Door to door sales guy?
- Thread starter Beachmaster
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Grizzly Adams
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Pulling you weapon probably wasn't a bad idea, but showing it wasn't wise. Even on your on property that can be construed as threatening which is a criminal offense in most states.
I was just giving the OP the benefit of the doubt, since I wasn't there. The guy didn't look much like a salesman, it's a little late for a visit from a salesman, he cracked a joke that was a little inappropriate for the situation, and was lying about the OP's neighbor. Seems a little odd to me, and I'm sure the guy was sending off a few other signals that the OP just didn't take note off consciously.
That said, it was probably just a socially awkward college student that wasn't from the area, trying to make light of how well armed people seemed. In any case, I don't see him knocking on your door again anytime soon
. Though in the future, I'd suggest wearing a holster conspicuously on whatever side it needs to be on to be visible when you open the door part way, to avoid anyone thinking you're threatening them.
That said, it was probably just a socially awkward college student that wasn't from the area, trying to make light of how well armed people seemed. In any case, I don't see him knocking on your door again anytime soon
. Though in the future, I'd suggest wearing a holster conspicuously on whatever side it needs to be on to be visible when you open the door part way, to avoid anyone thinking you're threatening them.TallPine
Member
I guess I don't see anything wrong with what the OP did, other than opening the door in the first place. Things are different out here in AZ and MT, especially outside of town.
We've got three doors: one with a window, one a sliding patio door, and one with a window a few feet away. So I can evaluate who is out there without opening the door. Sometimes I slip out a door on the other side of the house and come around the corner to see who it is - keeping some distance and having a corner to duck behind if necessary. I have done that both with my hand on my holstered sidearm and with a rifle in my hands. If you don't like that, then don't drive way the heck out here in the hills and turn up a 500' driveway with a no trespassing sign.
Of course 99% of the time I am either expecting somebody or I glance out a window and recognize the vehicle.
Fortunately, we have few solicitors out here. The first summer, the "Hoots" came by once in a while trying to sell food products, and we actually bought some stuff. The JW's came by once and we bought nothing. We have also had a couple people broke down or stuck, who we helped as appropriate while still being cautious. I guess me carrying an open sidearm keeps visitors pretty polite.
We've got three doors: one with a window, one a sliding patio door, and one with a window a few feet away. So I can evaluate who is out there without opening the door. Sometimes I slip out a door on the other side of the house and come around the corner to see who it is - keeping some distance and having a corner to duck behind if necessary. I have done that both with my hand on my holstered sidearm and with a rifle in my hands. If you don't like that, then don't drive way the heck out here in the hills and turn up a 500' driveway with a no trespassing sign.
Of course 99% of the time I am either expecting somebody or I glance out a window and recognize the vehicle.
Fortunately, we have few solicitors out here. The first summer, the "Hoots" came by once in a while trying to sell food products, and we actually bought some stuff. The JW's came by once and we bought nothing
. We have also had a couple people broke down or stuck, who we helped as appropriate while still being cautious. I guess me carrying an open sidearm keeps visitors pretty polite. RKBABob
Member
You don't need a gun to scare off those pesky soliciters...
One time I was on a ladder on the side of my house, trimming vines away, when I heard someone say "Excuse me, Dude." Turns out to be some hippie college kid who wanted to "raise my awareness" about the environment and the AFL-CIO endorsed candidates prior to the elections. When I climbed back down the ladder to talk to him I discovered hippies are afraid of simple gardening tools...
(Mine actually has a split cut into the tip for pulling weeds, and looks much more menacing).
I wasn't trying to make him pee his pants... its just what I was using to trim the vines.
Never did figure out exactly what it was he wanted to tell me.
One time I was on a ladder on the side of my house, trimming vines away, when I heard someone say "Excuse me, Dude." Turns out to be some hippie college kid who wanted to "raise my awareness" about the environment and the AFL-CIO endorsed candidates prior to the elections. When I climbed back down the ladder to talk to him I discovered hippies are afraid of simple gardening tools...
(Mine actually has a split cut into the tip for pulling weeds, and looks much more menacing).
I wasn't trying to make him pee his pants... its just what I was using to trim the vines.
