Topic ID 4359
Charity muggers in town again this lunchtime in 3 groups and by the time I got to the third group I wasn't happy. They have such lame chat up lines. If I want to save the gerbils or whatever! I would do it when I want to not in my half hour lunch.
Reply ID 63086
For reference... [url="http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=2848"]"Charity" workers in town[/url]
Reply ID 63087
quote:WH Smiths is allowing them into stores soon. Guess who'll be losing a lot of money from me - and most likely lots of others - in the future.
Originally posted by M.O.G.
Charity muggers in town again this lunchtime in 3 groups and by the time I got to the third group I wasn't happy. They have such lame chat up lines. If I want to save the gerbils or whatever! I would do it when I want to not in my half hour lunch.
Reply ID 63088
I've encountered energy salespeople in Smith's before. I just blank them. I assume that Smith's get paid for allowing them the floorspace.
Reply ID 63089
I don't got to Smiths anymore as the staff are useless and they never have what you want in stock. They look at you blanky, search a million filing cabinet drawers and then say - 'sorry, we haven't that one'!
Reply ID 63090
Some of the ploys I have used in the past Chugger: "Hello, I'm from Save the Children" Me: "Excellent, can you save me a blonde 18 year old?" Chugger: "I'm from Help the Aged" Me: "Great I could do with some help, how much can you let me have" One of their favourite ploys these days is to approach you with an outstretched hand. I ignore them. Usually get the comment "Good morning my friend, aren't you going to shake hands?" My reply: "Lets get a couple of things straight; firstly you are not my friend, and secondly I have no intention of shaking hands with someone I don't know"
Reply ID 63091
Chugging works. I'm glad to have been approached in the past and signed up to two good causes that I probably would never have gotten round to. Hertford is quite a rich town - by the sound of it I'm surrounded by a right bunch of mogs. Buzz's come-backs make me cringe a bit (sorry Buzz).
Reply ID 63092
Simplest method for me ,at least, is not to make eye contact with them. Its very difficult to have any sort of conversation without that contact
Reply ID 63093
quote:If you want to give to the charity they're representing, go directly to them, rather than signing up via the chugger. The fundraisers charge a commission that comes out of your contribution. Much better that it all goes to the charity.
Originally posted by spooky
Chugging works. I'm glad to have been approached in the past and signed up to two good causes that I probably would never have gotten round to. Hertford is quite a rich town - by the sound of it I'm surrounded by a right bunch of mogs. Buzz's come-backs make me cringe a bit (sorry Buzz).
Reply ID 63096
quote:Really? How do you know that?
Originally posted by Stevequote:If you want to give to the charity they're representing, go directly to them, rather than signing up via the chugger. The fundraisers charge a commission that comes out of your contribution. Much better that it all goes to the charity.
Originally posted by spooky
Chugging works. I'm glad to have been approached in the past and signed up to two good causes that I probably would never have gotten round to. Hertford is quite a rich town - by the sound of it I'm surrounded by a right bunch of mogs. Buzz's come-backs make me cringe a bit (sorry Buzz).
Reply ID 63098
quote:I don't mean the individuals, I mean the fundraising companies. http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/the-fundraisers-who-come-armed-with-clipboards-399840.html "The majority of street fundraisers work for third-party agencies that have contracts with charities. So if you are considering signing on the dotted line, is the money going directly to the cause? According to Charity Facts, which provides information about the sector, an agency will typically take a fee of £50 to £60 for each person signed up."
Originally posted by James007quote:Really? How do you know that?
Originally posted by Stevequote:If you want to give to the charity they're representing, go directly to them, rather than signing up via the chugger. The fundraisers charge a commission that comes out of your contribution. Much better that it all goes to the charity.
Originally posted by spooky
Chugging works. I'm glad to have been approached in the past and signed up to two good causes that I probably would never have gotten round to. Hertford is quite a rich town - by the sound of it I'm surrounded by a right bunch of mogs. Buzz's come-backs make me cringe a bit (sorry Buzz).
Reply ID 63118
quote:Tell them you've just arrived back from Mexico!!
Originally posted by Andrew
Simplest method for me ,at least, is not to make eye contact with them. Its very difficult to have any sort of conversation without that contact
Reply ID 63120
quote:And then sneeze [}:)]
Originally posted by wingnutquote:Tell them you've just arrived back from Mexico!!
