They come in the night without warning. No, I’m not talking about vampires or zombies. They might actually be easier to deal with than the neighbor kid selling wrapping paper for his school. I live in the country and people very rarely call before dropping by. So the other night the kid who sometime mows for me came by selling “fruit” for his school. I declined. He’ll probably plant explosive devices in my yard next summer to get even.
The Not-So-Subtle Office Pitch
I’m lucky I work at home. I don’t have Bill in accounting asking if I’ll buy a cheese basket from his kid so their class can go to Aruba. This series of intrusions usually occurs at the holidays and then Girl Scout cookie time in early spring. I feel ya. It’s especially hard to say “no” to the boss at work. And let’s be honest – isn’t most of the stuff crappy? Some of the wrapping paper is nice, but there’s only a foot and a half on a roll.
Coincidentally, the Wall Street Journal recenty had an article about this. It was astounding the lengths these parents went to to promote the kid’s stuff. One woman made a video of her child and emailed it to potential buyers. Can you say, “over-kill?”
Now, I sold Girl Scout cookies and I’m all for fundraisers that pay for school events. Especially if it means my property taxes won’t go up. But let’s face it, at work you are a captive audience and easy mark for single-minded co-workers trying to make their kids happy. How can you evade these adults their kids use as sales reps for their wares? Here’re a few ideas:
“Budget’s a little tight. I don’t even buy this stuff from my nieces” – This is what I used on the neighbor kid. I also made the sad face.
It’s against your religion – Yes, it’s lame, but who’s going to question it? If they are bold enough to ask, make up an obscure sect that fears votive candles.
“Bob already hit me up, sorry.” This might be tough if it’s your boss, because he outranks you AND Bob.
“It’s my secret shame.” This is a last ditch tactic, but tell them you’re very embarrassed but you’re a hoarder and you have enough wrapping paper to reach to the moon and back.
Seriously, to me this falls in the same category as the envelope that circulates for contributions for someone’s baby, wedding, etc. You look like a loser if you don’t chip in. Especially now with so many people struggling financially, maybe it’s best to cool it with asking for money. Tell them you’re waiting for the Thin Mints…
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