Door-To-Door Sales

Thanks to Jerry Sperling, our City Clerk, we are able to offer information about door-to-door sales. The question we hear is: Don’t they need a city license? There are differences in legal definitions in three categories: canvassers/solicitors, peddlers, and transient merchants.

In short, the City of Lindsborg *does not* have the authority to require a local license of canvassers/solicitors. The City of Lindsborg *does* have the authority to require local licensing of peddlers and transient merchants.

So what’s the difference?

• Canvassers/solicitors are defined in law as those traveling from door to door, taking orders on merchandise for future delivery.

• Peddlers are defined as those traveling door to door, bringing their goods for sale on the spot.

• Transient merchants are defined as those in a temporary business. They may occupy a building, car, motel-hotel room, shop, street or alley and sell goods there, either privately or for public auction.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that localities may not require a license of canvassers/solicitors; however, they may require licenses of peddlers and transient merchants to do business in the city limits. If a peddler or transient merchant contacts you and is unable to show a permit, please call Lindsborg Public Safety at 785-227-2988. If the person at the door is a canvasser or solicitor, no permit is required.

No matter the definition, you have the choice about whether to do business with them or engage with them. If in doubt or feeling pressured, call Lindsborg Public Safety.