Let me start by saying I have nothing against Tupperware. I’ve gone to parties, heck, I’ve even hosted a party or two in my time. But I’ve got a lady in my neighborhood who just came to the door to see if I was going to attend her Tupperware party on Thursday (no, I have a previous engagement), and would I like to order anything? I recieved the invite last week, but since I knew I couldn’t go, I kind of forgot to RSVP or even think about it again. She gave me a catalog (which she wants returned to her today, if I can) and asked to let her know what I would like to order.
Don’t you think that is a little bit pushy? So, I looked through the catalog, and I honestly don’t see anything in there that is worth the money to me. Although I would like to be supportive in her party, I don’t want to order things I don’t want or need (for more than I want to pay). Should I just return the catalog and say there’s nothing in there that I need? Should I pass it along to a neighbor and maybe they will find something they need? Should I order something just to be nice? Should I lose the catalog in my piles of stuff and forget to give it back to her? What would you do?
I can’t stand feeling obligated to buy things from neighbors and friends, especially pushy ones. We have a neighbor who’s into these multi-level marketing protein gels and won’t leave us alone about them!!
You simply say–no thanks. If they ask why, say I have my reasons and I know you wouldn’t want to be bothered with them Thanks anyway! Then walk away or close the door.
I would be as polite as possible, give it back, smile and honestly tell her that you didn’t see anything that you want. Since she is a neighbor, you can’t really escape her.
I have a girlfriend who does the same thing to me with her mary kay junk. I always tell her no thanks. She is never ever offended when I say no thanks, and she tries again a month later and I say no thanks again. 🙂
Just my 2 cents. Better to be honest and nice.
Even worse is when your friends or neighbors try to convince you not only to buy their stuff, but to hold a party to sell their stuff…I hate that. It is a good thing my life is so overwhelmingly busy and I am so financially strapped, that I can honestly say…there is absolutely NO WAY I can hold a party or buy your frivolous stuff. How’s that for counting blessings?