Forum Topic

Chugger Blitz.

Just counted 12 yellow topped chuggers  on Grafton.  Does it really take that many to sign people up to a charity.  Looks like the pests are heading towards Goldsmiths.  More chuggers on the way, by the looks of it.Don't sign anything on the doorstep, and don't give bank details.

Nikki Howard ● 4508d16 Comments

I encounter them endlessly in Ealing main shopping area - am I alone in thinking "chugging" should be banned, given the costs incurred and the style of some of the individuals? I always come away with a slightly worse view of the charities who use this approach, probably because I think giving to charity is a personal decision and does not need "selling" to you.

Joe Conneely ● 4507d

They rang my door bell at 9 pm Monday night. I hobbled down the stairs painfully on my sprained ankle and gave them a polite and firm piece of my mind. Too late to knock at the door.

Kim Rugg ● 4507d

Again, a reminder, do not open your door if you are not expecting anyone.  Problem solved.

Dee Cook ● 4507d

I loathe them in street - and they always seem to target harrassed-looking middle-aged women.My response was that I STOP giving to any charity using chuggers, and then I do.

Sara Nathan ● 4507d

Call from Amnesty this evening to enquire why I had cancelled my direct debit - after only one payment. So I told them about the door-to-door man who returned night after night, wouldn't be put off and was ever such a poor soul....I think he must have traded on that. In the end, I feebly signed up to get rid of him. I felt quite harassed at the time.Anyhow, never again. At least she sounded mortified!

Sara Nathan ● 4500d

The moral of the story is:Don't sign on the doorstep.I always say, put it in writing and send it to me.Did I ask you to ring my bell, clear off.That's me being polite as this is not CW4.

Nikki Howard ● 4500d

I know, I agree with you. But he was so persistent and yet so vulnerable, that I couldn't be as brusque as usual.

Sara Nathan ● 4500d

Charity begins at home, not paying the commission to infuriating chuggers, that won't take NO for an answer.I remember when some pushy specimen insisted I declare which charities I give to, as he thought they were a waste of time.  When I refused, he got very obnoxious.  He soon found out I wasn't going to be intimidated.  Is preservation of the arts and wetland birds unworthy?

Nikki Howard ● 4499d

Do you realise that when you sign up with one of the chuggers,sometimes up to 90% of your donations for that year goes to the chuggers?  If you want to donate, it is more efficient to contact the charity direct.

Ireen Esmann ● 4499d

Oh I kow -- never ever do it in the street - and that was first and last on the doorstep

Sara Nathan ● 4499d

Just be more assertive next time.

Nikki Howard ● 4499d

I think that may be the first time since I was a babe in arms that ANYONE has ever suggested I should be more assertive.I will do my best.

Sara Nathan ● 4499d

It's a real shame these guys take a cut of what they take.  Not saying they aren't entitled to earn a living, but just seems a little disingenuous.

wray green ● 4498d

I just hate it when they get aggressive about walking past.  Why are so many needed on the same stretch of road?

Neil Bell ● 4498d

It's called "ambushing" not "chugging"?

Joe Conneely ● 4498d

Ha! Exactly. Think I was caught in a bit of a "pincer movement" the other day.

Neil Bell ● 4498d