Book Sales

June 2, 2012.  This fellow was was an interesting character, a young guy perhaps 19 or 20.  When he first comes into the frame he can be seen tucking something down into the back of his shorts, we'll find out later in the video what it is.  He rings the door bell and does a ratta-tat-tat knock on the door.  It's hot out, 100+, he paces until I come to the door.  He stretches out his hand for a shake with no response from me.  I seldom see someone who is so animated, talking with their hands like this guy.  He has an interesting story, selling books to put himself through college.  He claims to be from Nebraska or somewhere up north.  Over the next three minutes, he hands me several separate papers describing his products.  At the end of his spiel, I find out that his "books" are $40; I don't need a $40 set of books.  He tells me that I can donate something to help defray the cost for my neighbor.  Hey none of my neighbors must have donated, my cost was not defrayed!  When I close the door to get the donation, he pulls his sales/receipt book from his back waistband.  He scored a $5 bill from me, mainly because I didn't have any change.  Again more hand gestures and then a rare handshake from me.  He was a nice fellow, "Good luck with your sales!"  As he walks to the neighbors house, he tucks his book back into his waistband.  From door opening to closing 3 1/2 minutes a new record!



Flyer Posting

June 1, 2012.  This fella was posting flyers on all of the houses to advertise a neighborhood meeting.  The meeting was to guage interest in establishing a Homeowner's Association.  The meeting was interesting, nice to meet all of the neighbors, there wasn't much interest in establishing an association.



Home Automation

May 4, 2012.  In this clip, a young woman, perhaps 22 or so, is selling a Home Automation product.  When she first comes into the frame she is adjusting the back of her blouse or scratching.  She rings the doorbell and knocks on the door.  She's writing something, probably has a list of houses in our neighborhood.  She displays an ID badge of some sort, I guess a company ID.  She palms (points) to something on her clipboard and grasps some papers to be ready to hand to me, she doesn't get the chance.  From door opening to closing, she was dismissed in 20 seconds...I don't need my home automated.

Religious Discussion

April 6, 2012.  This fella wanted to discuss Religion with me.  He rings the doorbell and then turns around and stands in the sun.  It got up to about 85 on this day but it's not unusual for it to be 15-20 degrees hotter on this side of the house in the afternoon sun.

He tosses his water bottle and adjusts his tie while waiting.  He fidgets.  He steps forward as I open the door and extends his hand for a handshake.

My dog likes to run out, so I usually only crack the door; I typically don't shake hands at the door.

Look at his reaction when I don't shake his hand, he seems to say; "Something wrong with my hand?"

As he walks away he seems to gesture at me with his hand; the door was already closed, I didn't see it.  He seemed to be a nice guy, he probably just said "Thank you Sir!" with a flourish.  Door opening to closing, 7 seconds.

Good afternoon Sir. I'm visiting your neighborhood today to...

I really detest door-to-door salespeople. Well, not the people themselves, but just the fact that someone comes to my door in an attempt to sell me something or talk with me about their religious philosophy...unsolicited.

When I want to buy something, I go to the store and buy it or I search the Internet and when I find what I’m looking for, I buy it.That someone would come to the door of my Castle to see if I would be interested in buying their product is beyond me.

My Step-Dad was a master of engaging door-to-door salespeople.In the 70s, I remember they usually came to the door at dinner time selling insurance, encyclopedias, whatever.He would engage them in conversation and get them distracted, we thought almost to the point of them forgetting what they were selling.He would ask them where they were from and then weave a wild tale of being from the same place and then keep them talking for many minutes.I don’t remember my dad ever buying anything from someone at the door.

Is it cruel to string someone on? After all they are for the most part just trying to make a living.I guess the ones asking for a handout are just trying to make a living too.


Usually I give them an immediate, “I’m not interested” and close the door. I give school kids longer, usually because they are collecting for a school trip or other fundraiser, usually a dollar or five will do here…that’s about all your going to get from me at the door.

Because I have a security system, these encounters are recorded; I have a note on the window that says: "You are being recorded." I like to watch the non-verbal’s before I come to the door and after I close the door.