Backpeddling – v. to change your view or back your way out of your original position knowing you were incorrect or assumptive when it comes to door-to-door peddlers or solicitors. (I made this word up and lay claim to it! Instead of backpedaling, peddling as in sales peddlers… get it? Yeah!)
Renton, Washington police, recently jumped the gun (pun intended) by prematurely releasing a warning to local residents about door-to-door scammers saying they represent Comcast.
The problem? The people they were talking about REALLY did represent Comcast.
The other problem? While the people representing Comcast were legit, the information they were telling consumers was not. Therefore, they no longer represent Comcast.
So it seems the gun may not have been jumped, but a series of miscommunications had taken place. This is partially familiar to me, as police, school and town officials have been quick to accuse student dealers in Southwestern Company products as a scam when, in fact, they are very legitimate. They have even had the necessary solicitation permit and checked in with the police. Talk about the left foot not knowing what the right foot is doing!
This “backpeddling” is usually not good for the individual peddler, as a wrong is often not corrected by a right – if at all. If I called you ugly, then said I didn’t mean it – it’s too late, the damage is done. It’s the same situation for the person who was initially wronged by assumptive allegations that become widely communicated.
Anyways… in the case of Renton, it worked out, as the people who were misrepresenting Comcast were terminated and it looks like the lines of communication will be better in the future. That’s good for the community, the police and Comcast. More importantly, it’s good for legitimate door-to-door sellers.
In my 12 years in the direct selling industry (all with Southwestern Company), I have been fortunate to be able to work with many lawmakers along the way. Some have been at odds with the industry, where others have worked to protect those who choose to participate in the unique business model. No matter what some thinks about it, there is always the opportunity to educate them about all of the wonderful things associated with direct selling..
The first thing that stands out to me is the people – those who make up the independent sales forces of hundreds of direct selling companies across the nation. They typically get into direct selling to run a business for the financial benefits, even if it is often for a secondary source of income.
If the direct selling model incorporates door-to-door, those people, from college students to empty-nesters, are responsible for following local laws regarding solicitation (if any are on the books).
In North Carolina, the Orange County Board of Commissioners recently came to unanimous decision regarding door-to-door solicitation in residential areas. They decided to NOT create an ordinance requiring permits for door-to-door sales activities. The reasons cited as to why by County Attorney John Roberts include:
(1) Reasons of constitutionality on the basis of not including all nonprofits (2) Reasons of constitutionality by excluding certain commercial sales such as agricultural, perhaps creating loopholes for exploitation (3) Such a law would probably not be enforceable (as written)
Criminals do not annouce themselves first.
One of the solution they provided any concerned citizens was to put up a “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” sign on the property. County Manager Frank Clifton said, “People who are up to criminal activity are not going to get a permit for criminal activity.” This is a statement I have made to countless lawmakers when they, through good intentions, try to pass regulations which make running a business more burdensome for the well-intentioned and law-abiding citizen. It makes very good sense. When have you ever seen a criminal follow the rules? They are not going to provide all of their personal information and get a background check prior to participating in illegal activity. They operate under stealth and just do it.
The overall thought in this community and with the Commissioners was that “collaboration between neighbors and law-enforcement officials was a better way to handle neighborhood security.”
The same holds true with traveling sales crews. Communities want to put laws in place to regulate them… but if they are not going to follow laws in the first place…? What are your thoughts?
I saw an article that made me actually say, “Whoa!” I immediately clicked the link to read more because of the interesting title. It was from Denver Westworld blogs titled:
Apparently, according to the Boulder Daily Camera (Boulder rebuffs Girl Scouts’ warning of cookie-seller arrest), a strongly-worded memo was sent by a “cookie-mom” to scout leaders warning if they did not get their permits and fill out necessary applications they would risk arrest.
That’s pretty hard core. In fact, the city of Boulder does have an ordinance which requires all mobile sales operations to apply for a solicitation permit – including Girl Scouts. Nonprofits are excused from paying the $100 permit fee however. Southwestern Company student dealers who have worked in Boulder in the past know this well. As all student dealers know, if the permit is required – you gotta get it. Many non-rural localities do have an ordinance requiring a permit for door-to-door sales throuhout the country, but many exempt nonprofits – perhaps something Boulder officials should look into.
