Springdale Weighing Door To Door Salesmen Regulations
By: Garret Krier
Updated: April 3, 2012
We have all been there. You are eating dinner and you get a knock on your door from someone trying to sell you something. According to the City Council in Springdale, it can be more than a simple annoyance.
Everything from the time someone knocks to who is allowed to solicit your home is on the table. And one Springdale City Alderman says it is all in the name of safety.
"You never know who is going to come knock on your door," said one man. And for that reason, The City of Springdale is looking at regulating salesmen who visit your home.
"There have been magazines, subscriptions for newspapers, people for siding and roofing," said one man. The City Council hopes to screen those who want to sell door to door in town.
"You will have a badge to show that you were here. Have gone through the process. All your permits are filed. You'll have a picture with your name on it," said City Councilman Ricky Evans.
Then residents can ask for the seller's papers and proof of who they are.
"You will know exactly what is going on, and we'll know why they are here and who they are here with," said Councilman Evans.
One man who would be impacted is Mike Nicholas who owns a business which solicits door to door. "I think it is a homeowner's right to discourage it if they don't want to participate," said Nicholas.
Some homeowners also complain about what time a solicitor comes around. So the city is debating whether to make it against city code to knock later in the evening.
According to Springdale City Council Member Ricky Evans, Springdale may even give residents stickers to put on their front door - stating solicitors are not welcome. He says it is all about safety.
"Anybody could be staking out your house," said Evans. Police detective Kevin Lewis says new regulations or not, people still need to be safe when dealing with strangers.
"It will startle you and that is one of the reasons why I say talk through your door," said Detective Kevin Lewis. As for Mike Nicholas, he is all for the regulations. "I and most reputable businesses would honor that sticker," said Nicholas.
Council members say they are looking at how other towns regulate door to door salesmen. The members are expected to vote before the end of April.
Everything from the time someone knocks to who is allowed to solicit your home is on the table. And one Springdale City Alderman says it is all in the name of safety.
"You never know who is going to come knock on your door," said one man. And for that reason, The City of Springdale is looking at regulating salesmen who visit your home.
"There have been magazines, subscriptions for newspapers, people for siding and roofing," said one man. The City Council hopes to screen those who want to sell door to door in town.
"You will have a badge to show that you were here. Have gone through the process. All your permits are filed. You'll have a picture with your name on it," said City Councilman Ricky Evans.
Then residents can ask for the seller's papers and proof of who they are.
"You will know exactly what is going on, and we'll know why they are here and who they are here with," said Councilman Evans.
One man who would be impacted is Mike Nicholas who owns a business which solicits door to door. "I think it is a homeowner's right to discourage it if they don't want to participate," said Nicholas.
Some homeowners also complain about what time a solicitor comes around. So the city is debating whether to make it against city code to knock later in the evening.
According to Springdale City Council Member Ricky Evans, Springdale may even give residents stickers to put on their front door - stating solicitors are not welcome. He says it is all about safety.
"Anybody could be staking out your house," said Evans. Police detective Kevin Lewis says new regulations or not, people still need to be safe when dealing with strangers.
"It will startle you and that is one of the reasons why I say talk through your door," said Detective Kevin Lewis. As for Mike Nicholas, he is all for the regulations. "I and most reputable businesses would honor that sticker," said Nicholas.
Council members say they are looking at how other towns regulate door to door salesmen. The members are expected to vote before the end of April.
