5 Tips for When a Salesperson Knocks on Your Door

Do you know what to do if a salesperson comes knocking at your door to sell you new siding, lawn or tree work, magazine subscriptions and the list goes on…?

Before you open your door to a salesperson, review these important tips.
 

• Door-to-door salespeople must be licensed by Fairfax County.
• Door-to-door sales are restricted to between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• A salesperson may not solicit at a residence or private property development which posts a “No Peddlers or Solicitors” sign.
• Solicitors must provide, upon request, a written receipt that includes a brief description of the goods or services sold, the total purchase price, amount of cash payment, if any, and the balance due and terms of payment.
   

When a salesperson knocks on your door:

• Ask to see their license to solicit in Fairfax County.
• If they do not have a valid license, ask them to leave .
• Close and lock your door.
• If they do not have a license, immediately call Fairfax County Police (non-emergency) at 703-691-2131 (TTY 711) to report the violation.

This is what a Fairfax County solicitors license looks like (front and back):

Here are a few basics to know if you want to cancel your order with a door-to-door salesperson. More details

• Virginia law gives consumers the right to cancel a home solicitation contract for $25 or more at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction.
• Consumers have up to 30 days to cancel if the seller has misrepresented the nature or purpose of the transaction.
• Cancellation occurs when you (the buyer) give written notice of cancellation to the seller.
• Under federal law, the seller must give you two copies of a cancellation form: one to keep and one to send.
• After you cancel within the permitted timeframe, the seller has 10 days to refund your money.

Buyer beware, as always. Unscrupulous salespeople often create a sense of urgency and danger to compel a resident to hire them to perform work. This type of sales pitch is prohibited by law.
 

There are some people and organizations who can knock on your door without a Fairfax County license:

• Fresh farm food products, including produce and dairy products.
• Newspapers or newspaper subscriptions.
• Real estate or insurance, when the salesperson is licensed by Virginia.
• Religious organizations.
• Charitable organizations licensed by Fairfax County or through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (e.g., Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, or the Red Cross).
• Each Fairfax County School is authorized to conduct two school-wide fundraisers each year, which may include soliciting. One popular school fundraiser in Fairfax County is known as “Tag Day.”
• There are no specific exemptions for neighborhood children who might sell lemonade, shovel snow or mow lawns ; however, Fairfax County does not issue solicitor licenses to individuals under the age of 16 because state labor laws prohibit children younger than 16 from working as solicitors in Virginia.
• Political parties and political campaigns that file federal and/or state financial statements are exempt.
   

Our Regulations and Licensing staff are available to answer your questions about door-to-door salespeople:

• Call: 703-324-5966 or 703-324-5943 (TTY 711)
• Email: DCCS-RALB@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Resources:

• Consumer Services
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