Friends that don't understand the word NO!

[CBRorBust]

I have a friend who just started selling Avon. I don't know how many times I have told her I am not interested in the nicest way possible.

I don't want to be a *****, but what am I going to have to do for her to get a clue. I've told her time and time again that I don't wear, want, or need anything Avon makes. I have even thought about just buying something from her to leave me alone, but I have a feeling that will just fuel her asking me!

What do you do when you have friends who sell stuff like Avon, Mary Kay, etc. and you are simply, NOT INTERESTED!

One more thing, if you did tell a friend to back off, how did that mix with your friendship?

 

[Pop Daddy]

theres nothing you could do, end the freindship

 

[Ragmop]

I hate AVON!

The only good thing about it was.....when I was a teenager, my Mom sold Avon ,and I remember all those tiny sample lipsticks I'd try on

 

[CBRorBust]

theres nothing you could do, end the freindship

 

[Kallison]

Let's see if she is a friend -- once should be enough.

I had a neighbor that started selling toys when we moved in, then it was baskets, then it was Mary Kay. I kept saying no - no - no to all her home party demonstrations. BTW they moved into these new 1/2 million dollar homes, were very snooty to those in the "older" homes, I was a SAHM and didn't need any extra little expenses and didn't feel like helping her swing her mortgage. Another new house neighbor got kind of snooty with me and said "We are just trying to be supportive, why can't you come?" I replied -- that I was tired of getting invites where my checkbook was needed. Oh I forgot to mention, these "ladies" had ladies of Elm St. gatherings but I was never invited because I lived in an older home. I was only invited to the baby showers for neighbors I had never met and home demonstrations. They also had a neighborhood block party and didn't invite my family because we lived in the old houses, even though we were the only ones with kids on our side of the street. I guess she told the party neighbor because she didn't speak or wave to me for a year, which was fine by me. So back to my original point, if she doesn't take the hint I would ditch the friendship.

 

[Epcotgal8]

When I was pregnant with my oldest child and I quit work when I was about 6 months along I wanted to earn a little extra money on the side and someone talked me into selling Home Interiors. TONS of aggravation and work. Then a couple years later I sold Tupperware - same thing, by the time you pay for all the supplies you need, gas, your time, the only people that make money are the supervisors and the company. I did have friends and family that would host parties for me but I NEVER bugged anyone about it and usually they wanted to do it more to do it as a social "girls night out" than to buy anything but I totally understand because now I cringe when I get invitations to some of the various "parties". In her defense, being new at it they are putting pressure on her to generate business (if they're like the people who got me into it), but if she's a true friend she wouldn't keep pursuing the issue after you've said no. I would suggest trying one more time to say, "I really would like to help you and I'll ask around and see if anyone I know would like a catalog and if they do I'll give them your number, but I really am not interested and I hope that you understand since I don't want this to affect our friendship." That will perhaps let her know that she may be about to hurt your friendhip, that it is on your mind, and maybe put a little guilt on her instead of her trying to guilt you into buying something. It's worth a try since I've know lots of people who have sold various things and chances are she won't stay in it and it's not worth losing your friendship over. I hope it works out for you!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Send her my way, I love Avon.

 

[HollyJoy]

If she's really your friend, she'll back off. I have several friends who sell stuff, and I do buy from them, however I can't do it ALL the time. I just tell them I can't right now, and they leave me alone... no pressure. She needs to back off if you've told her no! NO MEANS NO!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I know you said you told her in the nicest way possible. Perhaps have a heart to heart and tell her clearly, there is no way you will ever buy avon, ever and to please stop asking.

 

[siouxi31]

I agree with everyone else. If she's really your friend she should back off of you. Good luck with this. It stinks to be put in this position because you almost always come out looking like the bad guy when you're just stating your priorities/preferences.