Originally posted by Andrew
Simplest method for me ,at least, is not to make eye contact with them. Its very difficult to have any sort of conversation without that contact
Reply ID 63123
Clearly the charities would get more money if people donated to them directly, but unfortunately that doesn't always happen, which is presumably why they resort to using 'chuggers'. The ones I've seen in town have been from worthwile charities. If you don't want to sign up to regular payments (neither do I) then why not try smiling politely and saying "No thank you"? Always works for me. If the charities have calculated that this is the most effective way to collect money then good luck to them.
Reply ID 63125
quote:Is it, now? Hertford gives the impression that its people are rich as the building stock is so expensive compared to other Hertfordshire towns. I reckon that alot of people's money is tied up in building stock thus giving the impression that rich people live here; doesn't mean they have piles of cash hanging around.
Originally posted by spooky
Hertford is quite a rich town
Reply ID 63130
quote:Ok, but by the 4th/5th time you get asked, being polite escapes me.[:(!]
then why not try smiling politely and saying "No thank you"? Always works for me.
Reply ID 63137
They are annoying, but at least they are not always in the same place every day, unlike the Big Issue seller outside T-Mobile... if he asks me one more time... "Beeg Eeshoo Sir?" I'll give him a really big issue...
Reply ID 63138
[quote]Originally posted by aubend
They are annoying, but at least they are not always in the same place every day, unlike the Big Issue seller outside T-Mobile... if he asks me one more time... "Beeg Eeshoo Sir?" I'll give him a really big issue...
[/quote
I agree Aubend
also annoying is the bible bashers who preach near the fountain, often just sit don on the bench to eat my sandwich in peace and they start preaching.
Reply ID 63140
quote:Nice attitude. Is he causing you offence in any way? Is your comfy middle class existence being put out of kilter by his soft tones asking you if you will hand over a couple of pounds for a magazine? I hope you don't fall on hard times as a result of these credit crunch times and come up against people with your sort of attitude.
Originally posted by aubend
They are annoying, but at least they are not always in the same place every day, unlike the Big Issue seller outside T-Mobile... if he asks me one more time... "Beeg Eeshoo Sir?" I'll give him a really big issue...
Reply ID 63144
I'm getting a picture in my head of half the guys in here... [url]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412GZ4JJNQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg [/url] what's up with everyone?? live and let live!!
Reply ID 63151
quote:You don't know how close that picture is![:(!]
Originally posted by spooky
I'm getting a picture in my head of half the guys in here... [url]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412GZ4JJNQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg [/url] what's up with everyone?? live and let live!!
Reply ID 63156
quote:I've never been asked more than a couple of times, perhaps I look too scruffy. But even so, what's more important? Facing the prospect of having to deal with strangers in the town centre about once a week who are a little bit annoying, or letting the charities get on and collect money in a way that works for them? In case you've forgotten, these charities actually do very valuable work, most often saving people rather than 'gerbils'. As for the Big Issue sellers, I've always found them to be incredibly friendly, and very much a part of the fabric of the town centre. Does anyone else remember Neil about ten years ago? Or the man with a tiny dog that he called 'James Bond'? I wonder what happened to them.
Originally posted by M.O.G.quote:Ok, but by the 4th/5th time you get asked, being polite escapes me.[:(!]
then why not try smiling politely and saying "No thank you"? Always works for me.
Reply ID 63160
quote:Scruffy[:)]? Was the dog called James Bond because the Big Issue seller called out 'Money..penny...'
Originally posted by dennismoorequote:I've never been asked more than a couple of times, perhaps I look too scruffy. But even so, what's more important? Facing the prospect of having to deal with strangers in the town centre about once a week who are a little bit annoying, or letting the charities get on and collect money in a way that works for them? In case you've forgotten, these charities actually do very valuable work, most often saving people rather than 'gerbils'. As for the Big Issue sellers, I've always found them to be incredibly friendly, and very much a part of the fabric of the town centre. Does anyone else remember Neil about ten years ago? Or the man with a tiny dog that he called 'James Bond'? I wonder what happened to them.
Originally posted by M.O.G.quote:Ok, but by the 4th/5th time you get asked, being polite escapes me.[:(!]
then why not try smiling politely and saying "No thank you"? Always works for me.
Reply ID 63171
If I get stopped by people to trying to get me to switch energy suppliers - I tell them I live abroad and am just visiting the UK - they don't bother then !
