With warmer weather hitting the south plains comes the reminder that door-to-door sales season is just around the corner.
We recently received a message about some sales people that created some concern in a Lubbock neighborhood. It’s something you almost learn to expect during the warmer months of the year.
That knock on your door or ringing of your door bell from someone trying to sell you something you didn’t know you needed.
But, how do you know they are legitimate and not just someone trying to take your money?
“If they introduce themselves as ‘oh hey I’m from this company and I’m from out of town’ ask them for a peddlers permit. Because they legally have to have one to come up to your door and try to sell to you whatever service or product they’re offering,” said Madison Luscombe, Communications Director for the Better Business Bureau of the south plains.
It’s something that every single salesperson has to carry and will have a picture of them and expiration date.
If they tell you they have a group one, shut the door. Another tip, the Lubbock Police Department has a record of every person who has a valid permit.
So, if you have a question you can always call the Lubbock Police Department’s non-emergency number: (806) 775-2865.
There are however, a couple exceptions.
The first exception is a person selling security systems.
But, they will have a Texas state issued ID giving them the right to sell to you. If you’re approached by one of these, ask for that state ID.
The second exception to Lubbock’s law is if the salesperson is representing an in town store, i.e. they have a physical store which pays taxes to the city.
But, even then ask them for credentials, don’t just take their word for it.
“Check online to see if they have some kind of website. Any kind of way to verify that they are a legitimate business,” said Luscombe.
Don’t be afraid to take your time. A lot sales people want to pressure you to buy right there and then.
“I just wouldn’t purchase right on cue if they don’t have anything to prove that they are who they say they are,” said Luscombe.
Remember, it’s your money, YOU are the boss.
Luscombe also said that if you feel uncomfortable or the salesperson is being especially pushy don’t be afraid to shut the door.
“If they are being intrusive in any form and you can’t get them to leave, the best thing to do is to call the police,” explained Luscombe.
Some more good knowledge, the city is on your side.
Before the city will issue a peddlers permit, there is a mandatory background check.
Plus, the law clearly states, “it shall be unlawful for any such license holder to remain on the premises of another after receiving notice from the owner, resident, occupant or adult person acting for such person exercising possession to depart such premises.”
Meaning, if you ask them to leave they are legally required to.
If they don’t, the city law clearly states that you should call police.