Visitation and No Soliciting Signs

[Arbo]

On our front door we have a sign that reads No Soliciting Or Handbills.

For those who do door-to-door cold visitation, what do you do (or your church's policy) when you encounter these types of signs and why?

 

[abcgrad94]

I respect their wishes and leave them alone. People put signs up because they don't want to be bothered.

Now, if the person is a church member, we'd call in advance before coming to visit.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I respect their wishes and leave them alone. People put signs up because they don't want to be bothered.

Now, if the person is a church member, we'd call in advance before coming to visit.

Agreed - absolutely

 

[Arbo]

Abc, C4k- I agree, and thanks. Personally I think it shows a lack of respect to ignore the homeowner's wishes, and does more harm to the reputation of the church than good.

 

[ktn4eg]

I've been told that the legal definition of solicitation is an action wherein something of monetary value is proffered. If that definition is true (and I can't vouch for the fact that it is), visitation for the purpose of evangelization would't seem to apply.

OTOH, even if visitation isn't strictly considered as solicitation in the legal sense, I doubt whether an individual who has a "No Soliciting" sign out front would be aware that visitation isn't, legally speaking, solicitation.

My townhouse community has "No Soliciting" signs posted at all of its entrances (it's a gated community), but probably isn't enforced since I will often find handbills for various businesses stuck on my front door (not to mention the occasional visits by the JW's).

 

[Arbo]

ktn4eg- Interesting that when Jehova Wittnesses are mentioned, most people's first thought is the unwanted door-to-door visit.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

On our front door we have a sign that reads No Soliciting Or Handbills.

For those who do door-to-door cold visitation, what do you do (or your church's policy) when you encounter these types of signs and why?

You really do that....man I feel sorry for that poor Fuller Brush Guy. :laugh:

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Here is what I do..... I have 3 bulldogs. Anyone comes to the house, I just open the door.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Arbo]

Here is what I do..... I have 3 bulldogs. Anyone comes to the house, I just open the door.:smilewinkgrin:

Ha!:laugh:

Our Golden Retriever Molly (died last Aug.) was a VERY protective dog who had a bark like an underfed 150 lb. rottie who spent its formative years in a junkyard. Some of the looks of the door-to-doorers, as they came to the front porch were classic.:laugh:

Our new Little Buddy, Annabelle, just wags her tail.:laugh:

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Ha!:laugh:

Our Golden Retriever Molly (died last Aug.) was a VERY protective dog who had a bark like an underfed 150 lb. rottie who spent its formative years in a junkyard. Some of the looks of the door-to-doorers, as they came to the front porch were classic.:laugh:

Our new Little Buddy, Annabelle, just wags her tail.:laugh:

I think I like dogs better than humans (most of the time) & my Bo Boy is 150 Lbs (Big Big Bull Dog)....but he is blind.....dont tell the JW's that come around.

 

[Arbo]

I think I like dogs better than humans (most of the time) & my Bo Boy is 150 Lbs (Big Big Bull Dog)....but he is blind.....dont tell the JW's that come around.

Åh, att fler människor var som sina hundar ...

Oh, that more people were like their dogs...

 

[Salty]

My basic thoughts on No Soliciting signs.

Most people use them because we are a nation of wimps.

We are afraid to tell someone no.

Have you ever thought that a door-to-door salesman could be a great opportunity to witness?

Now I realize that there may be valid reason to put up a sign - such as day sleepers, ect.

But to answer the question - I would honor such a sign, as you would be starting off with a negative points.

However, if there was a loophole to ring the doorbell.....
(cant help it, I am a professional salesman....)

 

[Arbo]

My basic thoughts on No Soliciting signs.

Most people use them because we are a nation of wimps.

We are afraid to tell someone no.

It's more likely that people are sick of saying no.

 

[HeirofSalvation]

I have been involved in various "cold-calling" type door-to-door visitations, over the years, and neither I nor anyone else seemed to feel that we were "soliciting" in that I guess we felt that "soliciting" was an attempt to engage in commerce, and we were not. It may have something to do with were one lives etc...where I am from....I don't think anyone gives a hoot about "no soliciting" signs....I guess we kind of think that some contractors randomly place them when the house is built, and that there is no signifigant reason to believe that the sign accurately reflects the wishes of the current resident :laugh:

So.....Here we come!! :wavey::wavey:

 

[agedman]

At my age, I actually resent the interruption of the door bell even by the postman.

I have reached the enlightened state that the door bell needs about as much attention as my phone. Unless I know who is there, forget me even acknowledging your ringing and my answering.

 

[Arbo]

At my age, I actually resent the interruption of the door bell even by the postman.

I have reached the enlightened state that the door bell needs about as much attention as my phone. Unless I know who is there, forget me even acknowledging your ringing and my answering.

You are a kindred spirit!:thumbs::laugh:

I do the same thing. It drives Wifey nuts.:smilewinkgrin:

The only people I'll answer the door for is the mailman on the rare occasion that he has a package or registered letter and kids selling little-league candy bars.

 

[saturneptune]

If there is a no soliciting sign, or a pit bull there to greet me, I move on to the next house. Last year, while on a mission trip in Eastern Kentucky, we were in an apartment complex, mostly government subsidized. I knocked on the door, and a man in his 20s said, "wait a minute," so I did. He came back with a wooden box, and said there was a rattlesnake in it. He asked if me or my partner would put our hand in the box to test our faith. I told him that I hoped he had a nice day, and went to the next apartment.

I will not get into a debate on visitation (you would never know that from my posts here). When someone brings up questions like can God make a rock too heavy for Him to lift or can God commit suicide, I dust off my shoes and keep going forward.

 

[Jim1999]

You may also find that some people use "no soliciting" signs because they work shifts and are prolly sleeping. I always respected signs.........along with the owners privacy.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[mont974x4]

I don't do cold calls. Sign or no sign I call ahead. About 9 years ago a friend I was in youth group with (nearly 20 years ago) was trying to start a church. We joined him. One day I came out of the bathroom after a shower wrapped in just a towel to find him and his wife standing there. He was lucky I didn't shoot him.