Avoidance
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you are not expecting a visitor or package, do not answer the door.
There is no law requiring you to answer; it avoids complications and unwanted sales pitches.
- One person reported that burglars broke in because they assumed no one was home when the door wasn't answered.
13 people, independently
Screen visitors through a peephole or window before opening the door.
You should know who is on the other side before opening.
3 people, independently
Put up a simple, clear sign such as 'No Soliciting' or 'Not Interested'.
Simple language is easier for solicitors to read and causes them to turn away.
- Avoid using complex words that might be difficult to read quickly.
9 people, independently
Tell solicitors you rent the place, the owners are absent, or you do not own the home.
Solicitors typically seek homeowners and will walk away if they believe you are not the decision-maker.
3 people, independently
Put up 'No Soliciting', 'No Door to Door', and 'No Trespassing' signs on your door.
To prevent nonsense.
one person who lived it
Make a fake phone call to appear busy.
Friendly people may leave you alone or keep their visit short, while scammers may view you as a potential witness.
one person who lived it
Ask for the visitor's solicitation license number to get removed from their lists.
They remove you from their lists.
one person who lived it
Focus on your own boundaries even if refusing help is perceived as selfish; if others get upset, it is their responsibility.
There is nothing wrong with setting boundaries.
- Some may view this as selfish, individualistic, or self-entitled.
one person who lived it
Pause for a couple of seconds after knocking before entering to allow the occupant time to respond.
Entering immediately renders the knock meaningless.
one person who lived it
7 more on this
Decline door-to-door sales pitches by saying 'Not Interested, Thank You' twice and closing the door.
Stops them from engaging you in a pitch
one person who lived it
- Politely decline with 'no thank you' and shut the door right away, without providing any excuses or explanations.6
Ignore calls from unknown or private numbers, waiting for a voicemail to decide if a return call is warranted.
If it is important, they will leave a voicemail.
one person who lived it
View the phone and doorbell as tools for your convenience, not an obligation to others.
one person who lived it
Use a 'no soliciting' sign and sit with the main door open but screen door closed to ignore knocks visibly.
Signs are often ignored, so visible presence helps deter interaction.
one person who lived it
Stare directly at the solicitor silently for an uncomfortable period, then say a calm 'no'.
It may be surprisingly effective.
one person who lived it
Use a rhythmic, friendly knock pattern instead of banging loudly.
Avoids sounding aggressive like a police officer
one person who lived it
Knock on a door even if it is already open to announce your presence.
Prevents seeing something private and alerts the occupant of your arrival
one person who lived it