Chuggers - how to banish them

[JockSporran]

In Glasgow I was approached by some charity or other looking for money. I told the truth at the time, saying 'I'm in financial difficulties. I can give you a small donation but not a subscription'.

The chugger practically chased ME away. Frantically explaining that they can't take 'one-offs', she couldn't get rid of me quickly enough. So I'll remember that one, and now I offer the idea to you. If you want to drive away a chugger, use that excuse.

[froggequene]

I might try that one myself. I was recently approached by one & I couldn't shake her off, she wouldn't accept that I wasn't going to hand over my details in the middle of the street. We were standing in the middle of a shopping precinct and I had to point out to her that she was making us both vulnerable to being mugged.

[Whickerman]

Personally I refuse every time, and further, I make a point of writing to the charity involved.

[B00]

I once told a heavily made up snotty mare who was really persistant trying to flog me a catalogue that I was on parole, she couldn't get rid of me quick enough after that!

[China Doll]

What's a chugger? Are they those people that stand round with clip boards?

I just say 'no thanks' and carry on walking. They tend not to pursue me.

[Bathsheba]

Think it means CHarity mUGGER

[naomi24]

That's outrageous. I trust you'll remember that charity, and avoid it in future.

[NikkiB]

Like most Brits I give to charity. We are one of the most generous nations in the world. But I, and I'm sure others, bitterly resent being badgered and harrassed in the street by total strangers.
I was in a town centre and happened to pass one chug twice. Out of the thousands of people around, he ambled over to me on both occasions. Despite my polite and firm "no's" he persisted, even moving opposite me and walking backwards as I walked forwards. He was so intent on his spiel - or commission - he didn't care that he was making both me and the people behind him stumble this way and that. He carried on this silly display for about 20 yards before I lost my temper and told him where to go. When I got home I was horrified that I was so abrupt with a charity worker but I guess that what some charities may be capitalisting on - guilt, coupled with the Britiish reluctance to give offence.

[wildwood]

It is important to remember that even if you give a small amount to these people you are promoting their existence. A lot of charity collection is done on commission and especially with the phone canvassing, the charity is fortunate if they get 20% of the donated amount.
If a polite no doesn't work ignore them or give them a mouthful, whatever you feel comfortable with.

If you're accosted at a Mall or shop tell the manager that you do not feel comfortable at being hassled.

Choose your charity and donate to them directly. Also include a note that you do not want to be on their mailing list and be hassled with begging letters, you'll donate when you feel it is appropriate.

[flip_flop]

Can't stand these people - I've been really quite rude to the persistent ones in the past.

There were a couple of charity collecters outside Sainsbury's yesterday and as I passed one she shook her collecting thing in my face - I told her I was going to give some money on the way out (I was - honestly), but she could whistle for it now - bloody rude old cow.