What are people’s opinions of the charity stands that sit in/outside of supermarkets?

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Reesy@reddit

There's usually something like this in my local Sainsbury's, and honestly, they have never stopped me or asked for money. If they did I would just say no sorry I'm busy. I'm not a tight ass either, I will give if something catches my eye, I'll drop a quid or two in the tub for dogs trust or something. I'm not signing up for anything though or giving my details.

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xgabipandax@reddit

But you drop a few pounds in the tub for treatment for stinky feet

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Former-Let-2855@reddit

what is the stinky feet charity? I would like to donate pls

the stinky feet community have had a too hard for too long 😭

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DollyDaydreamer88@reddit

I personally don’t like them and the aggression of some of them is a joke.

I don’t live in the UK anymore so it’s a brilliant get out for me; I was once in London and a chugger came up to me and asked me to donate and looked shocked when I said in a heavy English accent ‘sorry mate I don’t live in the UK’.

Over here (Belgium) I just say I don’t speak Flemish (in Flanders) or French (in Brussels/Wallonia).

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Former-Let-2855@reddit

being Irish in London I can't believe I never thought of using the accent clause!

the worst chuggers I saw in my life were in Dublin in the mid 90s. they were relentless.

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Dru2021@reddit

“I’m only here quickly to get thrush cream for my peeenis”

Really drag the “e” in the word to make it awkward. If they seem persistent, point at your general below the belt area.

Stops them every time before they bother with the second round of foot in the door questions.

(This response works for everyone, so far nobody has asked to prove it).

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Former-Let-2855@reddit

"I'm only here to get Vagisil for my itchy flaaaaaaaaaps!"

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit

Remember most of the people running these are not volunteers but on commission (like chuggers).

You shouldn’t feel any embarrassment saying no, they’re the ones taking funds from the charity to hassle people/the charity is the one funding people to do this.

It’s also a highly regressive tactic, particularly targeting meeker people, including elderly and neurodiverse.

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Former-Let-2855@reddit

seriously they can spot us social awkwards a mile away

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Hot-Screen-4713@reddit

Most people doing this are absolutely not on commission. The vast majority are on an hourly rate. Yes, the company contracted to do the work will be paid by number of signups, but find me any company who don’t get paid for their work.

You can’t run the charity sector with volunteers, it would collapse.

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Glittering-Round7082@reddit

Maybe it should collapse then.

It's not a charity when it's being run as a business with organised paid people trying to get you to sign up to subscription.

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GrandAsOwt@reddit

It’s two separate things. One’s a charity trying to do good. The other’s a business getting sign-ups. The charity may pay for business’ services.

Some of the charity’s staff will be paid, because they need them full time, consistent and up to date with skills. Some will be volunteers who want to work a day or two a week, who need to take time off at random because their daughter needs help with a poorly baby, who have retired and don’t have much to do with computers so their IT skills are lacking and they don’t want to learn. Both are needed.

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prettybunbun@reddit

This isn’t true.

I work in the charity sector, it depends on the charity but A LOT of us do it as volunteers. Either 1) specific volunteers 2) paid staff volunteering their free time 3) charities set aside days for paid staff to do this rather than their normal work for a day or two a year.

We don’t have the money for chuggers lol, volunteers are the backbone of the charity sector.

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musicfortea@reddit

We're all neurodiverse, maybe you mean neurodivergent?

I have ASD, only once did they bother me when I looked at them, I didn't say anything and was close to walking through them when they blocked me. Best to pretend they're not there, put your head down and walk.

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ShufflingToGlory@reddit

It’s also a highly regressive tactic, particularly targeting meeker people, including elderly and neurodiverse.

As a rather pathetic looking chap I always get the "hello lovely" treatment from the younger, more attractive chuggers.

Please fuck off, I'm just trying to get my pizza and ice cream home before it melts.

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TheDaemonette@reddit

I hate it when my pizza melts on the way home.

