My disgust is not necessarily with the Arizona Republic, but with their "sub-contracted Circulation department", I mean "Circulation Helpers". The company AZ Republic subcontracted to sell subscriptions!
As I sat at home, enjoying the roar of my children discuss who's turn it is to play on the computer and how BORED they were... the ominous ring of my door bell catches my attention. Along with the attention of my two dogs, who barked constantly for a minute until I calmed them down.
ANYWHO... I open the door and see a child sitting at my door. Seeing as though he looked roughly the size of my 12 year old son, I assumed he was another brat coming to join the ranks of "my children". (At present I have 4 children, and about 10 "adopted kids" from around the neighborhood!). MUCH to my surprise, he began asking me about my newspaper delivery and whether I wanted the paper tossed close to the door or out toward the end of the driveway.
As he talked, he mentioned that he was a Peoria High School Student (I live in Gilbert), and with my weekend subscription, I would not only enjoy FREE delivery of the AZ Republic during the week, but I would have 8 Weeks of Weekend Delivery for only $26, AND THE BEST PART... I would be helping him earn a $500 savings bond to use toward college. As a business & marketing communications professional, I have orchestrated similar door-to-door promotions and I knew that part of his story didn't add up. I looked around and NO ADULT IN SIGHT!!! I told him to come back with an adult, and credible paperwork, and I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to subscribe... (it would save me a trip every weekend and help a child!!!)
15 minutes later... my door bell rings again! The young man asks to use my phone because he can't get a signal and can't reach his ride! He explains that there are about 11 people total in a Van, with a "Sales Circulation Manager", that goes to neighborhoods around the area and the kids walk door to door asking for subscriptions. He didn't expect his ride to be there for almost an hour... ITS 100+ DEGREES OUTSIDE AND YOU HAVE THIS CHILD STANDING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WAITING FOR A RIDE!
I guess the child got in touch with his "supervisor", because roughly 15 minutes later a large white van pulls in front of my house and out pops "T. W.". This "competent", 26 year old Sales supervisor, couldn't produce any permits, licenses, or any credible documentation other that his name & phone number on the back of an AZ Republic Subscription Form! After asking him for several minutes about supervising and responsibility for a minor he politely said this wasn't going to work and proceeded to get into his vehicle.
I have experienced door-to-door sales, waiting on a ride, and even being left in an unfamiliar house out of town till almost midnight... BUT ALL AS AN ADULT!!!! What are you doing? Are you that desperate for subscriptions that you have resorted to hiring companies that exploit children? I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED... this MUST be addressed!!!! Yes I do have names and witnesses!
Media & Public Relations
GeanPool Consulting
www.GeanPoolPR.com
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