by Richard Max Detrano

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 03, 2009

How do you avoid buying from kids selling things door to door that you probably do not want? Set up some rules, and stick to them.

Here are some suggestions:

1. If you do not plan to buy anything, say, "I am sure yours is a worthy cause, but no thank you." Being polite is perhaps the most important element. If he or she persists, say, "I'm sorry. I was busy when you came."

2. If you never buy or give anything at the door, say the same thing you would say to an adult: "I'm sorry, I do not buy or give anything at the door."

3. Get the rejection over quickly. The longer you stand there listening to a child, the harder it is to refuse. Kids are tougher than you think. They will just go next door, but why waste everyone's time.

4. Do not feel guilty. You can not buy everything from everyone. Many people feel this is a poor way to subsidize education.

But, what if you are willing to buy from some but not from others?

Some people simply want to be selective. We do not want to be the target of adults who drop off a van load of kids to "work" our neighborhood. In that case set up some rules to limit your contact.

1. Buy only from children you know, from local schools, and from families in your neighborhood.

2. Buy minimally. More than one of your neighbor's children may show up at your door from the same school, the same class, or the same team.

3. When you have reached your limit, say you are sorry, "I already purchased something from one of your classmates."

4. Always write a check. Cash can cause unnecessary neighborly confrontations if lost. Remember, kids are not used to handling other people's money.

5. Do not invite children into your home for milk and cookies. You are opening yourself up to trouble.

First and foremost, remember the little person before you is somebody's child, learning the ways of the world, and he or she deserves to be treated with respect. That does not mean that you have to be Santa Claus. It simply means that you should treat this youngster as thoughtfully as you would ask another to treat your own child, or yourself.

In a perfect world there would be no need for children raising money door to door. School programs would be well funded. These are tough economic times, however. I am afraid more and more kids will be knocking on doors trying to raise money for their sports teams, their class trips, and their extra-curricular activities.

You have to have a plan.

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