How to avoid those people that asks strangers to take surveys?

1. 83

   ezhangposted 13 years ago

   How to avoid those people that asks strangers to take surveys?
   
   It happens way too often when I walk down the streets in San Francisco. I usually try to avoid eye contact with them, but that doesn't always work.
   
   

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2. 67

   lobobrandonposted 13 years ago

   Hmm interesting. Tell them you do online surveys and earn through them and would therefore not waste your time on a free one

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3. 71

   Ahnooshposted 13 years ago

   I've noticed that they usually have more than one working the block.  So I will tell them that I took the survey from their friend across the street (down the block), etc.

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4. 34

   edhanposted 13 years ago

   I will humbly tell them I am busy and walk away.
   
   Be nice and I do believe it will work. Anyway, it works for me of being polite and walk away after telling them that.

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5. 68

   Dawn Conklinposted 13 years ago

   Wow! We don't have that here.  Instead we have the people begging you for a smoke and trying to rob you (that has been our latest thing around here.)  I would just not look, tell them no and keep walking.  I usually avoid the people at the mall that want to put lotion on your hands to sell you something by acting like I have no idea they are there.  If they ask to see my hands I look up at them and just say no and walk away.  Maybe play with your cell phone while you are walking. 
   I know these people are just trying to work but if they are as annoying as some of our mall people, sometimes it is better to just act like they are not there.
   Edit: Please note that people I run into at the mall can be quite aggressive or else I would be nicer to them.  I am not on average mean to somebody doing their job but sometimes a nice no doesn't work.

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6. 61

   Word Caddyposted 13 years ago

   There are always people doing surveys or representing charities lining the high street and it's like running a gauntlet trying to avoid them all (they are trying to do good work, but I already donate weekly to charity and if I'm walking, then I'm heading places and can't stop!) I tend to avoid eye contact, and if they start honing in on me, I simply wave my hand and tell them I can't stop. Don't slow down your pace, else they will reel you in. I used to get caught quite regularly because I was too polite to walk right past them, but I've toughened up some now because otherwise it would be happening too much.

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7. 59

   MissDoolittleposted 13 years ago

   I know what you mean. I like you, try to avoid eye contact with them or pretend I'm on the phone. Either that or I try to dodge them, which is a pain really because when i'm out shopping, or if you're on your way to work you really could do without this.

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8. 61

   FatFreddysCatposted 13 years ago

   I just say, "Sorry, no time, catch you later" and keep walking.
   
   This also works on people passing out religious tracts, local political candidates trying to glad-hand me outside the supermarket, and boy/girl scouts or local sports teams trying to sell me anything. Yes, I know, I'm an anti-social S.O.B. Haha.

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9. 60

   Hezmyjoyposted 13 years ago

   Speak in a made up language.
   
   I tried to tell them that I am not interested, but they don't care. They try to convince me otherwise. I recall one of them was trying to get a petition signed for the city to get a casino so they wouldn't have to drive all of the way to Canada to gamble. I was against it but their tempting slogan was that it was going to open more jobs in the city. I didn't go for it. They got their casino - 3 of them in fact. The elected officials did what I knew that they were going to do. They hired out of state and the city's unemployment rate maintained.

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10. 60

    hungry-bagsposted 13 years ago

    "Sorry, not interested" and keep walking.

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11. 60

    hawkdad73posted 13 years ago

    Just walk right past them.  Ask them questions on the spot.  Act as though you are about to vomit or have to use the restroom.  Scream, "Help!" at the top of your lungs.

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12. 99

    Sustainable Sueposted 13 years ago

    LOL. People who take surveys are usually people supporting the same issues I am, so I don't mind stopping. If they want donations, mine are already tapped out. Sometimes I really did already sign their petition somewhere else, and I tell them so. If it's for a cause I don't believe in I sometimes argue, but more often tell them I'm supporting the other side. If I don't have time I walk by at a distance without looking, or I glance with a quick smile and shake my head or say, "No, sorry" as I pass by.

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