When I need to buy something, I don't hope that someone will walk up to my house and knock on my door to sell it to me. Door-to-door sales often involve things like magazine subscriptions and household cleaners. Every year, the Oregon Attorney General's office, the Better Business Bureau, cities and local chambers of commerce receive complaints about the behavior of door-to-door salespeople and the poor customer service of the companies they represent.

Your best defenses are to post a “No Soliciting” sign, to not answer the door for salespeople, or to tell them that you don't buy anything at your door. Unfortunately, when you tell a salesperson you're not interested, the high-pressure tactics often come out. Salespeople may appeal to your softer side and ask you to help them out, even if you don't want the product.

When neighbors give in and buy products or subscriptions, it encourages these groups to come back. Before buying anything at your door, search online for complaints about the company. The bottom line: don't give money to these groups, and be firm when you tell salespeople you won't be buying anything from them.

By Kris Quinby