Think twice about opening that door

I was taught as a little girl to never open the door to strangers when my parents were not at home. At the time the definition of strangers included neighbours and even some friends.

This early learning seems to linger and remains the primary reason why I am not comfortable with door-to-door salespeople.

I never think I am passing on a good deal when I turn them down. It is not only because I want to avoid the risk that one of them might be a burglar or, even worse, a psychopath, but because this old-fashion method of selling goods is losing its charm in the days of shopping online, by phone or even in vast shopping malls.

ABCs of buying

One advantage of shopping at a hypermarket or even a large shop is that there is a variety of brands available.

You can compare prices and specifications, go home to read online reviews and reach your own conclusion. But when a single product turns up at your doorstep, it comes only with its own advantages. Salespeople may offer a selective comparison between their product and its rivals.

A friend who bought an annual package from a satellite television provider found out after two weeks that she didn't really like the channels.

"Why did you buy a whole year?" I asked. Her answer was that she was told it was the best value for money.

I won't blame the salesman, who caught her unguarded and sold her a one-year subscription to something she didn't know much about. What about a refund? Good luck, and don't forget Tylenol.

Rights, what rights?

There are two types of salespeople: representatives of known companies and those who are selling "grey market" products.

The first group come with the risks described above that you will be stuck with something you don't want or you don't like since they don't allow you enough time or space to think properly about their products.

Then there is the other group, which sells pirated DVDs, unknown-origin clothes, etc.

Those are definitely high-risk. They are coming up with products that fell off a truck or are clearly fake. When you buy from them you are giving up all your rights as a customer of return, refund, and warranty. There is also the legal and social responsibility that is worth considering if you claim to be a good citizen or resident.

Not shopping time

Turning down a door-to-door salesman is usually awkward and doesn't come without guilt. Salespeople are usually super-polite and present themselves as trying to help you.

So how can you slam the door in their faces? If companies are using your potential sense of guilt to invade your evenings with sales pitches, resist the pressure. You also have the right to protect your privacy and cherish the very few hours of quality time you spend with your family.