Residents of Cincinnati, Ohio have rights and options regarding door-to-door sales and solicitation. Here’s a breakdown of how to manage or stop unwanted door-to-door salespeople:
1. “No Soliciting” Signs:
- Posting a sign: You can legally post “No Solicitation” signs (or words of similar meaning) at or near your front entrance.
- Effect: Posting this sign prohibits solicitation at your residence.
- Enforcement: Solicitors who disregard these signs and refuse to leave can be subject to criminal trespass charges. You can contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number (513-825-2280) if they refuse to leave, or call 911 if you feel threatened.
2. Right to Cancel (Cooling-Off Rule):
- Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act: This act provides a three-day “cooling-off” period during which you can cancel a contract for sales of $25 or more made at your home or outside the seller’s normal place of business.
- Cancellation rights: You have until midnight of the third business day after signing an agreement to cancel.
- Seller Requirements: The seller must provide you with a written agreement and a “notice of cancellation” form explaining your right to cancel.
- No Services or Loan Agreements During Cooling-Off Period: Sellers cannot begin any service or sell a loan agreement until the three-day cooling-off period is over.
3. Reporting Violations or Concerns:
- Cincinnati Police Department: If you have questions, concerns, or feel uncomfortable about a solicitor’s behavior, you can contact the Cincinnati Police Department or their non-emergency number.
- 311Cincy: For general inquiries or assistance regarding door-to-door solicitation issues within city limits, you can call 311 (or 513-765-1212 non-emergency number) or submit a service request online or through the 311Cincy mobile app.
4. Additional Tips:
- Be aware of scams: Be cautious of individuals who seem part of a traveling sales crew and consider contacting the police to report such activities if you are concerned.
- Request identification and references: Before making any commitments, ask for a physical address and references, and take time to verify the information.
- Don’t feel pressured: Resist high-pressure sales tactics and take time to think about the offer before making any decisions.
- Document everything: Keep a copy of any contract, receipt, and cancellation notice (if applicable). If cancelling, send a written notice by certified mail to prove compliance.