Or just wanted to know why you were casing their neighborhood.

Perhaps, although in my experience it was more to do with them wanting to make sure Mrs Jones wasn't going to get something they weren't.

I wouldn't really call it it a joke but it wasn't meant to be taken seriously.

"I'm sorry, I don't have anything to spare right now"

Sometimes I call the cops if they are suspicious or unlicensed.

"Can you spare your eternal soul"? Will be the reply.

About a million years ago, my job required calling on the occupants of townhouse/unit dwellars. It wasn't selling stuff, but had to do with building alterations - so people were interested and generally wanted to talk to you. Much of this was done in the poorer areas of Bris. Days ranged from totally boring to scary to hillarious and to downright weird. I'd never do it again. There's just too much stuff you don't need to see about people's lives.

I just had a run-in with meat people, too! Although he was straight forward that he was selling meat out of the freezer in the back of his truck. I misunderstood at first and thought he was delivery guy that needed directions. I live in an apartment/townhouse community and I was by the dumpsters, yes, he was trying to sell me meat while I was buy the fly buzzing, nasty smelling dumpsters. When I finally realized what he wanted, I informed him that solicitors were actually not allowed on the property (there is a big sign at the entrance he came through). His response "So you aren't interested?" Um NO!!