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fortyfivepointseven@reddit

It's all the palm oil they put in them now. I am remember when it was bread and cheese. Now it's just a layer of synthetic palm oil over more palm oil.

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PercySmith@reddit

There's a group in my local Sainsbury's who rather than asking if you have a moment actively walk in front of you trying to force a conversation. It's got to the point where they are so aggressive trying to block you in I just walk into/through them. Does my head in!

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Mumlife8628@reddit

They do this to me in town too 😮‍💨 they collared my 14 year old last time ended up donating to get her away from it 🤣 like no thanks keep walking or just spout a random Irish phrase (I do this as im scared if I use french/german/Spanish they may know the language then im screwed)

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PsychologicalDish430@reddit

Chuggers getting in the way.

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craftyorca135@reddit

I had two people stand outside sainsburys, pouncing on people who exited the shop.

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lavender_cookie_@reddit

I feel bad for those who can't brush it off it's really relentless lately. I just laugh and say NO THANKS! And carry on walking.

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theoneandonlyvesper@reddit

Ignore them like they don’t exist why make a big deal out of it

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Chelsea_Ellie@reddit

I hate them, over Xmas there were so many at one point there were a group of carol singers at one, i couldn’t deal with going in so went to another shop. Another was really rude to me, i considered complaining to the shop, they asked a question, I said i already donate and they said I should do more

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eat-real-chips@reddit

One of them used the opening line on me: “are you friendly?” So I gave him the death stare and said “no I am not” and kept walking ☠️ hehehehe

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lindsaychild@reddit

The only time I've ever interacted with one of those was the Royal British Legion for a poppy otherwise I ignore them.

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bars_and_plates@reddit

In my area to get from my place to the shops or say the train station you will encounter at least 1 or 2 chuggers, someone who should be in the mental hospital and probably at least one homeless.

To me it's just like adverts on the internet or cookie banner or whatever, I just mentally block it, I would rather they just figure their life out but it's not my job.

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RagingFuckNuggets@reddit

I ring my husband as I leave the shop if I see them. I am too polite to just walk away & I already regularly donate to more local charities & fundraisers for friends so feel like I already do my bit.

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dglcomputers@reddit

Maybe if I have my earphones in it's because I don't want you to bother me and even if you they I will just walk away.

I hate any form of company harassing people in the street/supermarket and makes me want to support them even less.

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No_Bank_4653@reddit

We have them in our town centre and I used to be polite with them but lately I have been increasingly short with them. They are relentless. They won’t accept a simple “No thank you” and will literally chase you a few metres down the street or attempt to block your path. I get they are just desperate to earn themselves some money as they don’t get a wage but I’d just like to walk down the high street without being harassed. I now just loudly state “Nope.” and swerve them until they give up and stop following.

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Heavy-Locksmith-3767@reddit

If they don't take the first polite no thanks then give them a fuck off.

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doegrey@reddit

Honestly they’re so frustrating. You’re power walking because you’re in a hurry and at the same time on the phone trying to deal with life admin on your break and they still stand in front of you and try to engage you in conversation? 🤯

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

The genuine, local charities won't follow you or try to start conversations. They'll have a place to stand, maybe a few leaflets, a coin tin and a digital device for card donations. They probably only get permission from the supermarket to collect on one or two days a year, and your donations make a big difference to them, but don't feel guilty if you can't or don't want to.

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amplified_dynamism@reddit

They're annoying. If they try to engage me I just say that I haven't got any money to give and I don't want to waste their time.

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Jacks_Journey@reddit

I don’t like the guilty feeling saying no to them.

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CharlieCatBloke@reddit

I’d like to be able to deal a minor injury to people who don’t understand that the not making eye contact and obviously ignoring their existence means I don’t want to talk to people. It’s a hate crime against the autistic and vengeance should be swift.

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panic_attack_999@reddit

They piss me off. It's intrusive and rude, and I wish the supermarkets didn't allow it.

The other day one of them tried to stop me by asking "if I was a dog person." The sneer I got when I said "No, I'm a human" was comical.