Reply ID 63172
quote:I can completely avoid the chuggers on my new route to work - it's great! I have always said if/when I want to donate to charity, I will give direct. During Pura Vida's launch we raised £250 for Jo's Trust & every penny came from people wanting to give. Thinking of doing a charity male wax-a-thon next :) I liked the big issue seller who was selling around 6 years ago, he had a beard - was it John? He was always friendly. -P-
Originally posted by Steve
[quote] If you want to give to the charity they're representing, go directly to them, rather than signing up via the chugger.
Reply ID 63176
quote:Yes, scruffy. We can't all be wealthy local businessmen! [;)] And I think I remember the Big Issue seller you mean Mouffloncake. He was a BIG Big Issue seller if memory serves.
Scruffy[:)]?
Reply ID 63249
Chugger alert again in town today.
Reply ID 64759
Hi all [:)] Any idea which charity was being represented in town today by the chaps in the green t-shirts? I just got got on the way home & didn't like the way I was spoken to by the boy outside W H Smith [V] -P-
Reply ID 64761
If it's the same team who were out yesterday I think it was Action Aid
Reply ID 64769
quote:I would complain, they always come out with some lame chat up line. They asked me if I was having a nice day, I said, 'I was up until now' that shut them up. I don't want to be rude but they really get on my t**s. The council should do something about them and get them banned from bothering people, or make them set up a tent or stall and have to stay within 10 feet of it. Then people can approach them if they are interested and avoid if not.
Originally posted by Mouffloncake
Hi all [:)] Any idea which charity was being represented in town today by the chaps in the green t-shirts? I just got got on the way home & didn't like the way I was spoken to by the boy outside W H Smith [V] -P-
Reply ID 64780
quote:Agreed I have no problem at all with what I think of as PROPER charity collectors. They are those people who actually support the charity they are collecting for, without being paid to do so. They are VOLUNTEERS. They will be there in wind or rain or shine, they will tell you why the collection is important to THEM. They will be grateful for any contribution, they won't expect you to sign a Direct Debit Mandate on the street and they will get my money if I believe that their cause is worthy of support.
Originally posted by M.O.G.quote:I would complain, they always come out with some lame chat up line. They asked me if I was having a nice day, I said, 'I was up until now' that shut them up. I don't want to be rude but they really get on my t**s. The council should do something about them and get them banned from bothering people, or make them set up a tent or stall and have to stay within 10 feet of it. Then people can approach them if they are interested and avoid if not.
Originally posted by Mouffloncake
Hi all [:)] Any idea which charity was being represented in town today by the chaps in the green t-shirts? I just got got on the way home & didn't like the way I was spoken to by the boy outside W H Smith [V] -P-
Reply ID 64785
quote:We could get them all to stand outside the old McDonalds building, that will help a good cause by brightening that corner up with the noticable colours most of them wear. At least then we can say we have a use for the building.
Originally posted by M.O.G.quote:I would complain, they always come out with some lame chat up line. They asked me if I was having a nice day, I said, 'I was up until now' that shut them up. I don't want to be rude but they really get on my t**s. The council should do something about them and get them banned from bothering people, or make them set up a tent or stall and have to stay within 10 feet of it. Then people can approach them if they are interested and avoid if not.
Originally posted by Mouffloncake
Hi all [:)] Any idea which charity was being represented in town today by the chaps in the green t-shirts? I just got got on the way home & didn't like the way I was spoken to by the boy outside W H Smith [V] -P-
Reply ID 64873
I sent an email to the council & here was their reply..... "Thank you for your email forwarded to me by our Customer Services Manager, and I am sorry to hear you have been troubled by charity fund raisers in Hertford. We require charity fund raisers to comply with the Professional Fund Raising Association (PFRA) Guidance, as a condition of being allowed to collect in the town centre. The guidance states that if a member of the public indicates they do not want to be engaged in conversation, (e.g. by saying ‘no thank you’), then the fund raiser must disengage from the conversation, and should not ask any further questions, or comment on the member of the public’s unwillingness to be engaged in conversation. If you experience this guidance not being complied with, please let me know where, and on what date, and I will raise the matter with the manager of that fund raising association. This could lead to that organisation not being allowed back into East Herts town centres, until they can demonstrate that procedures and training for collectors have been improved." Maybe if everybody who feels they have been bothered by the charity fund raisers puts a complaint in to the council, something might be done rather than whinge about it? (As I do) Just a thought. (Now feeling bad about complaining against charity workers [:(] I hope karma doesn't get me)
Reply ID 64878
quote:Don't feel bad. They don't work for the charity, they work for fundraisers, who are commercial companies like any other. Anyone who signs up via a chugger is paying money to these people, not just the charity. If you want to give money to a charity then do it directly, not via fundraisers who take a cut of your donation. Useful links: [url="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3509162/Charity-chuggers-may-be-breaking-law-and-should-be-boycotted.html"]Charity chuggers may be breaking law and should be boycotted[/url] (Daily Telegraph) High street fundraisers, known as chuggers, may be breaking the law and should be boycotted, a charity watchdog has said [url="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3509162/Charity-chuggers-may-be-breaking-law-and-should-be-boycotted.html"]Charity shunned as Britons try to dodge charity donations[/url] (Independent) Why did the man cross the road? Apparently, it was to give the charity collector a wide berth, according to a survey which reveals the lengths to which Britons will go to avoid giving money to fundraisers.
