Doorstep sellers who start with 'I'm on a youth training scheme'
Slightly greasy-looking lads, possibly from the travelling communit but without the accent, late teens, carrying stock in big holdalls slung over one shoulder. They knock on the door and start with 'sorry to bother you, but I'm on a youth training scheme trying to get a better job' or something like this. Always uses 'youth training scheme', which I'm sure is a term from Maggie's days.

Whatever you say, they come back with 'how about some teatowels, 3 for a fiver, excellent quality', before rummaging around in their holdalls to produce a multipack of cheap pound-shop towels. Decline these and then yellow dusters come out. Then the green scourers... You literally can't say no - they've always got something else to show you. It's like the betterware catalogue on greasy spotty legs.

The curious thing is that over the past 20 years I've lived up and down the country, yet the people coming to the doors all round the country always look the same, say the same thing, and have the same stock.

Who are they, where do they come from, and who teaches them the line of 'I'm on a youth training scheme'. Is it a genuine scheme, have they replied to 'earn £400 a week' posters and there's someone who organises them to do it, or what?
(harrypitta friends with the chilli saucerer, Wed 10 Oct 2012, 12:10, 4 replies)

Apart from chuggers and jehovas witnesses
I've never had anyone come to my doorstep and actually try to sell me something.
( M3rx likes the Asian ladies, Wed 10 Oct 2012, 14:38, closed)

Chuggers at the doorstep are the worst.
I can put up with them on the street; it's neutral territory, an inherent risk, I can cross the road to avoid them, etc. But when they come to my house and actively go out of their way to bother me, they can fuck right off. They inevitably do it when I'm in the final stages of cooking my tea as well. I've usually deliberated not answering the door when they call too, never had one when I've just instinctively answered it.

I don't mind Jehovas witnesses as much, they usually call in the morning on a weekend and give up pretty quick when they see the housecoat, the bloodshot eyes and the beer shakes.
( Slippery Mick ‏, Wed 10 Oct 2012, 15:38, closed)

I did
but then I got 5 dogs. I don't anymore.
(robneymcplum spiced up his life on, Wed 10 Oct 2012, 15:38, closed)

Then why do you answer the door?
There is no need to answer the door to anyone you are not expecting, and a quick look through a window should let you know if it's a friend or neighbour you're not expecting, the police or similar.
Why on earth answer the door to some random stranger?
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Wed 10 Oct 2012, 21:15, closed)