Do 'No Soliciting' Signs Work?

Most of us have seen them before: those big, red "No Soliciting" signs that people post on their front doors or porches. The message is clear: stay away, from salespeople and other solicitors!

But do these signs actually work? Do they deter would-be solicitors from coming to your door, or are they just a waste of time?

Well, it turns out that the answer is a little bit of both. "No Soliciting" signs are certainly not foolproof, but they can be effective in deterring some solicitors in giving out solicitations. This article will help you understand what this sign means and what to do if you see one.

What is 'No Soliciting'?

No soliciting means no one is allowed to come to your door and try to sell you something or ask for donations. This includes people who are selling products or services, as well as those who are raising money for charities.

In most cases, no soliciting signs are posted by private citizens who don't want to be bothered by salespeople or other solicitors. However, some businesses also post these signs to deter people from coming in and asking for free samples or coupons.

Who Are Solicitors?

Solicitors are people who go door-to-door to sell products or services or to raise money for charities. In some cases, they may also be people who hand out fliers or free samples.

Most of the time, solicitors are not allowed to come onto your property if you have a "No Soliciting" sign posted. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in some states, religious organizations and political campaigns are exempt from "No Soliciting" signs.

What Kind of Things Do Solicitors Sell?

There are all sorts of solicitors, selling everything from vacuum cleaners to magazine subscriptions. Some solicitors may even try to sell you things that you don't need, like overpriced home repairs or fake designer goods.

Some solicitors are also people who collect money for charities. While most charity collectors are legitimate, there are also some scammers who pose as charity collectors in order to trick people into giving them money.

Is Door-to-Door Soliciting Legal?

Door-to-door soliciting is legal in most states, as long as the solicitor is not trespassing on private property. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some cities have ordinances that prohibit door-to-door soliciting altogether.

How Do I Keep Solicitors Away from My Home or Business?

If you don't want solicitors to come to your door, the best thing to do is to post a "No Soliciting" sign. You can usually find these signs at your local hardware store or office supply store.

Another way to keep solicitors away is to put your name on the national Do Not Call Registry. This will stop most telemarketers from calling you, although it will not stop door-to-door solicitors.

You can also try asking the solicitor to leave politely. In most cases, they will comply with your request. However, if the solicitor does not leave when you ask them to, you can call the police and report them for trespassing.

Do "No Soliciting" Signs Actually Work?

"No Soliciting" signs are not foolproof, but they can be effective in deterring some solicitors. This is because most solicitors are looking for easy targets - houses without "No Soliciting" signs.

If you don't want solicitors coming to your door, posting a "No Soliciting" sign is a good way to deter them. However, you should be aware that some solicitors may ignore your sign and try to sell you something anyway.

If a solicitor does come to your door, you can always ask them to leave. In most cases, they will comply with your request. However, if the solicitor does not leave when you ask them to, you can call the police and report them for trespassing.

Soliciting Laws

In the U.S., soliciting laws vary from state to state. Some states, like Arkansas and Louisiana, have laws that prohibit door-to-door soliciting altogether. Other states have laws that regulate when and where solicitors can operate.

For example, in Colorado, door-to-door solicitors are not allowed to operate between the hours of 9 PM and 8 AM. In Florida, door-to-door solicitors are not allowed to operate on Sundays.

If you're not sure about the soliciting laws in your state, you can contact your local police department or city hall for more information.

How To Ensure Your ‘No Soliciting Sign’ Is Effective

There are ways you can ensure that your no soliciting sign will work, such as:

1. Use a legible font

If your sign is hard to read, solicitors may not even realize that they're not supposed to be there.

2. Use a bright color

A brightly colored sign is more likely to catch a solicitor's attention than a dull one.

3. Post the sign in a visible location

Make sure that your sign is posted in a place where solicitors can see it. For example, if you have a front door and a back door, you should post a sign at both entrances.

4. Put the sign on your property

It's best to put the sign on your property, rather than on public property. This way, you can be sure that solicitors will see it before they come onto your property.

5. Use a vandal-resistant sign

If you live in an area where vandalism is a problem, you may want to invest in a vandal-resistant sign. These signs are made out of materials that are difficult to damage, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

The Importance of Understanding No Soliciting Signs

So, if you don’t want solicitors coming to your door, the best thing to do is to put up a no soliciting sign. This will let people know that you don’t want to be bothered and that they should move on to the next property.

If you need help with signage, we at Lassiter Signage Solutions can help you. We create high-quality custom signs for both businesses and homes. Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more about our services!