Originally posted by Mouffloncake
(Now feeling bad about complaining against charity workers [:(] I hope karma doesn't get me)
Reply ID 64879
quote:Charities like Shelter, The Red Cross, Great Ormond Street Hospital etc. clearly raise a lot of money this way otherwise they wouldn't do it. Would you really be happy if they got banned from the town centre, as the paragraph you highlighted suggests they could? Personally I've never found them to be anything more than mildly annoying. If you're not interested in engaging with them, then just smile politely, say no and keep on walking. It always works for me.
Originally posted by Mouffloncake
I sent an email to the council & here was their reply..... "Thank you for your email forwarded to me by our Customer Services Manager, and I am sorry to hear you have been troubled by charity fund raisers in Hertford. We require charity fund raisers to comply with the Professional Fund Raising Association (PFRA) Guidance, as a condition of being allowed to collect in the town centre. The guidance states that if a member of the public indicates they do not want to be engaged in conversation, (e.g. by saying ‘no thank you’), then the fund raiser must disengage from the conversation, and should not ask any further questions, or comment on the member of the public’s unwillingness to be engaged in conversation. If you experience this guidance not being complied with, please let me know where, and on what date, and I will raise the matter with the manager of that fund raising association. This could lead to that organisation not being allowed back into East Herts town centres, until they can demonstrate that procedures and training for collectors have been improved." Maybe if everybody who feels they have been bothered by the charity fund raisers puts a complaint in to the council, something might be done rather than whinge about it? (As I do) Just a thought. (Now feeling bad about complaining against charity workers [:(] I hope karma doesn't get me)
Reply ID 64881
quote:Increasingly they no longer take "no" for an answer I find.
Originally posted by dennismoore
If you're not interested in engaging with them, then just smile politely, say no and keep on walking. It always works for me.
Reply ID 64883
quote:I agree Steve. I give to a lot of different charities, when and where i choose, certainly would never give my deatils to a stranger in the street, no matter what cause they say they represent. I feel we to readily fill in forms thses days and give up a lot of personal information, without thinking what it is going to be used for and by who.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Increasingly they no longer take "no" for an answer I find.
Originally posted by dennismoore
If you're not interested in engaging with them, then just smile politely, say no and keep on walking. It always works for me.
Reply ID 64900
Sad to hear we're all experiencing similar problems. I also find them at Hertford north station and was enraged they felt all commuters were wealthy!!! I just walk fast, put my hand up and shake my head, I don't engage in any conversation and have on one occasion pushed a guy slightly out the way and trod on his foot!!! I hate the way the charities try and make you feel guilty for not giving your money to every single charity in existence. I gift aid and do my stuff where I think I should and its hard because it prays on your mind, but these are just people who are making a bit of money by signing you up.. have not truck with them!
Reply ID 64915
quote:Is there much point in trying to get anything from people coming off First Capital Connect's trains when they've just been robbed all of their money from the thieving gits?
Originally posted by Drama Queen
Sad to hear we're all experiencing similar problems. I also find them at Hertford north station and was enraged they felt all commuters were wealthy!!! I just walk fast, put my hand up and shake my head, I don't engage in any conversation and have on one occasion pushed a guy slightly out the way and trod on his foot!!! I hate the way the charities try and make you feel guilty for not giving your money to every single charity in existence. I gift aid and do my stuff where I think I should and its hard because it prays on your mind, but these are just people who are making a bit of money by signing you up.. have not truck with them!
Reply ID 64916
That would be my answer, but believe it or not.. you'd be amazed how many charities pitch up to the lobby area there!
Reply ID 65216
Chugger Alert Friends of the Earth.
Reply ID 65219
Oh no not again!! How much carbon footprint did they use to get a flock of them into the town this time????[xx(] Thanks for the warning.. I will have to do my fast walk around the town!
