A number of residents in Providence Arbours recently contacted the Providence Arbours HOA to express concern over door-to-door solicitors who were selling window washing
services. The following are excerpts from past e-Notices regarding door-to-door solicitors. The information was provided to the Providence Arbours HOA from our CMPD community contact, Officer James Russell.
What You Need to Know About Door-to-Door Solicitors
Keep in mind that there are no laws or ordinances against door-to-door soliciting, even if we have a posted sign at the entrances to our neighborhoods. However, door-to-door sales representatives need to have a “privilege license” required for “peddlers” to solicit business in the City of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County. The only ordinance in place is the one restricting hours (see below).
Sec. 6-438. – Restricted hours in residential areas.
It shall be unlawful to peddle any article of merchandise from any vehicle or on foot between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in areas zoned for residential purposes within the corporate limits. However, during such periods that daylight saving time is in effect, these hours shall be from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Code 1985, § 6-28)
Please do not hesitate to call 911 if the person gets aggressive or will not leave your property. CMPD will arrest solicitors who threaten homeowners.
In the past, the Charlotte Observer and the Better Business Bureau have reported incidents with various companies selling magazines in south Charlotte. Crews are sent to communities to sell magazines, often without appropriate licensing. The young people are taught how to use high pressure tactics and emotional sales pitches.
Problems with door-to-door sales representatives are not new to the Charlotte area. The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to avoid getting scammed by door-to-door sales:
- Do not open your door to strangers. Instead, you should say through the door that you are not interested, and ask them to leave.
- Do not purchase magazines from door-to-door sales people because you will probably not receive the magazines.
- Do not give money to door-to-door solicitors, unless you know you are giving to local kids for local causes.
- If you feel threatened by any door-to-door sales representative, call 911 immediately.
- Check businesses out at www.bbb.org before making a purchase.
- If you are a victim of fraudulent sales or any other scam, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org or local law enforcement.