Is Door-To-Door Soliciting Illegal?
This is a common question that a lot of people do not know the answer to. While it may feel like an illegal thing, it actually is not illegal in the United States. This is because it has been ruled out that solicitors or salespeople have right to free speech which involves selling door-to-door for commercial reasons, even on private property. However, there are some laws set for door-to-door selling that you can read below to find out.
While the laws may vary from state to state, these are the basic laws against door-to-door soliciting as presented by the American Legal Publishi
ng’s code library in the SEC. 41.43.1., for DOOR TO DOOR SELLING OR SOLICITING.
No person shall solicit, sell, or offer to sell, demonstrate, or take orders for the sale of goods, wares, or any form of merchandise, by entering upon the premises of another for such purpose except in compliance with the provisions of this Section.
(a) Solicitation: As used in this Section, shall mean to sell or offer to sell, demonstrate, or take orders for the sale of goods, wares, or any form of merchandise or services.
(b) No person shall enter upon the premises of another for the purpose of solicitation between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day.
(c) Any person over the age of 16 who engages in door-to-door solicitations shall carry a form of photo identification and must present such photo identification upon request of any person being solicited, any peace officer or other person charged with enforcement of the laws pertaining to such solicitations. The photo identification must include the person's date of birth and be issued by a governmental agency or educational institution. Acceptable identification includes a state driver's license, state identification card, school identification card, or any government-issued identification card
.
(d) Any person engaged in door-to-door solicitations shall present the original or a copy of the Business Tax Registration Certificate required under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 21.06 upon request of any person being solicited, any peace officer, or other person charged with enforcement of the laws pertaining to such solicitations.
(e) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to vendors or solicitors who have previously been invited or requested to appear at such premises by the owner or lawful occupant thereof, or to persons making charitable solicitations in accordance with Article 4 of Chapter IV of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
We believe that one should know their rights and what laws govern them in different situations!
Why Do Solicitors
Target Homeowners?
Homeowners are a perfect choice of reaching out to, especially in a neighborhood or community for commercial or other purposes. This is because it makes it easier to target a specific audience. The side-to-side houses, lawns sidewalks and pathways that are easy to access makes it an excellent target for door-to-door canvassers. Moreover. If anew business or shop has been set up near a neighborhood, then it is the best or cheapest way to gather customers or select a target audience by door-to-door selling.
How to Keep Solicitors Away?
You can request for a ‘No Soliciting sign’ but you may wonder how this is done? If you are been bothered by a specific solicitor or company at your house or workplace. Then you can demand for a sign from that specific organization/person. You just need full information about who they are and what do they do.
You can also avail the services of a professional company such as DNKAA. We believe that every homeowner or office owner has a right to decide if they want for-profit solicitors reach out to them. This is why we strive to have a National Do Not Knock List passed into law which brings together people from all walks of life, races, religions, and political affiliations for a universally beneficial and supported cause.
Please note that we are not in any way discouraging businesses and their growth. We just understand the importance of having an option in such situations. Every consumer has the right to choose the forms of marketing they receive from for-profit companies.
Just like the National Do Not Call List, this law will only apply to for-profit companies and NOT organizations like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, religion, or those running for office.