She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Sales: My Brief Stint as a Door-to-Door Scammer

I’ve had my fair share of unglamorous jobs, from cleaning pee off dance studio floors to vacuuming sand at a beachside hotel. But none of them prepared me for the day I spent working as a door-to-door water heater scammer.

The Job Search Blues

After graduating with an English degree and no job prospects, I cast a wide net in search of employment. With an unpaid writing internship and a low-paying click-farm job under my belt, I turned to sales as a way to stay afloat while I applied for something better in my field. I scoured job boards, making rookie mistakes along the way.

Red Flags Galore

The job posting looked legitimate, but I later realized it was a classic example of a deceptive tactic. The company’s name and logo made it seem like a provincial or regulated entity, but the posting was vague about what we were selling. I didn’t do my due diligence, and I paid the price.

A Sketchy Office and a Dubious Orientation

The office was located in a seedy part of town, above a head shop and near a strip club. The orientation was more like a sales pitch, focusing on the company culture and employee perks rather than the actual job. I was sold on the promise of a 5% commission and the potential to earn a decent income.

The Sales Pitch

On the job, I was taught manipulative sales techniques, such as asking homeowners if I could come in without giving them a chance to say no. I was told to emphasize words like “expired” and “discontinued” to create a sense of urgency. It was clear that the company was targeting seniors, who were easier to scare into buying their products.

A Cringeworthy Day

The day was a disaster, with one homeowner spitting at us and another calling us criminals. I was “hired” without signing a contract or discussing compensation. It was a wake-up call, and I knew I had to get out.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realize that desperation can lead people to take jobs that exploit others. I learned to be more discerning in my job search, to research companies thoroughly, and to ask tough questions during interviews. But I also gained empathy for those who take these jobs out of necessity.

A Glimpse into the Other Side

When I looked up my former colleague, the Estonian rep, I saw a smiling face who had eventually left the company and returned home. I wondered if he had genuinely believed the lie we sold or if he was just trying to survive. It’s a reminder that there are real people behind these scams, people who are often just as desperate as their targets.

A Word of Caution

While my experience was a cautionary tale, it’s essential to remember that door-to-door salespeople are often driven by desperation. So, the next time you’re approached by someone selling something at your doorstep, take a moment to consider their story before slamming the door shut.