Peddlers

[UrbanWaterloo]

Peddlers

It seems as though you can't walk anywhere these days without being solicited by a Red Cross, Greenpeace, etc.. peddler. This isn't just in Waterloo Region, but I've seen them in Toronto as well. Now regardless of their cause, what are your thoughts on this collection method? Do these people work for the non-profit organizations or are they contractors?

Personally I find this practice to be very annoying, but don't know enough of the details.

Charles & Ontario - May 6, 2010
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/AndrewEH/Business/Peddlers-CharlesOntario-May62010-2.jpg

King & Queen - May 21, 2010
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/AndrewEH/Business/Peddlers-RedCrossKingQueen-May21201.jpg

[jay]

It is very annoying, but it's better then a homeless man

[IEFBR14]

Simple solution: When they, or a panhandler, approach me I just cup a hand to my ear and let them repeat whatever their spiel is. Then I point down the street and say, "Oh, it's that way, about three blocks" and move on.

[mpd618]

I find it annoying myself. But I'm not sure "peddler" is quite the right term. (Today two separate knife/etc. sharpener guys, one with a cart and one in a van, came through my street ringing a bell. I'd say that's closer to the term.)

[Urbanomicon]

If they just stand there with a sign like the Salvation Army collection box attendents at Christmas I have no problem with it, it's when they get in your face and start giving you their sales pitch asking you to donate that I think it crosses the line.

[Spokes]

I don't have too much of a problem. They have the potential to be quite annoying, but the ones that have approached me have been pleasant and when I tell them I dont have the time to talk they are ok with that and dont bother me.