It’s the time of year where many solicitors start to knock on doors hoping to capture some new business. Elk River requires solicitors be licensed prior to engaging in door-to-door sales, with some exceptions including but not limited to registered nonprofits, religious organizations, and political groups. Licensed solicitors are given a photo ID badge, and are required to carry it on them when going door-to-door, and present it upon request. Failure to do so is a violation of city ordinance and should be reported to Elk River Police immediately. Unfortunately, many residents report unlicensed solicitors significantly after the fact instead of calling 911 immediately following the interaction, which would allow police better opportunity to encounter the person while still in your neighborhood.
Residents should use common sense when engaging in door-to-door sales activity, ask for references, do not allow strangers in your home, and report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. If you’d like to keep solicitors from knocking on your door, a visible “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited” sign must be posted near the main entrance of your home. Click here to view the current list of licensed solicitors in Elk River.