SPRINGFIELD — Pushy door-to-door salespeople may become a thing of the past in Springfield. The City Council voted on Sept. 8 to take the first step in a two-step process to strengthen the city’s door-to-door-sales ordinance.
Ward 7 City Councilor Gerry Martin, who presented the amendment with At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst, said door-to-door sales tactics, particularly when it comes to solar panel sales, have “become more predatory.” Hurst shared an incident in which his wife was home alone when a salesperson came to the door. He said the man was insistent and “refused to take no for an answer, almost to the point of belligerence.” The salesperson proceeded to return the next day. Hurst said he could imagine that a senior or a minor answering the door may experience anxiety faced with such tactics.
As Martin explained, commercial solicitation would be limited to between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It would also prohibit sellers from engaging in sales attempts at addresses that display “no solicitation” signs. Salespeople would be required to register as a commercial solicitor with the Springfield Police Department and obtain a city-issued identification card. The registration process may include “a limited records check for outstanding warrants or disqualifying violent or fraud-related felony convictions within the past ten years.” This could lead the Police Department to deny the application. A $25 fee is attached to the yearly application.
Specific behaviors prohibited by the ordinance include misrepresenting their identity, employer or the purpose of lying about registration as a solicitor, remaining in front of an address after a failed sales attempt, using “aggressive, harassing, threatening or deceptive practices” and selling to minors. Salespeople who violate the ordinance would be subject to a fine of $300 per violation per day, and habitual offenders may have their IDs revoked by the Police Department.
“What happens if they don’t pay?” asked At Large City Councilor Brian Santaniello. Hurst said he hoped their registration would be revoked.
Ward 6 City Councilor said door-to-door sales can be a safety issue and said the practice has been used as a pretense for committing crimes. “If you’re not comfortable with people at your door, don’t open the door,” Davila urged residents. City Council President Tracye Whitfield said the volume of in-person sales calls can be overwhelming. She was particularly reassured by the need for solicitors to present a city-issued ID.
Expressing concern about the background checks, Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Fentin said he would not want them to automatically exclude everyone who has had a previous interaction with law enforcement. Meanwhile, Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards suggested the fine be levied against the company for whom the seller works, rather than the individual salesperson.
The amended ordinance was referred to the General Government Committee. Hurst also said he intends to bring the ordinance before neighborhood councils for input.
