Unwanted salesman (From Swindon Advertiser)

Unwanted salesman

4:57pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Letters

What an amazing coincidence to see the article in the Swindon Advertiser concerning Bettaglaze, as I was unfortunate enough to have been visited shortly before this on January 27.

At the time I happened to be doing some work in the front room of the house, when suddenly I was startled by several loud knocks on the glass of the front door.

On opening the door I was aware of a tall man of around 25 years of age, who introduced himself as being from Bettaglaze and immediately opened a leaflet and started spouting sales patter at me. I then put my hand up, saying I was not interested, but he persisted.

So I then pointed to the brass plaque fixed to the front door, which stated that we do not buy from salesmen at the front door and do not wish for any free leaflets or newspapers to be delivered. He then said, “oh that, I’m not selling anything” and then carried on trying to talk me into the contents of the leaflet. At this point I got a bit annoyed and closed the door in his face whilst saying “go away”.

He did go, but on the way out of my front garden, slammed the metal gate so hard that he loosened the latching mechanism from the wall.

I accept that everyone is entitled to earn a living, especially in these austere times, but these people are intimidating and won’t take no for an answer.

I would advise people to keep the chain on the front door if they have one, or not to go to the door, as if one needs double glazing it would be far better to contact council vetted approved dealers or a similar trusted body, rather than buy from traders at the door.

I have since repaired my front gate, and hopefully there will not be any repeat visits by these people.

G A Woodward Nelson Street Swindon