Big Issue outside the Co-op

Gayle · 18-12-2008, 12:29

I buy the Big Issue on a regular basis - for a start I think it's a good cause but also because it's quite a good read.

But, the one outside the Co-op is starting to annoy me a little - it's the pressure. I go into the Co-op most days which means that most days they shout Big Issue at me. The trouble is that I'm only going to buy it once a week at most which means all the other times I go away feeling guilty for not handing my money over but why would I when I've already got a stack in the car.

The only way to get round it is to carry it round with me to show them that I'm not ignoring them.

Is it just me that feels the guilt?

MargaretR · 18-12-2008, 12:33

I don't buy and have no guilt about snubbing any type of street begger.
There are enough provisions in social security law to prevent starvation.

lancsdave · 18-12-2008, 12:36

I don't have any guilt walking past the one in Accy. Maybe it helps when I know she isn't talking to me because I'm not her darlinnnnnnnn

emamum · 18-12-2008, 12:46

big issue dahhhhhling lady was dressed as santa yesterday

Neil · 18-12-2008, 12:51

When I saw the thread title Gayle I thought you had a second job

I don't feel guilty about never buying one. You are already providing for the sellers by working and paying into the system that pays out to them. A good system it is as well.

K-P · 18-12-2008, 16:39

I dont go to town that often.. But when I do then I usually buy one off her.. I am talking rare that i see her.

I don't read it and it generally goes in the bin after a quick look at the headlines/pictures

I buy it because unlike others.. she is at least trying. it cant be good stood there all day in all weather and its not the same as the con artists who want a fiver for a cuppa or whatever. Arn't big issue sellers more organised.. they have to account for the issues and the money surely?

I will always be impressed with people who are making a genuine effort to at least do something for money...

jaysay · 18-12-2008, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

When I saw the thread title Gayle I thought you had a second job

I don't feel guilty about never buying one. You are already providing for the sellers by working and paying into the system that pays out to them. A good system it is as well.

We must be on the same wavelength Neil I thought Gayle was after a few extra quid for Christmas

katex · 18-12-2008, 17:39

Just got back from Burnley, and the Big Issue seller outside M & S was a rather rotund Asian gentleman dressed colourfully as an elf and singing repeated renditions of 'Jingle Bells'. At least he was trying to add a bit of cheer, and singing for his supper.

Did I buy one ? ... no. Do I feel guilty ? .. terribly ..

garinda · 18-12-2008, 17:51

I didn't know there was a Big Issue seller outside the Co-op, as they don't pack your bags for you, and I find the new check-out a real struggle.

The sellers aren't supposed to be agressive. If he/she is, I would report them, and I certainly wouldn't be made to feel guilty, if I'd bought one or not.

lancsdave · 18-12-2008, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

singing repeated renditions of 'Jingle Bells'.

Clearly an outsider. Anybody who comes from Burnley sings Dingle Bells

katex · 18-12-2008, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancsdave

Clearly an outsider. Anybody who comes from Burnley sings Dingle Bells

LOL ... on another thread that the lady in Accrington with the same approach, looks like a Nationwide marketing exercise.

emzy · 18-12-2008, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

Just got back from Burnley, and the Big Issue seller outside M & S was a rather rotund Asian gentleman dressed colourfully as an elf and singing repeated renditions of 'Jingle Bells'. At least he was trying to add a bit of cheer, and singing for his supper.

Did I buy one ? ... no. Do I feel guilty ? .. terribly ..

Is this the same one that replaces the words jingle bells with big issue??? If it is, i was amused last year (but still didnt buy one)

cashman · 19-12-2008, 09:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by K-P

I dont go to town that often.. But when I do then I usually buy one off her.. I am talking rare that i see her.

I don't read it and it generally goes in the bin after a quick look at the headlines/pictures

I buy it because unlike others.. she is at least trying. it cant be good stood there all day in all weather and its not the same as the con artists who want a fiver for a cuppa or whatever. Arn't big issue sellers more organised.. they have to account for the issues and the money surely?

I will always be impressed with people who are making a genuine effort to at least do something for money...

i don't buy one regular, but do occasionally fer the same reasons.

Brolyat · 09-03-2012, 08:52

I see the Big Issue lady in Accrington most days I'm in town, I have purchased the big issue a number of times in the past, I was also a little generous round Christmas time and give the big issue lady some spare change.

annesingleton · 10-03-2012, 10:38

For some time I've thought that there was something a bit dodgy about the Big Issue seller in Accrington.
Then I watched a TV programme last year which proved that there was a link to Romanian gypsies who were using the Big Issue in Britain to fund lavish lifestyles in Romania. I'm not saying that the Accrington seller is part of this but I certainly wouldn't dream of ever buying a Big Issue from anyone, I don't agree with begging of any kind or aggressive selling. I find her sales technique to be offensive and wish that she could be stopped by the council.