Need a license application? Get your form here. Click here for a listing of issued peddler permits with expiration dates.
Many of these businesses are legitimate and the solicitors do comply with State and City laws concerning door to door sales. On occasion we see solicitors who do not comply with the law or are less than forthright regarding their products and services. The Marshalltown Police Department reminds everyone that as the consumer you should always operate under the old credo of “Buyer Beware.” Please use extreme caution whenever you are dealing with door to door sales people. Don’t be afraid to say “NO” and don’t hesitate to call law enforcement should you have suspicions or concerns about the person knocking at your door. Finally if the offer seems too good to be true…it probably is.
The City of Marshalltown allows peddling activities in residential areas only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., with door knocking or door bell ringing prohibited all day on Sunday and after 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Transient Merchant Licenses, issued for sales on private commercial properties, allow sales activities only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. Hours of operation may be extended for transient merchants to operate at business locations where third shifts are employed, upon proper showing that the employer consents to use of its business premises for that purpose and that neither traffic nor nearby residents will be adversely affected.
Following are some helpful tips to keep in mind when dealing with door to door salespeople.
Safety First:
Be cautious about allowing people into your home. Unless you have contacted the business or sales person personally and asked them to come to your residence, it is a good idea to deny them entry into your home. If you are alone, don’t let sales people into your home. Tell children at home not to answer the door and that they should never let strangers into the home. If the sales person persists with their requests to come inside, shut your door and call the police. If the sales person refuses to leave your property, call the police.
The City of Marshalltown requires peddlers to have a permit for door to door sales. (Local non-profit organizations should obtain a free permit from the city clerk’s office before going door to door.) Peddlers must carry this permit with them when they are doing business. Request to see this permit. If the salesperson refuses or cannot produce their permit, shut your door and call the police. Please remember that just because a peddler has a permit, this does not mean the City is endorsing or recommending their product.
Trust Your Instincts:
Be smart. Be skeptical of dishonest or high pressure sales tactics. Be cautious when the sales person claims they are in a contest and will win prizes for making sales or when they claim they are selling goods to benefit a charity you have never heard of.
Carefully read all sales agreements before signing them or agreeing to a purchase. Never pay in cash and do not give out personal information about yourself, your bank accounts, credit cards, etc. Get a receipt for your purchase.
Be particularly careful if you suspect the salesperson is part of a traveling sales crew. These persons will many times be young people who come into town and leave town in a short period of time. If you feel you have been the victim of a scam or you are unsatisfied with the product you purchased, it may be very difficult to locate or contact these traveling salespersons once they leave town.
State and federal law requires peddlers to allow the consumer to cancel an order of $25.00 or more upon notification of cancellation. However, some unethical companies have been known to provide consumers with false addresses or fake telephone numbers making it almost impossible to track them down once they leave town.
Once again, if the peddler at your door cannot produce a City of Marshalltown permit to peddle, shut your door and call the police. When in doubt about the company or sales person, trust your instincts and just say “NO”.
Ethical salespersons and ethical companies will clearly explain their product or services and will clearly explain the terms of the sale and the costs to you. They will not attempt to avoid these issues or try to confuse you as the consumer. Once again, keep in mind the old consumer credo of “Buyer Beware.”
If you have concerns about door to door salespeople in your neighborhood or business, please contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725 or 911 for emergencies.
Need a license application? Get your form here. Questions about licensing, please contact clerk@marshalltown-ia.gov
Click here for a listing of issued peddler permits with expiration dates.