Door-to-door solicitors growing in numbers
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By BETH ZUMWALT
Every one of the four largest cities in Pike County has an ordinance dealing with door-to-door solicitors, or peddlers as they are sometimes called.
Barry, Griggsville, Pleasant Hill and Pittsfield all have ordinances requiring the peddler to stop at the village or city hall and at least register, if not get a certificate.
“I’d estimate we get 30 per year,” Mike Starman, Pittsfield City Police Chief, who is in charge of issueinng the licenses to sell. “Mostly solar, electric supply, tree trimmers, asphalters and a few other random ones.”
Sharman said each time, he gets complaints.
“People are very cautious and fear being scammed,” he said. “It’s generally the older residents that call in.”
Barry has been hit hard this year, especially with solar panel salesmen.
“I’ve had four different men trying sell us solar with in a two to three week span,” Debbie Rennecker, of Barry, said. “None were aggressive and tried to come in, but were very persistent about wanting us to change and to see our electric bill. They did not want to take no for an answer.”
Rennecker said she tried to politely decline but that didn’t seem to work.
“So, I harshly said no and shut the door. Four people coming to your door for the same thing is ridiculous,” she said.
Debbie Harshman,a council member on the Barry City Council, said the city is aware of the problem.
“It is on our agenda for the Aug. 6 meeting,” Harshman said. “ It appears Barry like other communities this summer have had several door-to-door vendors. Some of them have not been real professional and I’ve received many complaints and concerns from our citizens.
Although some of the ordinances governing the situation in different towns, most all require the vendor to register and give contact information, product information, where the company is headquartered, etc. A resident is allowed to ask to see the seller’s certificate.
Pittsfield requires a background check and fingerprinting.
Once a license to peddle is issued, it can be revoked and if any resident has a complaint, be sure to register it with their municipality.