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saludpesetasamor@reddit

I had a similar encounter in the 90s, with a chugger who physically blocked my path and was a bit intimidating. I was only young and quite taken aback by him, and he asked me rather aggressively why wouldn’t I want to help disabled children? I blurted “Because I don’t like children!” and hastened away. It wasn’t even true but I panicked. 😆

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Dissidant@reddit

Missed oppertunity to make a remark about dogging hotspots

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Party-Werewolf-4888@reddit

These are sales people, and they get a hefty commission depending on the organisation, maybe even a years worth of your subscription). If you want to sign up to a charity or are inspired by what they say, sign up independently to piss them off.

My brother works in this field of work and he's an absolute arsehole. I can attest that he doesnt care in the slightest about the charity or product he is plugging and its all about the money for him. And his culty work mates.

When approached, I tend to ask them what their commission is and how it works. They usually scarper, however there are some genuine organisations and you can tell by their response!

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Asleep-Software-4160@reddit

I'd rather they didn't do it, but I find 'I'm alright, thanks', and keep moving ends the risk of a conversation. Thinking about it, the hand comes up in an instinctive 'Stop' gesture too.

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PerfectPeaPlant@reddit

I don’t mind as long as they aren’t trying to sell me a religion or standing there with graphic pictures of animal abuse (like the anti fox hunting brigade do. No I don’t agree with fox hunting but I also don’t want to see that.)

I just walk by. If they talk to me I say “sorry, I’m late “ if I don’t want to stop.

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highrouleur@reddit

If I want to donate to a charity I'll do it of my own will without being hassled. I've got no issue being rude to people that invade my space and try to guilt me into doing I previously had no intention of doing.

The act of chugging is such a fucking rude thing to do, I don't feel obliged to be polite back

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catschimeras@reddit

I'm not a fan. Feels very invasive particularly when they loiter at checkouts so as to get a captive audience.

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baeworth@reddit

I feel bad because I just never carry cash on me, I never have any need to. But they’re not there to get donations from every single person and they’re not thinking badly of you for walking by. They’re just there on the off chance someone would like to donate or chat and they’re very grateful for what they do get

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weejinty@reddit

I’ve found they don’t accept cash - I’ve offered it. They, in my experience, want you to set up a direct debit for a regular donation. I just tell them I don’t share personal details with anyone that I don’t know.

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baeworth@reddit

Okay so you’re not talking about the poppy appeal or such then, because there are plenty that do still accept cash. Well if you don’t want to do that then there’s no pressure to do so

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weejinty@reddit

I did say ‘in my experience.’ I was thinking about collectors I’ve encountered in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and my local co-op who have stands and glossy literature about the charity. Can’t remember the last time I came across volunteers who had a collecting can - I’d happily put cash into that.

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Beartato4772@reddit

There's a simple test, simply say you will donate directly when you get home. If they are legit this is a good thing.

They are almost never legit.

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kitty-cat-charlotte@reddit

Absolutely hate them. Pisses me off to no end. I just want to buy my food without hassle

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Monkfish786@reddit

Hate it , the anxiety when I see them and thinking what excuse do I use rather than just say no thanks.

If I want to donate I will do so to a charity I truly believe that helps the cause it’s campaigning for without huge CEO pay and various other money skimming from the donations.

I already donate to local / independent charities especially to those abroad in poorer countries looking after animals.

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prettybunbun@reddit

Y’all are so mean.

I work in the charity sector. Stands like this are vital for us to raise funds we need. We aren’t scamming you or being rude, we are just trying to raise funds for vital causes. Sure if the person is being rude or aggressive report them but someone saying ‘hi! five minutes to talk?’ does not need to be sneered at.

Also most charities don’t use chuggers. It’s volunteers or paid staff giving up their own time. I’ve sat on those stools it’s miserable but vital to our fundraising and awareness. There’s no need to be rude. Just say no thank you & move on.

