Finance Friday

I am almost too embarrassed to write this... Nevertheless, I have learned from my mistakes and hope others will learn from it as well.

Yesterday afternoon a young man came knocking on my door selling magazines for some kind of contest. He said he was from Maine and talked too fast and with too much of an accent for me to understand half of what he said. In my defense I was caught way off guard. First of all, I have a tendency to scare most of the door-to-door sales people away. For example, a few days ago a couple of young ladies came by selling the exact same thing for the exact same reason and I didn't even have to say no before they got the hint I wasn't interested. After they gave the initial spill they said "You aren't interested are you?" I said, "No." This guy didn't pick up on my intimidating nature. Also, Samuel was crying because he was ready to eat and I had my sister over. The young man was smooth, funny, and the next thing I know he is sitting on my couch filling out a receipt. He said he just wanted to "write my name down so he could say he had talked to me and get points for talking to me."

Sadly to say, I was swindled into buying $63 worth of magazines. It was so frustrating and afterward I felt sick to my stomach with dread (I had been saving my money for a gift for Carlin). I just felt like I couldn't get rid of him unless I handed him a check. So, what lessons can be learned? First, NEVER let them into your house! You're doomed the second you let them in. Second, say no firmly and stick to your decision - this guy wouldn't take no for an answer and I eventually caved. Third, these type of things are NEVER good deals - I was very well aware of this when I handed the check over and it was quite depressing. Fourth, always read the fine print. The fine print on the receipt said I was subject to fees if I canceled my check.

So, how does this story end? Well, on the back of the receipt it said I can cancel my order within 3 business days with no penalty. Needless to say, that is what I did. I will also put a stop-order on my check just to be sure. I feel kind of bad because this young man said he was number 2 in the contest and by canceling my order I have also revoked any points he would have gained from my order. However, there is no doubt in my mind that he will win - he was just so, very persistent.