Chuggers. Grrr...

[andy400]

Now, before I begin, I would like to point out that I am a reasonably generous soul, and I do give to charity.

However, bloody high street sodding charity muggers - aka chuggers - really piss me off. I do not like being stopped in the street and being asked for money. If I'm in town then I'm either there with a sense of purpose and limited time to get something done, or I'm there to have a wander around and relax. Neither are compatible with being stopped by some stranger - some unwashed student-type stranger usually - who will proceed to a)patronise me; b)bore me half to death; c)ask for some of my hard-earned; and d)get miffed if I don't give him any of my money (based on the once or twice I did stop and chat in my younger, more naive days).

"Morning", said a chugger on Monday, "what are you up to today!?"

"I imagine I shall mostly be minding my own business." replied I.

Anyone else? Or am I just turning into a grumpy old man before my time?

[Asterix]

I thought it was illegal or them to approach you and ask for money?

[payner2008]

Im on the same level as you when it comes to this, just round the corner from work you can garantee there "chuggers" practically pulling your wallet out as you walk past.

I believe in giving to charity but through the correct means, not giving details to rude, smelly, drifters with long hair and bad social skills

[shoggoth1]

They once attempted to stop me, with the opening gambit of "that's quite a trendy top for someone you're age to be wearing".

It was a 'Vandals' hoodie, I'm 36 (and it was a couple of years ago).

[off_again]

A few years ago they targeted Moorgate in London. The police and local council received so many complaints that they actually got moved on. They were abusive, aggressive and downright nasty. I hate them with a passion and always have. I understand the need to promote and push what they have, but I draw the line at being publicly humiliated by a charity. They have no idea what I do, or not, for charities.

[andy400]

Asterix said:

I thought it was illegal or them to approach you and ask for money?

Don't know. Perhaps? I suspect they probably operate just within some 'guidelines' or other, but they're certainly there to try and solicit donations.

[Eddh]

I see them now and again but a polite 'no thank you' usually sees them on their way.

[fatboy b]

When they're at supermarket exits gets my goat.

[staceyb]

I generally ask them how much of their hourly salary they are donating to said charity. Usually shuts them up sharpish.

[Clambake]

You can't move for them at the front of Centre Court in Wimbledon. Grrrr.

[parakitaMol.]

Anger grrrr

Rage grrrr

Boil grrrrrr

The country has gone to the dogs.

[Soft Top]

Asterix said:

I thought it was illegal or them to approach you and ask for money?

I think they get round this as they are not asking for money and won't accept any donations if you offer them.

All they want is for you to sign up to a monthly DD.

[randomman]

Had one who held her hand with a leaflet out as I cycled passed. (bike lane in a pedestrian area)

Ever played chicken? I won, she pulled her hand at the last moment after I glared at her.

[Matt_N]

fatboy b said:

When they're at supermarket exits gets my goat.

Anyone trying to sell me something, get me to donate to something etc at the supermarket exit gets on my goat too.

[G'kar]

Clambake said:

You can't move for them at the front of Centre Court in Wimbledon. Grrrr.

Worse along the stretch outside Next/Waterstones/Smiths....

[emicen]

staceyb said:

I generally ask them how much of their hourly salary they are donating to said charity. Usually shuts them up sharpish.

They dont get an hourly salary. They earn commission for every chump they sign up. Typically 1-2 years worth of whatever meagre amount per month they get you to sign up to

I watched one pull someone's headphones out to get their attention outside Buchannan Galleries in Glasgow. Safe bet he wont try that again (the response from the lad was wholly disproportional to the offence, but by christ it was funny!)

[rescynic]

"Im sorry i already give £2 a month to <insert charity here> but keep up the good work" usually works fine for me.

[staceyb]

emicen said:

staceyb said:

I generally ask them how much of their hourly salary they are donating to said charity. Usually shuts them up sharpish.

They dont get an hourly salary. They earn commission for every chump they sign up. Typically 1-2 years worth of whatever meagre amount per month they get you to sign up to

I watched one pull someone's headphones out to get their attention outside Buchannan Galleries in Glasgow. Safe bet he wont try that again (the response from the lad was wholly disproportional to the offence, but by christ it was funny!)

There is a company round here advertsing for chuggers for 6.50ph plus 10% commission on all DD sign ups they receive.

[mouseymousey]

rescynic said:

"Im sorry i already give £2 a month to <insert charity here> but keep up the good work" usually works fine for me.

Yeah, or a polite no thanks, but when you're being stopped practically every day it soon gets a bit tiresome.

The latest trick seems to be to hold out their hand as if to shake hands, it's surprising the amount of mugs that fall for it and just reach out and shake, at which point they clamp on and don't let go.

I really dislike chuggers.

[emicen]

staceyb said:

emicen said:

staceyb said:

I generally ask them how much of their hourly salary they are donating to said charity. Usually shuts them up sharpish.

They dont get an hourly salary. They earn commission for every chump they sign up. Typically 1-2 years worth of whatever meagre amount per month they get you to sign up to

I watched one pull someone's headphones out to get their attention outside Buchannan Galleries in Glasgow. Safe bet he wont try that again (the response from the lad was wholly disproportional to the offence, but by christ it was funny!)

There is a company round here advertsing for chuggers for 6.50ph plus 10% commission on all DD sign ups they receive.

Door to door and street team types up here typically get £10 or £20 for every sign up. And in classical pyramid scheme, their team leader usually gets a quid for everyone signed up by their team too.

You'll even get ones up this way that'll use their foot to jam old people's doors open once they've opened them so the only way to really get rid is to sign up.

These people are scum imho. They make charity feel dirty.