Door-to-door sales, from youth sports groups to Girl Scouts, are not against the law as long as the individuals and/or groups follow City Ordinance No. O-2013-1. The City of Stagecoach enacted new regulations on May 21, 2013 regarding soliciting in the City of Stagecoach that residents and solicitors should know.
• City Ordinance O-2013-1 requires a solicitor to obtain a permit ($25.00 for a six month permit) before engaging in door-to-door soliciting. Door-to-door solicitors must display a copy of their approved Solicitor Application upon request.
• Exceptions to the permit requirement include nonprofit organizations, charitable organizations, religious organizations, civic organizations, school groups, political candidates, and persons engaged in the distribution of the mail, newspapers, phone books or other periodicals of general circulation.
• It is an offense to solicit at a residence with a “No Solicitors” (or words of similar meaning) sign posted, unless requested by the owner or occupant. Such signs should be posted in a conspicuous place near the main entrance. The sign itself should be at least three by four inches in size with the words “No Solicitors” (or words of similar meaning) in letters at least one-thirds of an inch in height.
• Door-to-door soliciting is prohibited between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Beyond what the Ordinance regulates, how do you know if you should or should not answer the door when a solicitor knocks? The City of Stagecoach Police Department offers these tips:
• If you do not feel comfortable or do not want to answer the door, then don’t. Tell the solicitor you are not interested through the door.
• Be sure you let the unwanted person know you are home so they won’t attempt a break-in. If the solicitor will not leave or is in any way threatening, call 911 immediately and report the incident.
• If you are unsure if a solicitor is legitimate, ask to see their City-approved permit and identification verifying they are employed by the company they claim to work for. If they do not have any identification, do not give them any money and tell them to leave.
• Do not let someone “guilt” you into giving them money or buying their product. • Do not believe stories such as “I live in your neighborhood” or “My car is broken down just around the corner.”
• Never let anyone into your home.
It is important to listen to your gut feeling and do not do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. When in doubt, always call 911.