A city spokesperson says the ordinance is in place to protect the residents from “fraudulent selling schemes” and, to be fair, the city enforces it equally – including if it means cracking down on the Girl Scouts.
But rest easy, as Police Chief Mark Beckner says no one will be checking permits for Girl Scouts and sheriff Joe Pelle insits he needs his Thin Mints.
So all’s well that ends well… no eight-year-olds will be arrested for peddling cookies to raise money for camp. Guess that’s how the cookie crumbles…
The importance of education when it comes to direct selling can not be underestimated (as seen with this blog). Lots of companies and individuals put forth a lot of effort when it comes to creating a better understanding of the direct selling business model and the millions of people who choose to run their businesses this way. The Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) had a fantastic 2010! It is an organization established in 1973, serving the public as a goodwill ambassador for the direct selling industry. As a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)3 organization, DSEF offers comprehensive programs that advance the direct selling industry’s support of consumer rights and protection, education about the industry, ethical leadership and individual economic empowerment.
Here are a few things Southwestern Company and other leading Direct Selling Association member companies (like Mary Kay, Avon, Pampered Chef, NuSkin, etc.) have been up to this past year with DSEF:
DSEF/ Council of Better Business Bureaus Partnership: Launched as part of DSEF’s Ethical Leadership Initiative, this partnership exposes millions of consumers to a variety of materials to help them better understand direct selling and the importance the industry places on ethics.
National Consumer Protection Week: Once again in 2010, DSEF sponsored events during the Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week to help make consumers ( and direct sellers) more financially literate.
Research Program: This year, DSEF launches its Research Program by inviting four preeminent academics to submit proposals on key topics critical to our industry, including corporate social responsibility, field training using 3-D technology, mechanisms that increase sales force productivity, and the influence of family on representatives. The data called from these cutting-edge research projects can help direct selling companies improve key business drivers such as retention, sales and recruiting.
DSEF/ National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Partnership: Through its Education Initiative, DSEF is partnering with NACCE to develop The Direct Selling Entrepreneur Certificate Program, a non-credit, direct selling curriculum and certificate program for community colleges.
Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) Consumer Education and Protection Initiative (CEPI) : The APEC Consumer Education and Protection Initiative (CEPI) was launched by The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations and DSEF in partnership with APEC to promote consumer education and protection and responsible business practices among small and medium enterprises in APEC economies.
Additionally, DSEF continued to educate the public about the direct selling industry through:
Community Programs: With its two Annual Meeting philanthropic events, Ocean Beach Clean Up and Outfitting for Opportunity, DSEF established a new tradition of bringing direct sellers together for meaningful philanthropy programs in the communities we visit. More events are planned for 2011 in conjunction with DSA seminars and meetings, and each will be heavily promotes to local media to showcase the giving spirit of the industry.
Direct Selling Fairs and Girls Night Out: As part of its Women’s Initiative and in partnership with Women’s Business Centers and colleges and universities, DSEF’s Direct Selling Fairs and Girls Night Out have exposed thousands of women to direct selling’s entrepreneurial opportunities. DSEF’s How-to-Kits will make it even easier for organizations to replicate these programs in 2011.
What Is Direct Selling? Video: Through Ethical Leadership Initiative, DSEF produced a new video that will help companies share the spirit of our industry with a variety of audiences.
Bill Porter is a living tribute to a man who has lived his life to the fullest, touching thousands - one door at a time. To all those who choose to go door-to-door and have doubts, face rejection or simply want to quit… think about Bill and the pavement he pounded. He walked seven miles everyday for 50 years, could you walk a mile in his shoes?
What made me think about this was, over the holidays, I saw a nice article on KATU.com about Bill Porter, the man from Portland, Oregon who sold for direct selling company Watkins door-to-door for nearly 50 years.
If the name sounds familiar, he was the subject of a TNT movie titled “Door to Door.” It starred William H. Macy and won six Emmy Awards.
What drew me to this article was the fact that it was a feel-good article where Bill simply wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. What came after the article was an outpouring of support for not only the man and his tremendous overcoming of a severe obstacle in his cerebral palsy, but his profession as well – door-to-door.
Here are a few excerpts: “A humble, hard-working man of integrity – he has accomplished far more in his life with physical challenges than most people without physical challenges. What an inspiration.”