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Hot-Screen-4713@reddit

As someone who works for a national charity, and is responsible for this aspect of our fundraising, can I ask for some respect for the people out doing this fundraising?

Yes it costs the charity money, but a charity is a business. How would any business garner income without some form of advertising costs? And we’re not stupid, we don’t do this for no reason, we do it because we’ve found it’s one of the most cost effective ways for us to raise money.

Those ‘chuggers’ you all spit on are often not on commission (ours certainly aren’t), they earn a fixed hourly rate. Yes they want you to sign up, that’s their job, but they’re not any more ‘in it for the money’ than someone doing any other job - and in fact, they’re often very passionate about the cause they represent.

You don’t have to sign up to a gift if you don’t want to, that’s your prerogative, but it’s an invaluable way to raise funds and the people doing it deserve some respect.

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Significant_Sky_7074@reddit

I agree with most of what you've said here- but the sad fact of the matter is most of them ARE on commission. Your major charity will likely work through Credico/APPCO etc. They have branches, who will have a salesy name like "Sales for Us". They themselves will have smaller branches called "North Yorkshire Marketing". The people the public meet are from the smaller branches. The smaller branches will be ran by people who hire students and the unemployed on a commission only basis. The budget you pay APPCO/Credico etc, pays the bastards who hire the students, but then the students get a pittance per sign up.

Honestly- you should take a closer look into it, because honestly, the way most of the students/unemployed at the bottom get treated and paid for is shocking.

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Significant_Sky_7074@reddit

I don't blame major charities for doing this, btw. I know it's the most cost effective way of raising money (as the lockdowns proved). But there really ought to be a legal way of stopping these MLMs (they're not technically pyramid schemes) from operating. Either that, or give the fundraisers better protections. Because one member of the public complains, and they're in the shit because charities ALWAYS don't take their side. (For context, did this recently for 11 months).

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clbbcrg@reddit

I don’t see them or hear them

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Rocky-bar@reddit

The local ones with a collection box are ok, the national ones doing direct debits, I say no thanks, it's easy to tell the difference.

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Neddlings55@reddit

I hate the ones that arent charities but CICs. So many scammers around raising funds for the homeless or veterans, but are pocketing most of the money.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

You can tell those as they are particularly pushy and outright rude.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

I either ignore them or give a "nope" and continue, it doesn't cause any issues at all. If they ever tried to get in my way they can get a fuck off, but haven't had to do that yet (I'm well hard, I know).

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FreeBogwoppits@reddit

I strongly dislike them. I've pretended to be newly bereaved just to get rid of them. I no longer go to Morrisons as I can't face dealing with the charity thugs on the door.

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jlelvidge@reddit

Morally wrong, there is a cost of living crisis and its begging with a form of bullying and shaming thrown in after you have economized on your shopping. I give to charities that don’t badger me

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WinkyNurdo@reddit

Ignore them. I’ve got a couple of charities close to my heart that I support on a monthly basis and that’s my lot.

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Tattycakes@reddit

I got talked into signing up by one of them because they kept presenting me with questions and scenarios that made me sound awful if I said no. “Do you care about kids today?”

I went home and cancelled and complained.

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Master-Leopard-7830@reddit

"nope sorry" as I whistle past them, exactly the same as I treat the enthusiastic nobs trying to sell broadband. I donate to charities of my own accord.

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Misty_Pix@reddit

I don't even say Nope, sorry.

I raise my hand and shake my head walking past not even making eye contact 😅

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Ok_Cow_3431@reddit

It really makes me feel guilty having to turn these people down

That is precisely the feeling they're counting on

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ScallyGirl@reddit

Cannot stand them. One of them followed me asking why I would not give her just one minute. I told her in my scalliest scouse accent that if she made me swear in front of my child she would not like the consequences. She backed off quickly.

We used to get a some going around knocking on people's doors, they didnt even get a response just the door closed in their face.

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catmadwoman@reddit

If they're selling something (energy mostly) I say no. If they're a charity I say I already donate. Either one I carry on walking away.