Reply ID 65353
Chugger Alert near w h smiths nearly got me 3 times
Reply ID 65359
They are working in a pincer movement - almost got me, managed to escape by throwing myself in front of a van [:D]
Reply ID 66360
Chugger Alert in Maidenhead street and near Farrow and Farrow. Also preacher in the market square. Can't have 5 minutes peace at lunchtime in this town, just to eat my sandwich.
Reply ID 66362
When I worked in London, and I felt a little naughty moment, I used to pretend I didn't speak English.. and then shouted out strange things.. In London people walk by you if you're a acting "strange" and maybe this might be a fun way of getting rid of Chuggers in Hertford.. if you're brave enough.. its also a great way of getting a seat on a crowded train too tee... heee... [:D]
Reply ID 66363
quote:An interesting admission, Drama Queen.
Originally posted by Drama Queen
When I worked in London, and I felt a little naughty moment, I used to pretend I didn't speak English.. and then shouted out strange things.. In London people walk by you if you're a acting "strange" and maybe this might be a fun way of getting rid of Chuggers in Hertford.. if you're brave enough.. its also a great way of getting a seat on a crowded train too tee... heee... [:D]
Reply ID 66367
I usually god "Sorry I already give to (insert whatever name here)" Worked for me 3 times while I was in Edinburgh recently. One of them even said "Great Thanks!" which made me feel a little guity
Reply ID 66369
What's wrong with you all? I just keep walking and say nothing.
Reply ID 66394
I too walk past, but some of the new chuggers are a little more persistent and walk/trot with you...! I think its time to take a stand.. Shout very loud - No thank you! and march off with purpose.. then again pretend you're unable to speak a language or just stare at them and say nothing.. that's another good one! [:D]
Reply ID 67018
So many Chuggers in Hertford yesterday, got caught in maidenhead street then again near Waitrose, two different charities. One girl got quite shirty when I just ignored her. There was a person standing outside Heart Foundation Shop not approaching or bothering anyone, so I gave her some spare change. This is how it should be.
Reply ID 67019
I told one of them off yesterday. Despite walking past him he continued following me and talking to me. I've noticed them using a very invasive tactic whereby they walk directly into peoples' path with a hand outstretched. The meek and polite are forced to stop and shake hands whilst other have to make an abrupt change of direction.
Reply ID 67021
or just walk through them steve ;)
Reply ID 67031
quote:I've come across this tactic in the past.Like you say, the meek, will automatically extend their own hands. I usually say "Excuse me, do I know you?" When that confuses them, I continue "Why on earth do you think I would want to shake hands with someone I don't know" This usually takes the wind out of their sails (or sales [:)])
Originally posted by Steve
I told one of them off yesterday. Despite walking past him he continued following me and talking to me. I've noticed them using a very invasive tactic whereby they walk directly into peoples' path with a hand outstretched. The meek and polite are forced to stop and shake hands whilst other have to make an abrupt change of direction.
Reply ID 67034
One suggestion: Make imaginary conversation on switched off mobile phone. 100% success rate so far.
Reply ID 67036
quote:or just start talking to yourself whilst nodding and walking in a John Cleese fashion... they should leave you alone.
Originally posted by James007
One suggestion: Make imaginary conversation on switched off mobile phone. 100% success rate so far.
Reply ID 67796
huggers at it again i saw at least 3.[:(!]
Reply ID 67797
I ment Chuggers. No hugging[:I]
Reply ID 67798
quote:You may have hit on a useful tactic though. Over-friendliness can be very intimidating.[;)]
Originally posted by M.O.G.
I ment Chuggers. No hugging[:I]
Reply ID 67834
quote:mmmm! you could be right.[}:)]
Originally posted by shuntquote:You may have hit on a useful tactic though. Over-friendliness can be very intimidating.[;)]
Originally posted by M.O.G.
I ment Chuggers. No hugging[:I]
Reply ID 68251
they are here again[:(]
Reply ID 68257
quote:Which charity is it today?
Originally posted by M.O.G.
they are here again[:(]
Reply ID 68271
quote:Save the Acorn! i don't know i was moving quite fast when i passed them.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Which charity is it today?
Originally posted by M.O.G.
they are here again[:(]
Reply ID 68272
quote:Why do they think that by asking you to shake their hands gives them the right to stop and chat to them!! I feel for them as it must be demoralising at the best of times but I think they need to look at how they approach the public! [:(!]
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Which charity is it today?
Originally posted by M.O.G.
they are here again[:(]