“He was very polite and never, ever got discouraged with the frequent rejection I am sure he got thrown at him. His persistence and longevity in overcoming adversity is truly amazing and should be an inspiration to us all.”
“I think that life isn’t about how long you live, but what you do with the time you have. Bill has done it all, and very well.”
“I LOVE this! Why can’t there be more Bill Porter’s?”
“… He comes from an era in which ‘entitlement’ meant that you worked for what you received.”
The holiday season is often a kick-off in an increase of those wanting to solicit for charities and nonprofits. While Southwestern Company is a direct selling company, we are also members of the Tennessee Retail Association (TRA).
This organization advocates before the government of Tennessee on behalf of its member companies and organizations. The mission of the TRA is to work for the protection, promotion and prosperity of the retail industry in Tennessee.
So, in an ongoing effort to keep useful consumer info in the hands of consumers…
I have some great info from the Tennessee Department of State’s Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming and the TRA. They have developed information for use by retailers when dealing with charitable solicitation requests. This info can also be applied in other forms of sells and business as well. Just like it’s hard to always know if the person knocking at your door is legitimate, it isn’t always easy to determine which charitable organizations are reputable and which may be dishonest when it comes to the realm of retail (or any other form for that matter).
Here are a few tips they recommend:
Ask if the solicitor actually works for the organization.
Check to see if the charitable organization is registered with the proper state department.
In a Q & A section on the website www.savannahnow.com, part of the Savannah Morning News website, Mr. Joe Doyle does an outstanding job of answering a question about a door-to-door magazine scam.
The situation: a young lady sold a homeowner three magazine subscriptions for $83. Eight weeks later? You guessed it – no magazines. When she called about it, a recording told her “this number is not available for incoming calls.” Typical.
Mr. Doyle says several things I think are key to protecting yourself at the door.
By no means a new scam.
there are common schemes used to bait people – such as helping send them to a sports competition or donating to a charity.
It’s unfortunate scams like this ruin legitimate door-to-door sales.
Permits – many municipalities require them; homeowner should always ask to see (if required)
Sellers ID – make sure they are who they say they are, ask for an address if they claim to be local (a neighborhood resident).
Make sure you know about the FTC Cooling-Off Rule. If purchase is over $25, you have three days to cancel for a full refund. They must tell you orally and show you in writing about your right to cancel, providing you with two copies of the receipt.
If something does not seem right, report them!
I think Mr. Doyle has it right. Being educated can protect you and your family. There are lots of legitimate door-to-door sellers and some just might offer a product or service you will be very happy with.
It is billed to “spark your creative ideas,” really get those creative juices flowing. The main point to this post is to provide a few ideas on how to cut down on visits from door-to-door salespeople. This blog is “Article Ask: Brining You Informative Articles to Satisfy Your Needs.” Hmm… should be some useful advice here. Let’s take a look….
First piece of advice: “you must use a protective barrier among your own door plus the street.” What does that even mean? Well, obviously, you should put up a fence to keep people out. But make sure it locks to keep “solicitors at bay.”
But wait… while a fence is a good solution, not everyone has a yard to accommodate a fence. In that case, you should consider a gate at the porch or near the door. I’m not kidding… this’s what it says. Because after all, it will make it hard for the solicitor and they will give up. Sounds like it will make it hard to enter and leave the premises for the homeowner.
“Even though a fence or locked gate are fantastic, you can’t overlook a dog either. A barking dog could be very effective, as trespassers merely can’t look over a dog that is barking.” It further goes on to talk about the importance of the disposition and character of the dog. Really.
But… as good as a “violent nature” dog is, how about installing a home surveillance system? That sounds cost effective.
Does any home owner have so many people knocking on their door that it would be worth this much trouble? I could not make this stuff up! Wish I could though! You know, it did get my creative juices flowing. Thanks!
I work closely with our local Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a number of reasons. Southwestern Company, being a direct selling company (specifically the door-to-door model), we need to make sure we have clear communication with our sales force of college students and their customers if there is ever a complaint. Being a third-party to the sale, I have to ensure I can mediate between two parties while ultimately doing the right thing. I also ensure our company is being the best corporate citizen it can be.
One of the primary mission’s of this blog is to push forward consumer-friendly information to help various audiences understand the difference between legitimate and unscrupulous door-to-door organizations. I came across two releases by BBB’s warning consumers about some of those that fall on the unscrupulous side. After seeing this, you will know why I work hard to educate consumers.