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Calm_Set_9433@reddit

There are often gas/electric sales, or charity companies trying to get people to sign up to things at various supermarket entrances. Personally, I don't like their business model. People get harassed and coerced when just trying to do some shopping. I have no problem with charity boxes where you can choose to donate money/food/ pet items etc. In fact, I think these are a great thing. However, I do object to being harassed into signing up to charity direct debits or harassed into changing my energy supplier. I do not hold anything against the workers themselves. They are just doing their job, but it's the big companies behind it, employing people to harass the public. There are plenty of ways they can reach customers without harassing/coercing when people are just trying to get their weekly shopping done.

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LilacScentedStoat@reddit

I don't mind the ones that are like drop a quid in the tin to help blind some kids, I think that's what one of them is for..

But the the ones trying to sign people up to monthly donations, they honestly confuse me a bit.

If someone wanted to support a charity, surely they'd seek out a charity and support it, not just sign up on a whim as they leave Tesco.

But it's up to them I suppose, I just say "no thanks" as I pass.

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2KCoinsLTD@reddit

Its out of order to be honest!

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srm79@reddit

Can't stand the insufferable c*nts! And they get very short shrif from me. I give to specific charities that I know where the money goes. I don't give to chancers on commission where 90% of the donations could be going on admin and staff. And animal charities can get in the bin! The richest charities in the UK were the RSPCA and Dogs Trust at one point (might still be) - soz but kids who are suffering and disaster relief will get something before some animal that probably shouldn't have been bred in the first place

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New_Book131@reddit

I just don’t look at them.

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shadowmoses4726@reddit

divvys

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Embarrassed_Park2212@reddit

I don't like them. They are not volunteers but get paid so don't feel guilty or anything for telling them to jog on or other words of your choising.

I just say no thanks. Job done. If they continue to yap and follow me, that's their choice, they still ain't getting no money from me.

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Infamous_Telephone55@reddit

Charities, religious nuts, energy suppliers, if they get a response from me at all then it's a simple one word response - No.

No is a complete sentence and doesn't require apologies or explanations.

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SoggyWotsits@reddit

There’s a different one in my nearest Morrisons every day. They set up in the foyer so you have to walk right past them on the way out.

My usual tactic is to tell them that there are different charities there every day, and they should have been there last week!

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jacobsnemesis@reddit

Never given it a second thought

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Lessarocks@reddit

I do t feel guilty at all. I just say no thanks and walk on. The vast majority of people they encounter do this.

Funnily enough I saw a what looked like a family of three got caught by a chugger yesterday. They were all stood there listening to his spiel and they all looked like they wanted to run away. I do t know why they did t.

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AdAggravating6730@reddit

I'm absolutely sick to death of them. I can't pop to the supermarket without being cornered by them, nor walk down my high-street anymore without one every 5 metres. I have anxiety, I have my headphones on, I just try to get my errands done without any hassle and yet I'm being guilt-tripped to give to the guide dog association when I can barely afford my own food shop.

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Redvat@reddit

It rubs me up the wrong way when they assume you are not generous when you say no. I once had someone collecting for charity in a pub get very angry with me and tone me I am selfish. I actually donate quite generously to charity, I do it through payroll giving not to ransomers on the street.

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Mumlife8628@reddit

Yea until one started telling me about great ormond street till he realised today he had battersea dog home behind him

Its meant to be a guilt trip same as the card machine donations

No shop assistant cares about you hitting yes there either 😉

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Rocker_86@reddit

I absolutely hate these people, they have turned up outside my local, very small co-op, 2 of the twats across the doorway, they are such a nuisance and should be banned from operating in public. I would never give anyone my details or money at the door or on the street. I don't understand how they make anything in donations.

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No-Temperature-7195@reddit

They get me half the time , normally if there’s a sweet old person

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ContextRules@reddit

It bothers me more when its a whole chat they want to engage you in. I dont mind the table/stands so much where you can drop a quid or something. Its gets me when they go into a whole script thing. WWF was inside the Tesco Express by me and another charity was up and down Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow last week. I want to pop into Sainsburys and maybe get a Greggs. Im not looking to sign up for monthly contributions and they know many of us are too polite to say f' off. It puts me off charities tbf.

