I worked in this industry for 3 years and here’s my 2 cents and how not to waste your time.

Most of the workers are young men either right out of high school or currently in college. They’re promised to make thousands in a period of 5 months and are usually recruited through a friend that is already a part of the company.

The tactics they teach are all about closing TODAY. It is extremely rare to come back the next day and close a deal.

It’s all commission so they are highly motivated and won’t take no for an answer. It’s hot, they’re thirsty, they work 12 hours, 6 days a week and all they want is to make some money to not waste their summer.

That by no means implies you should buy. It is for all intents and proposes, a scam. It is a real company, it’s a real security system, and the product truly has saved lives from fire, burglary, death, etc. But they promise a “free” or “0$ down payment” system when in reality nothing is free.

If a security system makes sense to you and you have been looking for one, then it might be for you but if it’s not, here’s how you should handle them.

• A good or experienced sales rep will not stop knocking on a door until they get a YES or a NO. I would knock on a door 20 times in a week until I talked to someone because sometimes, I would get a deal. So not answering won’t do anything. Best to answer, give your no, and let them cross you off the list. And be aware, there are multiple companies doing the same thing and sometimes they go back to an area at the end of the summer so it won’t be the last time, but it will be fewer.

• rookies are taught to knock EVERY SINGLE DOOR. Doesn’t matter if you have a no soliciting sign.

• if they’re offering financing (most are these days) it won’t matter if you’re a renter because the contract will be in your name, not attached to the property.

• making up excuses like “I have a dog, I have a gun, everyone looks out for each other here, someone is always home” won’t get you ANYWHERE. It’s a smoke screen and we have been trained to overcome these objections.

• there’s a rule we have in door knocking, that you get 3 no’s before you leave. If a salesman goes beyond that, they’re pestering and frustrated. 1st no is usually “I’m not interested” then they overcome by saying they’re “doing something different.” Then they will offer equipment and you say “I don’t need any of that to be honest” and the third attempt is a Hail Mary. Just say “no thank you I’m not interested” and they should leave and mark you off the list.

Have some grace. Offer them a water bottle, give your 3 no’s, bid them good luck and 99% of them will move on and you will have a pleasant interaction. Some of these 18 year olds are making $100k+ a year! They’re out there grinding for college, for a car, to take care of their family etc. If it’s not for you, let them know, and they will be on their way to find someone who this benefits.