{"id":1336,"date":"2017-03-22T09:30:43","date_gmt":"2017-03-22T09:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydoorsign.com\/blog\/?p=1336"},"modified":"2019-08-01T10:47:19","modified_gmt":"2019-08-01T10:47:19","slug":"no-soliciting-sign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydoorsign.com/blog\/no-soliciting-sign\/","title":{"rendered":"How to enforce your “No Soliciting” sign"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"No<\/a>

From Daquella Manera<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Most business owners would agree that unwanted solicitation can create daily stress \u2014 and may even negatively impact employee morale and customer satisfaction. Many businesses address would-be solicitors with a clear \u201cNo Soliciting\u201d sign posted in clear view outside the store. But when a simple sign doesn’t work, what steps can a business take to ensure it the problem is fixed without waste time, employee energy, or resources?<\/p>\n

Make sure your “No Soliciting” sign is posted clearly<\/h3>\n

First of all, make sure your existing \u201cNo Soliciting\u201d sign is in proper working order. That means that the sign is clearly worded. A simple directive works best \u2014 the intent of a sign reading \u201cNo Solicitors\u201d is direct and unmistakable. While some business owners may feel that the wording is too direct, or even rude, as the Houston Chronicle reports<\/a>, such a sign is commonplace enough that very few are offended by it. Confirm that the sign is in good condition and not too dated (if a sign looks outdated, would-be solicitors may assume that it is no longer valid).<\/p>\n

Additionally, check that your \u201cNo Solicitors\u201d sign is posted in a visible location, where it cannot be mistaken for another business\u2019s sign. It\u2019s your responsibility to help would-be solicitors and salespeople have a clear view of your signs prior to entry. After all, they cannot be blamed for not following a rule they didn’t see! Hang your sign near your business\u2019s entrance, at eye-level, and double-check with a few friends or passersby that they noticed the sign prior to entering your store.<\/p>\n

\"no<\/a>

This worn out sign looks almost as out of date as the painted-over sign above it. From Eric Fisher<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

If your sign is ignored, speak to solicitors directly<\/h3>\n

If, after ascertaining that your sign is as clear as it can be, and solicitors and salespeople continue to knock on your door, there are several steps you can take to prevent future solicitations. Speak with the solicitors and politely explain that you do not take walk-in business, but \u2014 only if your business does so \u2014 would be happy to schedule an appointment. If you are not interested, explain your store\u2019s no-solicitation policy. If after multiple conversations, the solicitations don\u2019t stop, consider calling the walk-in salesperson\u2019s company to request a stop to the visits. Read up on relevant regulations in your state to understand the legal recourse you have for solicitors who are aggressive and\/or potentially breaking the law.<\/p>\n

Homeowners and apartment dwellers dealing with solicitations such as restaurant and other businesses\u2019 fliers can also call the companies or businesses directly. Apartment complexes often have rules, whether posted or unspoken, about solicitations and flyer distribution. Consult your building manager or superintendent if you’ve been getting mailboxes full of fliers, your lobby has been papered with restaurant menus, or if you’ve noticed any other on-site solicitations or salespeople \u2014 he or she can help post a clear \u201cNo Solicitations\u201d sign, or complain to the solicitors directly.<\/p>\n

There are a host of legal issues related to solicitations. Though anyone can distribute fliers, laws regulating door to door soliciting vary by state. (The Federal Trade Commission protects consumers with a three-day \u201ccooling off period\u201d where any sales over $25 made in-home by a door-to-door solicitor can be cancelled.) Those operating door-to-door solicitation businesses have to register their business, obtain certain permits, and abide by a variety of rules (for example, hiring minors for door-to-door sales is restricted in certain states). Contact your area\u2019s Better Business Bureau<\/a> to research companies and report any scams.<\/p>\n

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