to those similar to those charity workers. Absolutely hated it. Don't be fooled by these types of charity workers. The company trains you to be upfront and talkative and overly nice. They teach you how to "control" the sales pitch or be the "dominant" one hence why the worker had no problems receiving your details.

    The workers receive a portion of your donation as apart of their COMMISSION-ONLY based salary and I highly doubt whether a significant portion even goes to the charity. The fact is that the workers don't give a damn about the charity - they're only in it for your money and hence their commission. Whats worse is that they can usually fool elderly people or female housewives to donate.

    Same with the other tips, just keep walking/use your phone/avoid eye contact. They can't chase you down or else they'll be wasting their time. As much as a nice person you appear to be, don't give these pests a chance. They can tell if you're the tough or timid type. If you look ethnic at all, try using the "no english" because sales people know it'll be a waste of time. I had a similar incident where one of those charity workers greeted me at the entrance with an overly friendly "Hi" "How are you doing mate?!" "Hey once you're done shopping, come visit to my stall I got something funny to tell you!". Needless to say I just smiled and left before the worker had the chance to speak.

    I try to keep away from those large charities such as World Vision. Its all a sham IMO. I would recommend getting involved with local charities which are usually run by a group of individuals belonging to church. They don't demand your donations but they are highly appreciative if you do choose to actually donate your money, goods (food, water, blankets etc) or your volunteering time.

    • +3

      as opposed to male housewives?

  • I've always wanted to ask if the charity worker is in fact signed up themselves to the charity that they're collecting for…

  • I was a regular donor with UNICEF, but stopped when they continued to charge me boyond the one yr that I had agreed as regular monthly payments. Don't get me wrong, but I prefer to be in control of what I donate to different causes, but try and rotate it around.
    I donate between AUD 300 to AUD 1000, depending on the cause.
    But to the overly friendly people, I just say " No, thank you, not today. " and they leave you alone. No need to feel bad or be rude.
    And for the people who think that the salary of NFP people is very inflated, sorry you have been misinformed.
    They take atleast a 30% cut, otherwise they would be earning much more in the corporate world.

  • OP, take this as a learning experience and learn to say no next time. When I was younger I actually chatted to them and they use all the sales tricks such as complimenting you, and then guilt tripping you. Being aware of this makes it easier.

    Note: I didn't end up giving them my bank account details. Now I just avoid eye contact or walk around them.

  • I regularly encounter these charity workers at Martin Place. I just tell them that "I'm not stopping for you." and keep on walking. When they extend their hand out for the handshake I shake my head and keep on walking. This has worked for me. I might try the "No english" one next time.

  • The reason these people are so pushy is they get a commission for all sign ups and the more sign ups they get they get bonuses and what not. The thing about big charities is 50% of the money goes into ADMIN costs. The best thing you can say to them is "walk with me and talk about it" they will never walk with you as they are in a "designated" area.

    Don't get me wrong I usually give direct to smaller charities who fund specific projects on a monthly basis, I do not trust large charities with push and abusive sales people. They seem to be everywhere at the moment at my local train station, outside my office, at the shops hehe.

  • +2

    I'm a New Yorker. I just barrel through.

  • +2

    Now onto this morning. Walked outside the office to get lunch and immediately within 5 minutes got another woman with a badge shouting at me "you're just the man I wanted to speak with" and my reply "No I'm not because I'm in a hurry to get back to work would you like to run with me?" She had no comeback and she did not end up running after me as expected. Its not as hard as it seems…

    • But you don't need to run or give any excuses - just say you're not interested & walk away…

  • I have worked as these people before and they solely get paid on commission so they will absolutely do EVERYTHING to sign you up so they get paid for the day.

    It's quite tragic because some don't care about the organisation, they only care about being paid and money makes people act desperate.

  • +5

    similar thing happened to me, ended up giving this girl my bank details. After a few monthly deductions i called the bank to terminate it but the bank refused on the grounds that she was my wife and a joint holder of the account.

    • -2

      You married someone you just met? I thought it only happened in the movies?!

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