Most canvassers are students trying to make ends meet,or people who want to make some cash without paying tax. They are at least trying, and not just sitting on their backsides, and imposing on someone else. Theres not many ways to earn some cash, in the eighties inflation days, all dragged themselves off to bootsales selling bits and pieces, and attracting money to the boroughs. But if they are not lucky enough to have a local bootfair because councils wont allow it, they are being retrospective. Canvassers are a nuisance at times but believe me they work ruddy hard for their pittance. when I done canvassing back in the day. people chased me up the road when free samples were on offer.