Door-to-Door Solicitors in St. Louis Park: What's Legal, What's Not

Every year, the St. Louis Park Police Department responds to numerous calls regarding door-to-door solicitors. All solicitors, including non-profit organizations, are required to register with the city.

There are many legitimate organizations that solicit door-to-door, either to sell products or services or to promote a religious, political, or charitable cause, officials say. However, there are also a growing number of individuals who illegally solicit with the purpose of committing fraud, according to a news release.

If a solicitor knocks at your door, that person must display a city-issued ID card that contains their photo, name, company, ID number and expiration date before they even start their "pitch."

Officials say the average con-artist will have many reasons why he/she does not have a solicitor ID to show you. There is no "legal" reason not to have it.

The only exemption for not having a solicitor ID is a city resident canvassing his or her neighborhood from house to house for contributions or support for any charitable, religious, civic, educational, philanthropic, social service, or welfare organization.

The St. Louis Park Police Department does not solicit door-to-door for funds.If you feel uncomfortable opening your door to a solicitor for any reason, don't do it, city staff warns.

What's legal, what's not

• A solicitor must leave when asked by the homeowner or apartment dweller.
• A solicitor cannot make any statements that misrepresent the activity for which they have been authorized by their certificate of registration to solicit.

A person may be a fraudulent solicitor if he/she:

• Is out of compliance with the municipal code (lacks a city-issued ID).
• Behaves aggressively, acts threatening, tries to make you feel guilty for not wanting to buy what he/she is selling.
• Pressures you for an immediate decision and demands cash only.
• Pressures you into signing a contract on the spot.
• Refuses to supply paperwork to substantiate what he/she claims to be selling or to give a contact phone number and address for whom they claim to work.
• Asks for bank account or social security numbers.
• Attempts to make entry into your home (jiggles your door handle if no one answers). Tries to peer into your home through an open window or door to look at your valuables.

If you suspect that a solicitor is not legitimate, or the solicitor is acting in an aggressive manner, city officials ask that you contact the St. Louis Park Police Department at 911.

If you are a peddler or solicitor, use the downloadable peddler and solicitor license application.

Currently Registered Solicitors in St. Louis Park

Clean Water Action
NARAL Pro Choice MN
Comcast/Xfinity
Window Concepts of MN
The Window Store
Keller Williams Realty
James Hardie Building Products
Edward Jones
The Gate Church
Fund for the Public Interest
Friends of the Earth
Custom Remodelers, Inc
Sun Share
MPIRG (MN Public Interest Research Group)

Image via Eric Fischer, Flickr, used under Creative Commons