As temperatures warm up, we start seeing more folks outside. Sometimes that includes the door-to-door solicitor or peddler. The City of Canal Winchester has an ordinance (ORD-58-09) requiring *most solicitors to register with the City and receive a permit. Doing this ensures the individuals visiting your home or business have been approved by the City, which includes running a background check. Permits expire at the end of the year they are issued, and a list of permitted business is available on the city website.
If a solicitor or peddler comes to your door, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Never let the individual into your home.
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Often times these salespeople offer special pricing to sign up on the spot or ask for payment upfront. Be sure to evaluate your options and verify the business before signing any contracts.
- Ask to see their permit. Permits provided by the City of Canal Winchester will have the City logo on them (see image below) with a signature on the back. If the solicitor fails to provide the appropriate identification or has an expired permit, turn them away. You can report the violation to Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office by calling the non-emergency number.
To add your address to the Do Not Knock Registry, visit the City of Canal Winchester website. You only need to complete the form once as long as your address does not change. If you are unsure if you have already been added to the list, please contact Bobbi at 614-837-7691.
*Ordinance 58-09 does not require certain groups to register or get a permit as they are only engaged in distributing their message, or are a religious or charitable organization which employs the use of solicitors or peddlers under the age of 16 exclusively. As a result, the registry does not keep those groups or individuals from knocking on your door.
Original source can be found here.
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