A mother from DS's preschool handed me an Avon catalogue yesterday. I don't want or need anything, but I do feel obligated to buy something - she's a nice lady, the kids are good friends, and i don't think she has much money. WWYD?
Overall Rating: votes
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Posted 7 months ago #
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your son would probably love the bubble bath (probably cheap, too)...Mom might like it, too :)
Posted 7 months ago # -
IF you feel obligated to buy something, go ahead and buy the item. Then, give it away.
BUT, I don't understand why you feel obligated to buy something. If I did not want or need any of the products, I would thank her for the offer and politely decline to buy anything.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I have said in the past, "make sure your number is on the catalog
and I'll let you know if I'm interested in ordering anything, thank you."
Then buy only if you truly want and will use it.Posted 7 months ago # -
I agree with JayEff...don't buy out of obligation. This may actually be worse for the friendship/relationship than the initial decline of purchase. Think about it...you end up buying one thing, then another, then another (because you become a good customer that buys every time)...then you have a closet full of things you don't want...then you begin avoiding this person because you don't want anymore stuff...then it becomes a chore when you do see this person...that's not good :(
I would decline...my reason would be that I just don't use the products...thank her for thinking of you...and occasionally ask her how her business is doing and wish her well.
My cousin is an Avon lady...and I don't buy anything from her for the very reasons above. She gives catalogs to EVERYONE...that is just good business advertisement...she doesn't really expect a sale FROM everyone...and it's nothing personal between us...it's just business :)
Posted 7 months ago # -
Charity, I don't think she would be offended if you didn't order anything. If, however, you want to order something as a one-time thing to help her out, Avon usually has cute, small items that can be used as stocking stuffers. I've done that in the past when I wanted to order from someone just because I wanted to help their business get started. I would have been buying stocking stuffers anyway, so the Avon items just replaced some of the stuff that would have been purchased closer to Christmas, and my granddaughter loved the little lip balms, bubble bath, etc. with the cute Christmas patterns.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Yes, I think if you buy once then you are creating an expectation of future sales. Unless you actually want something, politely decline, or maybe offer to pass the catalogue on to someone who would actually buy?
Posted 7 months ago # -
Oops, just read your post properly and you said you didn't want any of it. I had another (evil) thought though. Could you buy something for your MIL from it?! It would serve her right for foisting all that unwanted stuff on you :)
Posted 7 months ago # -
LoL - I haven't forgiven MIL for giving me anti-wrinkle cream for Xmas, back when I was about 24. I actually have very youthful skin (the benefit of it it being oily!)
Posted 7 months ago # -
I have stopped buying things I don't want and doing things I don't want to do. If it offends someone, I'm sorry, but it makes me mad it I don't stay true to myself.
I would hate for my friends or family to feel obligated to do something they don't want to do for me.
Irishbell said it best...."make sure your number is on the catalog
and I'll let you know if I'm interested in ordering anything, thank you."Posted 7 months ago # -
I only use organic toiletries (get me!) - I ordered a Hello Kitty neckalce and a Barbie hat and scarf set as I'm sure DD will be invited to a fair few birthday parties. But I hope she doesn't make a habit of it; how often do these books come out?!
Posted 7 months ago # -
The fact that something is for sale in NO WAY creates an obligation to buy. Not for me, period, full stop. If this woman is trying to make a living in sales, she'll understand - or will find another field very soon.
Posted 7 months ago # -
There is one graceful way out of almost any situation. A big smile, a "thank you", take the catalog, and recycle it when you get home.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Here in Australia, Avon catalogues come out about every 3-4 weeks.
Posted 7 months ago # -
"I don't need anything right now, but thanks".
(or something like that)If you want to help her, you can find better ways than buying Avon.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I have to give the catalogue back - she has to pay for them, so re-uses them.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I definitely wouldn't buy anything if there was nothing I wanted. If she's a nice lady, she will understand that.
In the same vein, I hate it when Big Issue sellers (not sure if this is a UK-only thing - they are homeless people selling a weekly magazine) put pressure on me to buy. I always feel like telling them that they are making me feel uncomfortable - I don't enjoy the magazine, and I already do voluntary work with the homeless so don't see why I should feel obliged to buy the magazine when I don't want it.
I'm in a grumpy mood today!
Posted 7 months ago # -
I usually find Big Issue sellers ok, I just smile sweetly, say no thanks and keep walking. I'm usually in a real rush if I'm
in a shopping centre anyway, I hate shopping so do it in a hurry! I was chatting to someone at uni the other day and he works as a 'chugger' (think it's short for charity mugger) and they're usually the ones I hate, but it was quite enlightening talking to this chap. I imagine he'd be very good at it: he's paid a salary (many are on commission), he believes in the charity he works for, and he's a very friendly bloke. And he wouldn't be pushy, unlike some. He absolutely loves his job! I couldn't imagine anything worse, myself.
But what I really hate is those parties where you feel forced to buy stuff, I went to one once and it was all makeup and stuff (which I don't wear). I ended up buying quite a nice necklace, but it was literally the only thing in the catalogue which I liked. But at least it was a one-off, unlike Avon catalogues.Posted 7 months ago # -
nobody should ever feel obliged to buy anything, ever.
that's my golden rule, both as a buyer and a seller.charitable giving is a whole separate thing.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I hate all the selling to your friends schemes, Usbourne, party plan things selling stuff, Avon and Kleeneze. It can strain acquaintance and in some ways I think the companies are taking advantage of some sellers by suggesting great rewards or requiring a large initial outlay for demonstrator kits.
I've had to say to no thanks to these because.
1. I don't use cosmetics as I have allergies.
2. The scented candles will only make me sneeze.
3. I don't need any more kitchen unitaskers. Though the Pampered Chef batter jug is one I did actually give in to and it's really useful. The good friend who had the party, to help another friend who was starting up, was cool about it being come to my house for food and drink and incidentally we'll have a demo too but no expectations.Posted 7 months ago #
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