Well, like I said, I at first didnt think all that much of it, other than it was very odd, and that these folks were a bit too forward- trying to open up my gate like they were just going to waltz on in,etc. When I went out to them at my gate, looked at their flyer, and eyeballed them a bit , my instincts were to tell em "no thanks, you need to get going".
And they got in their van and left my street.
There are only 8 other neighbors out here. None of whom seemed to be home. Im home all the time during the weekdays, because I work from home. So, they approached the only person they saw at the time (middle of the day).
It wasnt until I saw them again, later that nite at the gas station as I passed it, that I thought much more of it, and it began bugging me.
To even get out to where I am, you have to drive 40-50 minutes into the countryside. There's squat-all out this way but farms. Early on in that 40+ min. drive, you have to pass roughly 6 or 7 sub-divisions full of potential customers. So why would you even bother coming all the way out here?
I dealt with the situation as I felt best at the time. I said no, and sent them on their way.
I figured I'd get a consenus -here- whether I was being overly cautious, or over-reacting, or not.
For all I know they could be perfectly legit, if lacking in common-sense, but the more I thought about it, the more odd the whole thing seemed.
6 folks to demonstrate a free carpet-cleaning? I dont think so. Not that Im inclined to let folks I dont know anyway.
If I am in need or desire of a service like this, I call a reputable outfit with which I am familair.
And, I in fact did so. I had my carpets cleaned yesterday, in fact, by a professional service I'd used in the past.
They sent 2, young but professional lads over, who did a great job. I OC'd the entire time they were there, and supervised them when they were in my home. They had no issue with this, at all, and one admitted he does the same whenever he has any contract or service work done in his home, as well.