Never did figure out exactly what it was he wanted to tell me.
tnieto2004
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So you feel a Door to Door sales guy threatened your life more than all of these instances .. Something doesn't sound right ..
Jorg Nysgerrig
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This thread inspired me to write some speculative fiction. It has no zombies or goverment agencies. It is more of a first person monologue.
Our seventh story comes from Jim. Jim is a self-admitted poor salesman, but he says magazine selling is helping him make a little extra cash after losing his job as a janitor in a factory due to Katrina.
"There I was, out selling magazines in rural Arizona... Man, that's a crappy gig. Houses are all far apart and with Daylight Savings Time starting or over or whatever, it gets dark early as hell. Between the sun beating down on you during the day and the scorpions crawling around at night, man, it's like hell there. Anyway, sales ain't been too good, I figure most people around here can't read so good, kinda like back home. But, I managed to sell a few mags, mainly Outdoor Life and a few Cosmo subscriptions to the ladies. They sure like to giggle when they read them articles about pleasing a man.
"The other night I was just finishing up a sale with this guy, I can't quite remember his name. Steve, Chris, Mark? Something, it ain't important. Really, it kinda is. So I'm finishing up this sale of a bunch of gun magazines to this guy, he wants like 5 of them. Things were looking up, I might not miss my dang quota again this month. So, even tho it was starting to get a little late I asked if there was anyone else around here who was into guns and hunting who might be interested in the same kind of stuff, you know outdoor magazines. He said this guy down the street carried a gun a lot, so he might be. I asked if I should be worried, I ain't so used to seeing guys with guns. This is the wild west out here. He said, 'Naah, he's a good guy and probably won't shoot you. Now, if you were one of them Mormon missionaries or a Jay-Dub...' We laughed for a good bit. I started to think maybe when I got on my feet I'd try farming. So, I found this house and walked down this long driveway to get there. Man, this job is nothing if not good for the walking. They drop you off in the morning and pick you up in the evening. Anyway, I get up to this house and knock on the door with the attention getting knock just like we learned in training.
"So, this guy opens up the door and he's all shifty and nervous and has his hand behind his back. I thought maybe I caught him on the toilet and he was still arranging himself. I start my introduction off with mentioning his neighbor. Now, I don't know if I got the wrong house or messed up the guy's name, but this crazy son of, well, you know, he pulls out of gun from behind his back and holds it to his side and starts in about how saying he doesn't know the guy, the guy doesn't know him, and stuff I don't remember the rest of it because I was scared half to death. I don't know if it was because it was 7pm or it was dark or the guy was crazy or just didn't like I looked but it was scary as hell. I mean, I know I'm not GQ or nothing, but damn, pulling a gun on a guy just because you don't want magazines? Or I hit the wrong house? That's some messed up stuff there. Maybe he just wanted to look like a tough guy so I wouldn't try anything, but damn, that just ain't right. Anyway, I hightailed it outta there and started the long walk back to where we were supposed to meet the van. The damn scorpions don't seem so bad now..."
The Magazine Salesman's Diaries, Chapter 7.
Our seventh story comes from Jim. Jim is a self-admitted poor salesman, but he says magazine selling is helping him make a little extra cash after losing his job as a janitor in a factory due to Katrina.
"There I was, out selling magazines in rural Arizona... Man, that's a crappy gig. Houses are all far apart and with Daylight Savings Time starting or over or whatever, it gets dark early as hell. Between the sun beating down on you during the day and the scorpions crawling around at night, man, it's like hell there. Anyway, sales ain't been too good, I figure most people around here can't read so good, kinda like back home. But, I managed to sell a few mags, mainly Outdoor Life and a few Cosmo subscriptions to the ladies. They sure like to giggle when they read them articles about pleasing a man.