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VikingCarpets@reddit

Are we talking about people who want you to sign up? If so I don't like it. My local Morrisons has these, in store, nearly every week. Unavoidably placed between the tills and the exit. You've just done shopping, and they want you to make a fiscal commitment, right there, stood in a store. What they're after is someone gullible enough to do this. Someone who struggles to say no. It's like a fishing net, most of us get through, with anything from indifference to annoyance. They just want the people who will sign up. I've worked for these companies, it's not kind, they don't care who gets annoyed. They offer a service, and if they get enough sign ups they get paid, and possibly more business going forwards.

Exit through the guilt stand. It's a shitty way of trying to raise money for a cause.

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Mickleborough@reddit

Depends on whether they’re legitimate charities. And yes, they probably want you to feel guilty. But you shouldn’t.

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riverend180@reddit

You avoid the supermarket completely? Why are people on Reddit so ridiculous.

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Front_Scholar9757@reddit

I feel the same. I'm also usually in a rush & with my toddler. Yet they still always stop me.

I just politely say I already support the charities of my choice and walk away.

Same as when its energy suppliers etc.

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L-0-T-H-0-S@reddit

You absolutely don't have to justify not giving to charity. If you can't or simply don't want to donate - don't.

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Boldboy72@reddit

these are "Chuggers" (charity muggers). If they are asking you to sign up for direct debit contributions, the person you are speaking with is on commission so a chunk of your donation is going to paying them and the people who hired them.

If you want to donate to a charity, go direct yourself. Also, try to find out how much of their money goes to administration (salaries etc.) and make an informed choice.

Volunteer collectors will rattle a box at you but not chase you around looking for you to sign up to something.

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Single-Aardvark9330@reddit

I look young enough for them to assume I'm a teenager with no money so they don't bother with me

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GeggingIn@reddit

Don’t avoid the supermarket, just be polite and say no.

Only the really keen ones break your fingers.

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jolittletime@reddit

They are chuggers. I avoid. I chose charities to donate to monthly which i have on dorect debit, and then I will sponsor people or donate locally (or to like DEC appeals) but I dont give to chuggers or door to door collectors

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missuseme@reddit

I have a few options of shops on my walk home from work, I'll avoid shopping at the ones with charity people outside

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Former-Let-2855@reddit

Do they approach you? I have my own "give as you earn" set up on monthly direct debit to my selected charities, so just smile but keep walking and keep my headphones on and eyes locked on an invisible ghost if I'm approached.

They know who their targets are and I'm an effing target so I have to not give an inch. At the end of the day, many of them are sales people.

Also I buy something for the trussel trust / food bank box, and click the button to round up your payment for charity (this might just be Tesco) so I will not be guilted looooool

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VibraniumSpork@reddit

Really dislike them tbh.

My local Co-Op in Norwich has them atm, though overheard the guys manning it that they’re down from London! How much extra is that travel and/or accommodation costing the charity, and why can’t they hire locally?

Aside from that, I just object to the forced and fake social interactions they try on you when I’m trying to do routine shit. I’m just popping in for some big roll and Fridge Raiders mate, leave me alone!

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Current_Thing2244@reddit

Don't feel bad, it's usually a marketing firm that's been hired and they get commission on every sign up, taking money from the charities(I worked for one for a week when I was a student and the pay is insane, it just didn't sit well with my conscience).

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Over_Locksmith9670@reddit

I talk to them if I have a personal interest in the charity, like guide dogs uk, as I know a blind woman who has a guide dog. However, there are charities who stand outside one of my local shopping centres and I’ve seen them literally chase people down the streets trying to give them leaflets or whatever. I don’t like that at all. I’m also not a big fan of any religious groups or charities but that’s just my personal opinion.

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