rude people

[Linnie The Pooh]

I remember going door to door selling things when I was a kid and it was soooo hard. And it can be dangerous nowadays! If I have kids come to my door, I always buy something from them or give them a donation if I don't want to buy what they have for sale.

I used to always donate to the charities in the stores, but have had to reign that in a bit. It just got to be too much and I do donate to my favorite charities throughout the year too so it can add up pretty quickly.

That woman who was rude? She could've just said no thank you, that would've been best, but here's a thought, maybe she was having a bad day? That happened to me a lot last year when I lost my dad. I was so grief stricken, I could barely speak to people. Anyway, just a thought, ya never know.

 

[ilovepcot]

Putting on my flame suit here. While I always buy cookies and popcorn and I do contribute to various community endeavors, I admit I get irked at kids soliciting for trips - whether for competitions or otherwise. My kids have been involved in many car washes. My son's football team contracted out to do various chores for people in the community (mostly leaf raking but whatever the client wanted) to raise $ for the team. That appeals to me because it's the kids working for what they want or need. I fully realize that some parents can't raise the $ for the kids to go on some of those trips and I have paid all or part for a kid to participate that wouldn't have been able to. However I have always felt that it was up to me as a parent and to my kid to take care of such things by ourselves and not solicit others to pay their way. Just mho

No flames from me. I agree totally.

 

[Sherri]

The nicest young boy came to the door just an hour ago selling left over plants from their Easter sale, the Mom was in the minivan with the selection. Although I am ashamed to say, no plant survives living here, I still wanted to support his cause and bought one.
How can people say no?

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Putting on my flame suit here. While I always buy cookies and popcorn and I do contribute to various community endeavors, I admit I get irked at kids soliciting for trips - whether for competitions or otherwise. My kids have been involved in many car washes. My son's football team contracted out to do various chores for people in the community (mostly leaf raking but whatever the client wanted) to raise $ for the team. That appeals to me because it's the kids working for what they want or need. I fully realize that some parents can't raise the $ for the kids to go on some of those trips and I have paid all or part for a kid to participate that wouldn't have been able to. However I have always felt that it was up to me as a parent and to my kid to take care of such things by ourselves and not solicit others to pay their way. Just mho

No flames from me. I totally agree. When I was in school (not too long ago either, I graduated high school in 1996), we did car washes, chores, and things like that, too.

I'll add I hate being ambushed when I go into stores.

 

[Jpgirl]

I've done the GS cookie thing so been there done that-but really hated it. I, too, don't like being nickel and dimed to death every Sat and Sun-and almost every evening at most stores I go to. And on weekends we have every group known to man soliciting on the medians at traffic lights. I stopped giving. I'd rather donate and have my car washed. Our high school drill team put on a bike ride. I paid $50.00 for dh and I to do that ride. The girls and their parents provided police at intersections, snacks at rest stops and SAG support. They expected 300 riders and got over 500 and made a bundle of money. They also worked their behinds off and they made way more money than they would've if they'd sat in front of the store all weekend. I'd rather see groups doing some sort of work-like car washes, selling crafts at local fairs, bike rides, and such to make their money.
I'm not rude to the soliciters but you do have to wonder if the rude people are having a bad day. I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago-the first Sat after I went to the store with dh. Just going in and getting one thing was like running a marathon. When we came out a group soliciting was blocking the sidewalk, forcing me to walk all the way around them in the street. That wouldn't have been a big deal on a normal day but that day, it was torture. I hope they didn't think I was rude but they may have-but I was just in pain.

 

[chexie]

I know how you feel our marching band does these car washes every year to raise money to help us pay for things through out the season. Its amazing on how many rude people we get. I remember this one guy who came to us and while we washed is car he went to walmart(right across the street). When he came back he said this "Ya'll did a terrible job i shouldn't have wasted my money on teenagers washing cars." then got in his car and drove off i was just so frustrated that the guy had some nerve to say that, we were working our buts off in 110 degree Texas summer heat and said we did a terrible job. were not professionals were just a marching band trying to raise some money to help us go to competitions and stuff. its just so irritating how people can be so rude.

 

[PirateKitty]

I never realized how many out right mean people there are in my community until I sat outside of stores selling Cub Scout popcorn! We had people yell at the kids, yell at us, and just basically be rotten.
For that reason I always give something anytime I see children fundraising. I also tell them what a great job they are doing.

It's really an easy thing to say "no thank you", or "sorry we can't give at this time" instead of "go away".

What happens when a "no thank you" doesn't work? Last year, I was leaving a store, where some children and their parents were selling just that....Cub Scout popcorn...after being asked by one young boy if I would like to buy popcorn, I kindly responded "not today honey, but thank you and good luck", and one of the mothers screamed at me and told me I was so rude. For what???? Saying no thank you?? I stopped dead in my tracks and kindly told that woman to do with that popcorn.

