Third-party AT&T sales representatives in Austin, Texas, were captured on Ring camera footage discussing how they should ignore “No Soliciting” signs and knock loudly, “like police.” The controversial exchange allegedly occurred between an experienced saleswoman and a trainee. Online viewers were quick to criticize the behavior, expressing frustration not only with the training approach but also with the already negative perception surrounding door-to-door solicitors.
The video of the saleswomen was shared by u/onATX_native on r/Austin, where several commenters noted that the two appeared to be affiliated with Horizon Edge Alliance through AT&T contracts. Regardless of the specifics, hundreds of Redditors expressed outrage, criticizing the women’s behavior and questioning how they could have considered it acceptable.
Commenters Call Advice for Solicitors to Knock on Doors “Like Police” Terrible
One person noted that, at the beginning of the video, the woman on the left says, “’Cause if you, like, bang on it, make the right sound—like police—it’s scary.” Many viewers agreed that this kind of training amounts to “terrible advice,” especially in Texas. One commenter wrote, “When is ‘walk up uninvited to someone’s door and pound on it like you’re the police’ going to get you a sale? A weapon in your face, maybe…”
Another Redditor encouraged anyone approached by unwanted solicitors to avoid answering the door altogether. “Let them stand there and knock,” they wrote. “Sure, it’s annoying, but the second you engage with them, it’s a win for them. If everyone stopped opening the door, they’d realize how wasteful the practice is and give it up.” Dozens of others shared similar frustrations, saying they would confront the salespeople directly or even set up sprinklers near their entrances if they could.
Many others shared their experiences with AT&T and other sales representatives who came to their doors to sell services. Unfortunately, nearly all of the accounts were negative, with little to no praise for the interactions.
This clip and the reactions to it highlight just how frustrated people can become with solicitors, especially when their behavior feels overly aggressive or pushy. Ironically, the Ring camera footage shows salespeople coaching one another to use the very tactics that so many people dislike.
