What you should do is ask questions about the product. Make them exercise their brain with what it is they're selling. Make them think. That's entertaining for the saleskid and helps him pleasantly pass the time.

Also, maybe the saleskid will get good enough to actually close a deal on your neighbor. Then you can borrow the magazine when your neighbor is done reading it.

It's not a total loss. These kids are learning important lessons about themselves and others. Many of them grow up to become politicians and some of them even grow up to contribute to society. Most of the good marketing folks I've met sold something door to door as a youngster.

Every so often there is an expose on this topic, which is worse for the kids than you think.

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=115501199061804400

http://www.travelingsalescrews.info/sitemap.html

You have a good update from Easter Lemming and from Gary Denton.

Being wary of a scam is prudent, but not all solicitations are shady.

I sold cable TV door to door as a college student and made good money. The subscriber was hooked up and I received my commission. I graduated with a BS degree and had a greater net worth than the day I entered college.

It's pretty amazing how these kids learn how to sell magazine subscriptions as part of a contest. Who knows it might be their way to make money and such a good cause for a living! It?s better than being a youth doing illegal activities and unlawful habits. But it?s still better to ask them first about their real purpose, something that will make these kids know the real importance of their task and in turn, both of you will learn from each other.