"The other night I was just finishing up a sale with this guy, I can't quite remember his name. Steve, Chris, Mark? Something, it ain't important. Really, it kinda is. So I'm finishing up this sale of a bunch of gun magazines to this guy, he wants like 5 of them. Things were looking up, I might not miss my dang quota again this month. So, even tho it was starting to get a little late I asked if there was anyone else around here who was into guns and hunting who might be interested in the same kind of stuff, you know outdoor magazines. He said this guy down the street carried a gun a lot, so he might be. I asked if I should be worried, I ain't so used to seeing guys with guns. This is the wild west out here. He said, 'Naah, he's a good guy and probably won't shoot you. Now, if you were one of them Mormon missionaries or a Jay-Dub...' We laughed for a good bit. I started to think maybe when I got on my feet I'd try farming. So, I found this house and walked down this long driveway to get there. Man, this job is nothing if not good for the walking. They drop you off in the morning and pick you up in the evening. Anyway, I get up to this house and knock on the door with the attention getting knock just like we learned in training.
"So, this guy opens up the door and he's all shifty and nervous and has his hand behind his back. I thought maybe I caught him on the toilet and he was still arranging himself. I start my introduction off with mentioning his neighbor. Now, I don't know if I got the wrong house or messed up the guy's name, but this crazy son of, well, you know, he pulls out of gun from behind his back and holds it to his side and starts in about how saying he doesn't know the guy, the guy doesn't know him, and stuff I don't remember the rest of it because I was scared half to death. I don't know if it was because it was 7pm or it was dark or the guy was crazy or just didn't like I looked but it was scary as hell. I mean, I know I'm not GQ or nothing, but damn, pulling a gun on a guy just because you don't want magazines? Or I hit the wrong house? That's some messed up stuff there. Maybe he just wanted to look like a tough guy so I wouldn't try anything, but damn, that just ain't right. Anyway, I hightailed it outta there and started the long walk back to where we were supposed to meet the van. The damn scorpions don't seem so bad now..."
68'chevelle
Member
That is my question do I need a AR or a pistol more for somthing like this?
many communities have prohibitions on door to door salesmen, or requires they pay a tax and get a license of some sort.
i suggest finding out what the rules are in your community. if door to door soliciting is illegal, call the cops next time.
i personally would not open the door unless I am expecting someone, especially after dark.
i suggest finding out what the rules are in your community. if door to door soliciting is illegal, call the cops next time.
i personally would not open the door unless I am expecting someone, especially after dark.
yesit'sloaded
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There is always the possibility that if you said "that's right I don't even on a gun" that you would have been robbed right there.
tnieto2004
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HAHA .. That is perfect
Man, I don't know , this is a tough one. Personally, I think the guy was up to no good. With his comments, it sounds like he was fishing to find out if the home-owner was armed.
I would think most of the group magazine sales types would be let out in a more populated area where they can hit a lot of houses in a short period, not where the driveways are 200' long.
Personally, I wouldn't have shown him the gun but I always have one in my hand and slightly behind my back when answering the door, particularly at night.
I would think most of the group magazine sales types would be let out in a more populated area where they can hit a lot of houses in a short period, not where the driveways are 200' long.
Personally, I wouldn't have shown him the gun but I always have one in my hand and slightly behind my back when answering the door, particularly at night.
MT GUNNY
Member
I prolly would have done the same except pulling the pistol out to the side,
Just the movement of your hand and arm going to the small of your back
and gripping the pistol (just in case) Would have been suficiant
IMHO
Just the movement of your hand and arm going to the small of your back
and gripping the pistol (just in case) Would have been suficiant
IMHO
AlaskaErik
Member
I respectfully disagree. The sight of the weapon should serve as a strong deterrent in the event this guy was casing the house and looking for an easy score. Furthermore, he should have been informed that people in the area are mostly armed and distrustful of others banging on their door at night. That should be incentive enough to move out of the area.
Jorg, great little piece, most likely right on.
I own a small business that I run with a friend. One branch of this business is a door-to-door sales division. I haven't gone the rounds myself in a long time, unless I have to take a new guy out and train him. This is an interesting situation for me, as I don't trust most sales people (despite being one) and I don't like to be bothered (despite training some of our employees to go out and bother others). Just a few thoughts based on some of what I have read;
1.) Door-to-door sales works, is lucrative, and the majority of people don't mind hearing about a product or "special" which is why door-to-door programs exist.
2.) It is virtually impossible to work your way through the convoluted government requirements, licenses and codes at the state, city and county level, to go door to door.