The first is from a BBB serving the tri-state area of Southern Indiana, Southeastern Illinois and two counties in Kentucky. Entitled “Door-to-door magazine group targets tri-state consumers,” it warns about a traveling sales crew operating under the name Top Sales. The Top Sales crews has been using what, unfortunately is becoming an all-to-common sales pitch – the subscription go to soldiers overseas. Many complaints allege the magazines are never delivered to the soldiers after payment is received. The Alabama company enjoys an “F” rating because of the number of complaints, unresolved complaints and delay in responding. I can not say if this company is legitimate or not, but I know this has been a common scam in the door-to-door magazine-selling world (see below).
As of November 20, the BBB has received over 1,000 complaints about door-to-door magazine crews this year. The following video is from the BBB. It details how some consumers do not get the subscriptions they order and are subject to high pressure sales. Common pitches being used (nothing new to this blog) are they are:
raising money for charity
getting their life back on track
sending the subscriptions to troops in Iraq
are a local kid fundraising
They say to always check with the BBB at www.bbb.org if you have any questions. There is the Federal 3-day cooling off period for consumers and recourses to try and obtain a refund or lodge a complaint include the BBB, local law enforcement and the state’s Attorney General. Below is a video from the BBB with this information.
Some people consider door-to-door sales to be ”weird.” Maybe. But it’s still the best way to get in front of a potential buyer. Perhaps in today’s world, it‘s not necessarily the first option when it comes to reaching the masses. Nonetheless, it is the great-grandfather of all sales and has been a part of both historic relevancy and pop culture in its time. Southwestern Company is proud to not only be part of that legacy, but to still be making history via door-to-door.
College students who sell an educational system door-to-door to families during their summer breaks are not all that weird (I mean, we have been doing it since 1868…). Since some people tend to think it IS weird to still sell door-to-door today, I thought I would start a regular installment of “Door-to-door News of the Weird.”
Let’s begin with the traveling magazine sales crew guy who was knocking on doors in Arcata, CA. Once in the home, this guy says he sells the magazines in exchange for payment in marijuana and methamphetamines. He even showed samples of the drugs (at least he had a prepared “demo” complete with a sample). He said he would be in the neighborhood, “making rounds.” I don’t know if he was arrested, but it does say he was told by police he needed a business license. Click here for more
I saw on a blog how there is someone who goes door-to-door to sell fruit. His approach is interesting, as he knocks on the door and is holding a knife, slicing the fruit. The blogger says she is uncomfortable, but does admit to being a past customer. I guess if the locals are ok with someone knocking on the door with a knife… Click here for more
In Bakersfield, CA, two teenagers were going door-to-door collecting election ballots. When questioned by the homeowner, they would not disclose who their “boss” was that had asked them to pick up the ballots. This odd behavior is not typical for most teenagers I know. She did give them the ballot though… Click here for more
In Hong Kong, if you have unwanted hair, women carrying buckets of hot wax find you. That’s right. Women will knock door-to-door to offer their services of hair removal. For $5, they’re in and out quicker than Steve Carell and yell “Kelly Clarkson!” Click here for more
Some cities across the US put a ban on teenagers going door-to-door on Halloween. As an example, Mayor Eckert of Belleville, IL led a charge to ban teenagers from trick-or-treating:
“His reasoning? He said he heard from too many single mothers and senior citizens complaining they were frightened by ‘six-foot-tall kids’ showing up at their homes in search of candy.
“When I was a kid my father said to me, ‘You’re too damn big to be going trick-or-treating. You’re done,” Eckert said. “When that doesn’t happen, then that’s reason for the city governments to intervene.”Click here for more
Wow… did he really just say that city government needs to intervene because parents allow their teenagers to trick-or-treat?
The types of weird behavior associated with the above examples is definitely not the norm in door-to-door sales. I know because I assist thousands of college students each summer in running their own business utilizing the direct selling door-to-door business model. One of the reasons Southwestern Company and other DSA members have a Code of Ethics, training and standards is to prevent door-to-door weirdos!
What made me think about this was, over the holidays, I saw a nice article on KATU.com about Bill Porter, the man from Portland, Oregon who sold for direct selling company Watkins door-to-door for nearly 50 years.
