How to Get Rid of Solicitors in a Neighborhood

Door-to-door solicitors aren't just annoying; in some cases, they may be peddling scams or casing homes for robberies. Homeowners and neighborhood associations are understandably eager to get rid of door-to-door salespeople. By understanding your city and county's laws regarding solicitation, you may be able to get rid of solicitors. Salespeople who are obeying the law can be avoided or sent away by the homeowner.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Internet access
• "No Soliciting" sign

Instructions

1. Research city and county regulations regarding door-to-door solicitors. In many cities, solicitors are required to obtain and carry a permit when selling goods door-to-door. Some municipalities have enacted ordinances that prohibit solicitors from approaching a home where a "No Soliciting" sign is displayed.

2. Hang a "No Soliciting" sign on the front door of your home. These signs often do not deter solicitors, but if your sign sends even one salesperson away, it's worth what you paid for it.

3. Demand that solicitors visiting your home show you any solicitation permits required in your area. Make sure that you know whether or not solicitors are required to carry their permits while going door-to-door, and whether or not these regulations apply to charitable and religious groups.

4. Report solicitors who violate the law to your local police department. If a salesperson can't produce a permit that he is legally required to carry while soliciting, his company may be fined or otherwise penalized.

5. Refuse sales pitches from solicitors who are conducting business within the law. Say, "I am not interested. Please do not ever visit this home again," as you close and lock your door.

6. Encourage your neighbors to refuse all sales pitches from door-to-door solicitors. If possible, bring the matter to your neighbors' attention through a newsletter or homeowners' association meeting. Make sure that everyone in the neighborhood knows about local laws governing door-to-door soliciting.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a fence around your front yard, consider installing a locking gate that prevents strangers from gaining access to your front door.

• Consider hanging a "Beware of Dog" sign in addition to your "No Soliciting" sign, whether you have a dog or not.

• If you do in fact have a large dog, consider putting him outside in a safely fenced yard when you know that solicitors are in your neighborhood. Many salespeople will avoid approaching a home if they hear a dog barking.

• Never assault or threaten a solicitor. Instead of getting rid of the solicitor, you could find yourself charged with a crime.

• Don't buy something just to get a solicitor to go away. That individual may not come back, but you'll have wasted money and you may be marked as an easy target for future sales pitches.

• Remember, in most municipalities, "No Soliciting" signs have no legal power. If a solicitor has all of the permits required to conduct business door-to-door in your area, it is legal for her to knock on your door, no matter what signs you have hanging outside.

References

• Get Rich Slowly: Effective Techniques for Handling Door-to-Door Salesmen
• Greater Rockridge Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council: Dealing with Solicitors

Resources

• Town of Parker: An Example of a Law Requiring Solicitors to Obtain Licenses