Its not the first incident I've had either. After buying a candy bar from some cheerleaders, as I was driving away, one of the girls yelled at my car and called me cheap for only buying one. You've got to be kidding me. I just gave you my money, and you're calling me cheap?

Its very frustrating when there are children fundraising outside of practically every store you shop in. I'm not rude to anyone trying to raise funds for their schools or organizations, but I can see why alot of people just don't want to be bothered.

 

[simba928]

Just to make it clear, she said it in a very rude, stuck up tone. I have no problem with people saying no. I would say no, too if I were them. It is just how she said it and she acted like her cheerleaders were SO much better than us. Her exact words were, "I only support X school cheerleaders. Buh-bye". I would never say that, even though I wouldn't donate. Her tone of voice is what I found to be the rude thing. Even if she had simply said "No", with her tone, I would have also thought that to be rude. In fact, I even told my friends there that I am annoyed by people outside stores that ask for donations regardless of how good the cause may be. However, the fact is that the band does not get supported (by both the school and outside organizations) as the football team does, so we NEED money for instruments, uniforms (both actual uniforms and maintenance), band camp, flags, etc.

While I agree booing at a performance is wrong, I see nothing rude about someone not donating stating the name of another organization that they support. While there's no reason to give that info, they were probably trying to let you know that they do support high school activities but are already tapped out.

I also don't see anything "rude" about an older gentlemen being chatty with you. While it may be irritating, it's part of the parcel if you're going to be out in public soliciting donations.

I didn't think the older man was rude at all. I usually love talking to friendly people like that. I even enjoyed our "little" conversation. It was a nice break from the people that just walked past us, which is fine, but sitting there for 3 hours would get a little borin without friendly people.

 

[simba928]

Giving money so someone can take a trip to Florida??They didn't have that in my day so when I wanted to go on a trip I had to do it the old fashioned way and work and save.
And I still do it that way as an adult too!!
Debbie

We are going to perform in Disney. Students do pay for a good piece of the trip, but we do fundraise so that we can do fun things and to cut down on the price. Florida isn't the only reason we were fundraising, though. They have to feed us (at games and days that we have all day events such as a parade in the AM, then practice, then a competition at night), do activities at band camp, uniforms and uniform maintenance (the band just got new uniforms this past year and auxilary is hoping to get new ones within a year or 2), instruments, instrument maintenance, etc.

 

[Florida_Mom]

We are going to perform in Disney. Students do pay for a good piece of the trip, but we do fundraise so that we can do fun things and to cut down on the price. Florida isn't the only reason we were fundraising, though. They have to feed us (at games and days that we have all day events such as a parade in the AM, then practice, then a competition at night), do activities at band camp, uniforms and uniform maintenance (the band just got new uniforms this past year and auxilary is hoping to get new ones within a year or 2), instruments, instrument maintenance, etc.

I'm sorry the woman was rude to you. I was a youth minister for 7 years, and certainly did my share of organizing and running fundraisers. It's great that you're so involved with your band. DH was in his HS band for 3 years and they had amazing experiences. Hang in there...the result of your efforts will be worth it!

 

[nuke]

What happens when a "no thank you" doesn't work? Last year, I was leaving a store, where some children and their parents were selling just that....Cub Scout popcorn...after being asked by one young boy if I would like to buy popcorn, I kindly responded "not today honey, but thank you and good luck", and one of the mothers screamed at me and told me I was so rude. For what???? Saying no thank you?? I stopped dead in my tracks and kindly told that woman to do with that popcorn.

Its not the first incident I've had either. After buying a candy bar from some cheerleaders, as I was driving away, one of the girls yelled at my car and called me cheap for only buying one. You've got to be kidding me. I just gave you my money, and you're calling me cheap?

Its very frustrating when there are children fundraising outside of practically every store you shop in. I'm not rude to anyone trying to raise funds for their schools or organizations, but I can see why alot of people just don't want to be bothered.

That's just wrong and so against anything that is taught in Cubs. We drill into the boys to say Have a nice day no matter if they buy or not.

I really don't get the hostility towards people selling outside of stores. If you don't want it no biggie, say no thanks and move on. Then again I don't get my panties in a wad over heelys, reusing mugs, pool hopping etc.

 

[disykat]

Just to make it clear, she said it in a very rude, stuck up tone. I have no problem with people saying no. I would say no, too if I were them. It is just how she said it and she acted like her cheerleaders were SO much better than us. Her exact words were, "I only support X school cheerleaders. Buh-bye". I would never say that, even though I wouldn't donate. Her tone of voice is what I found to be the rude thing. Even if she had simply said "No", with her tone, I would have also thought that to be rude. In fact, I even told my friends there that I am annoyed by people outside stores that ask for donations regardless of how good the cause may be. However, the fact is that the band does not get supported (by both the school and outside organizations) as the football team does, so we NEED money for instruments, uniforms (both actual uniforms and maintenance), band camp, flags, etc.



