i would like to put a sign out that says "no soliciting", but in a nice way. anyone have ideas on the wording (short and sweet would be nice). i don't like saying "no", but there are sooooo many people coming in wanting money or wanting me to buy something. i just can't do it.

is it normal for kids and even kids w/ parents present to go to businesses asking for money or to buy homeade candy etc?

"No soliciting, please."

I don't have much faith in no soliciting or no tresspassing signs, our condo complex says both and we still get a barrage of mormons, kids selling things etc.

One kid who lived down the street (no in our complex) came around selling candy bars FIVE TIMES! we said no the first time, but bought one the second time hoping they would stop and still came three more times.

After this they came around selling the overpriced candy/wrapping paper crap and the best kicker is a few weeks ago they came by selling homemade bracelets for her 'brother' to go on a trip with mommy and daddy to washington d.c. and no it was not a school thing just a family trip! (or mommys drug/beer fund)

In my opinion, the people who come into your place of work and ask you to shell out money are the rude ones, not you.

Put up your sign and stick to it.

"how to put up a "no soliciting" sign without being rude? "

Tape.

spitfiresuz said:"how to put up a "no soliciting" sign without being rude? "

Tape.the polite tape to use is the blue painters tape

Instead of a "no soliciting" sign, change it to a "trespassers will be shot on sight" sign. It should get better results.

Trust me. It won't matter at all.

Tell them that you "don't have the authority to donate for the business but if they leave their name, address and phone number as well as the name, address and phone number of the charity along with the percentage of funds going directly to the charity, you'll be more than glad to have the person who makes the donations for the business call them."

Once heard a sales consultant say that he liked knocking on doors with "No Solicitors" signs because the residents tended to be people who were weak.

We never get 'em, except an occasional political canvaser. The area we live in is predominantly left leaning, I think I'm the only conservative on the block, so the knockers are always Democrats or left leaning causes. I'll answer, take a few minutes looking over their material or listening to their shtick, and then challenge them, nicely but relentlessly. Unless I'm busy, then they get the door slam.