1a) If you don't want to be bothered, or are not interested in the product, politely say so, and 99% of sales people will be on their way. We don't like to waste out time either - as sales are a numbers game. You may be surprised to find that what they are offering is a good deal. If not, there is no need to be rude or nasty, unless the sales rep gets pushy.
2a) If there is some neighborhood ordinance that prohibits solicitation, don't call the cops - just inform the sales rep. Most of my guys are college students that needed a flexible job that pays a lot (if you can sell). They are good kids, and don't need that much hassle for missing some obscure law.
Now that is off my chest, here are some self-defense thoughts;
I am new to the gun world in comparison to most of you folks (hunting deer and elk as a kid is the bulk of my experience) but I have been involved in empty hand and edged weapons training for years.
Lets assume I was interested in harming you or your family. If you opened your door with your firearm in open carry - you would never reach it in time. If you opened your door with your firearm in your hand, pointed down at your side, it is unlikely you would be able to raise it in time. If I am dangerous, and you show me your gun, you have shown me your cards, whether I take action now, or come back late, you had better bet I would be prepared. In addition, aggressive posturing (showing a gun) can often lead to escalation.
Just some thoughts.
I own a small business that I run with a friend. One branch of this business is a door-to-door sales division. I haven't gone the rounds myself in a long time, unless I have to take a new guy out and train him. This is an interesting situation for me, as I don't trust most sales people (despite being one) and I don't like to be bothered (despite training some of our employees to go out and bother others). Just a few thoughts based on some of what I have read;
1.) Door-to-door sales works, is lucrative, and the majority of people don't mind hearing about a product or "special" which is why door-to-door programs exist.
2.) It is virtually impossible to work your way through the convoluted government requirements, licenses and codes at the state, city and county level, to go door to door.
1a) If you don't want to be bothered, or are not interested in the product, politely say so, and 99% of sales people will be on their way. We don't like to waste out time either - as sales are a numbers game. You may be surprised to find that what they are offering is a good deal. If not, there is no need to be rude or nasty, unless the sales rep gets pushy.
2a) If there is some neighborhood ordinance that prohibits solicitation, don't call the cops - just inform the sales rep. Most of my guys are college students that needed a flexible job that pays a lot (if you can sell). They are good kids, and don't need that much hassle for missing some obscure law.
Now that is off my chest, here are some self-defense thoughts;
I am new to the gun world in comparison to most of you folks (hunting deer and elk as a kid is the bulk of my experience) but I have been involved in empty hand and edged weapons training for years.
Lets assume I was interested in harming you or your family. If you opened your door with your firearm in open carry - you would never reach it in time. If you opened your door with your firearm in your hand, pointed down at your side, it is unlikely you would be able to raise it in time. If I am dangerous, and you show me your gun, you have shown me your cards, whether I take action now, or come back late, you had better bet I would be prepared. In addition, aggressive posturing (showing a gun) can often lead to escalation.
Just some thoughts.
AlaskaErik
Member
Well, they do. Haven't you ever seen "Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel?
AlaskaErik
Member
Having read all the posts, I can see where some would be hesitant to have a pistol dangling by their side when opening the door. Especially if you live in a People's Republic. I live in a semi-rural area in a borough larger than the state of West Virginia. At night there might be five state troopers covering all of that area. So I do answer the door with pistol in hand, but I don't normally show it. But for a scruffy character, it might come into view with the explanation that I was just getting ready to clean it when I answered the knock on the door. At least that's the story I would stick with.
Gee, some of you guys are rude. I never act in a gruff manner when someone rings my doorbell, even after dark. I will, however, have a pistol in my hand when I answer the door. I find it just as easy to explain that I am not interested in a polite and courteous manner as a rude and obnoxious one. And I don't consider the gun in my hand brandishing, just a wise precaution.
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kingpin008
Member
Problem with that, is you don't make the laws. In most places, that can and WILL be considered brandishing if someone sees it and feels threatened enough to call the cops. Sad, but true.
The last time I looked up the word "brandishing" it was defined as displaying in a threatening manner. Simply holding it in one's hand does not qualify. I do not threaten or otherwise draw attention to it in any way. It is certainly not pointed at anyone, and my finger is off the trigger. It is simply there. This is Kentucky, not Merry Land. I'm fine here.
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