Today I found the
following note had been dropped onto my doormat – despite the fact it
was obvious I was present in the house – by the local
Betterware representative.
“Sorry I missed
you today when I called to collect the catalogue that unfortunately
was not left outside. I very much regret that due to time constraints
it is not possible for me to call back to collect the catalogue, but
should you wish to place an order, please call me on: xxxxx-xxxxxx”
(I've omitted the telephone number as I not offering free advertising
for the local representative.)
The wording of this
note offends me in two ways.
Assumed commitment.
Firstly it implied I
had failed to honour a commitment – one which I hadn't made – by
not placing the catalogue outside of my home. I didn't ask for it and
I didn't agree to be part of an agreement to store, act as custodian
of, act as a poste restante, and then return the unsolicited
publication on a predetermined, but not discussed or confirmed as
acceptable, day.
Time management
Secondly it implied
that the time management of the Betterware representative is more
important than my own personal time scheduling. I'm not interested in
how busy the representative may be on the day that he (I know the
gender from the name on the note) unilaterally decided that I should
waste my time putting the mailshot he had put through my letter box
outside my front door for him to collect.
Like all unsolicited
junk mail, the Betterware catalogue went into the recycling bin on
the day it was delivered. As will all future correspondence from the
company. I don’t wish to, and I won't, get involved in its
catalogue marketing strategy.
©Elliot Sampford 2014.
©Elliot Sampford 2014.
I have a notice on my door indicating that we don't want leaflets, brochures, religious or sales people. I also added that brochures would immediately be thrown away. It worked, except for the odd leaflet left by people who can't read!
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