I didn't think the older man was rude at all. I usually love talking to friendly people like that. I even enjoyed our "little" conversation. It was a nice break from the people that just walked past us, which is fine, but sitting there for 3 hours would get a little borin without friendly people.

Ah, now your post makes a little more sense to me. I was scratching my head trying to figure out what was rude.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

My only complaint with sitting outside a store asking for donations/contributions is for the group, whatever it may be to only hit me up either on the way in or on the way out not both, it won't change my answer and I may get snippy if I'm in a mood to begin with and you ask again.

I seldom participate in these types of things, although I have been known to buy GS cookies or pre-packaged chocolates as I do contribute to my 2 kids schools and really do not have much other disposable income. The other thing is when I tell you "I don't carry cash" I am serious. I use my debit card pretty much everywhere and seldom carry actual cash (as I tend to spend it when I do).

 

[kristen821]

I'm another one that hates to be hit up for donations. I buy all the raffle tickets my kids have to sell because I think it is rude to ask someone else to help support what my kids are doing

 

[Snow_White]

Nothing irks me more than people sitting in front of stores/restaurants begging for money. Ok, that's a little harsh, but sorry, it annoys me. Same with door-to-door solicitors selling magazines/newspapers/whatever--they drive me batty!

 

[PirateKitty]

That's just wrong and so against anything that is taught in Cubs. We drill into the boys to say Have a nice day no matter if they buy or not.

I really don't get the hostility towards people selling outside of stores. If you don't want it no biggie, say no thanks and move on. Then again I don't get my panties in a wad over heelys, reusing mugs, pool hopping etc.

I was so tempted to call and complain about that incident with the cub scouts. And for the parent to do that in front of her child was just setting such a bad example. And I must note, the children did not hear what I said to the parent. The kid didn't even look upset when I said no thank you...he just smiled and said "ok, thanks". Will I hold this against the cub scouts, absolutely not.

I'm not rude to anyone selling anything either. In fact, I was really touched when a group of girls came to my door around Christmas to sing Christmas carols, and when I asked if they were looking for a donation, they said "no, we're just spreading some holiday joy". It was really touching.

 

[nephthys43]

now... i support our marching band and theatre and art programs, but i refuse to donate to sports or cheerleaders. i am never rude about it though, unless they're rude to me.

our band kids will actually do their own fundraising. they'll stand in the cold outside a store and always be happy. the football kids? nope. their parents do it. and they're nasty if you refuse. especially the cheerleaders' moms. i'll say "no thanks" and i'll usually get a "what? you don't like cheerleaders?" and they say it in this haughty tone like they assume i was never good enough to be a cheerleader and i hate them. usually i tell them that i refuse to donate to a program that gets enormous funding while our arts programs get cut. our school board approved a 1.5 million football field last year (that ended up being built wrong and is now unusable), but decided to cut courtesy bussing. figure that one out.

 

[Chattyaholic]

I support my grandchildren's schools, so would have had to say no to you asking for a donation too. And I probably would have told you why, sorry you think that would be rude.

I don't like pushy donation seekers sitting right outside the door of stores. If I want to donate, I can walk over to the table on my own without being bugged by someone asking me to donate, buy raffle tickets, or whatever.

Reminds me of the time the Shriners were outside Wal-Mart, asking for donations. One guy asked me and I politely told him "sorry, no." He then said "well, I hope you never need our services." I stopped in my tracks, turned back to him and told him we tithed to our church, supported a child in another country through Christian Children's Fund, and supported the cancer society. Told him a person has to draw the line somewhere, and that he was rude for what he said.

 

[simba928]

now... i support our marching band and theatre and art programs, but i refuse to donate to sports or cheerleaders. i am never rude about it though, unless they're rude to me.

our band kids will actually do their own fundraising. they'll stand in the cold outside a store and always be happy. the football kids? nope. their parents do it. and they're nasty if you refuse. especially the cheerleaders' moms. i'll say "no thanks" and i'll usually get a "what? you don't like cheerleaders?" and they say it in this haughty tone like they assume i was never good enough to be a cheerleader and i hate them. usually i tell them that i refuse to donate to a program that gets enormous funding while our arts programs get cut. our school board approved a 1.5 million football field last year (that ended up being built wrong and is now unusable), but decided to cut courtesy bussing. figure that one out.

That is how it is with our school. The cheerleaders and football parents do everything for their kids, but we band kids do everything ourselves. Honestly, though, I would rather do my own fundraising and not have my mom do it for me. The football parents actually try to argue with the band mom in charge of concessions (we have 2 concession stands, one to raise money for the football team and another to raise money for us, on opposite sides of the field in the stadium) over what she can sell and what she can't.

Oh, and to make it a bit more clear...we were sitting by the exit, so we only asked someone once and if they said no, but we saw them coming out again later, we didn't ask them again. We figured that they knew we were there and if they happened to change their mind, great and if not, thats fine too. We simply said "Would you like to purchase a raffle ticket to support the band". If they said no, we said "OK. Have a nice day!" and let them on their way.