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As the weather warms up in the Pacific Northwest, we at Eastside Exterminators want to ensure you’re well-prepared for an influx of door-to-door salespeople, especially those from pest control companies. While many of these salespeople may seem friendly and trustworthy, it’s important to be informed about their practices, legality, and how best to interact with them in Seattle and the greater Washington area.
The Reality of Door-to-Door Sales
Door-to-door sales can be a legitimate business practice, but it’s also a method frequently used by out-of-state pest control companies looking to quickly establish a customer base in new regions. These companies often employ aggressive sales tactics, leading to unpleasant experiences for homeowners in the PNW.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Out-of-State Sales Tactics: Many door-to-door pest control salespeople are not from your local area. These individuals are typically outsourced from other states, aiming to secure as many contracts as possible in a short time frame. They are often paid high commissions (30-50% of the total sale), which can incentivize pushy and sometimes dishonest sales practices.
- Licensing Concerns: Ensure that any salesperson offering pest control services is licensed to operate in Washington state. Always ask for their license number and verify their credentials. Many out-of-state salespeople might not meet the local licensing requirements, meaning they are not legally authorized to perform pest control services in your area.
- Unrealistic Guarantees: Be skeptical of sales pitches that guarantee no pests will ever return. While pest control companies can offer warranties for their services, it’s unrealistic to claim that no pests will ever come back. Local pest control companies with extensive experience in the Seattle area provide more reliable long-term solutions.
- Customer Control: Choose a pest control company that offers flexibility and does not require long-term contracts. You should have the freedom to decide the length of your service based on your satisfaction with the results. Many reputable local companies do not bind you to long-term commitments and allow you to cancel services as needed.
- Thorough Inspections: A comprehensive pest control service should include a detailed inspection of your entire property, including the roof, attic, and crawlspaces. Ensure the company provides a report identifying all entry points for pests and offers exclusion repairs to prevent future infestations.
Legal Protections in Your Area
King County Regulation:
As of October 3, 2011, commercial door-to-door solicitation is prohibited at properties with “No Trespassing” or “No Soliciting” signs in unincorporated King County. This regulation protects over 300,000 residents from aggressive solicitors and potential scammers.
For more information, visit the King County Council’s announcement on door-to-door solicitation.
Seattle Areas:
Seattle has specific guidelines for residential sellers, including:
- License Required: Residential sellers must obtain a residential sales license.
- Unlawful Acts: It is illegal to make deceptive statements, sell before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM without consent, and ignore “No Solicitors” signs.
- Identification: Sellers must display their residential sales license and disclose their name, company, and product/service immediately upon contact.
For more details, check out the Seattle Municipal Codes Regarding Residential Sales.
Snohomish County:
In Snohomish County, soliciting/canvassing or handbill posting at properties with “No Soliciting” signs is prohibited. If you encounter any violations, you can report them to:
- Code Enforcement: (425) 388-3650
Tips for Interacting with Door-to-Door Salespeople
To ensure your interactions with door-to-door salespeople are safe and respectful, follow these guidelines:
- Be Cautious: Always be cautious when someone unknown approaches your door. It’s okay to keep the door closed and speak through it.
- Ask for Identification: Request to see their permit and identification. A legitimate salesperson will have no problem showing this.
- Don’t Feel Pressured: Remember, you are under no obligation to make a decision on the spot. Take your time to research and verify their claims.
- Say No Politely: If you’re not interested, it’s perfectly fine to say no and close the door. Be polite but firm.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your local authorities. Your safety is paramount.
Posting a No Soliciting Sign
The most effective way to discourage unwanted door-to-door sales is to post a “No Soliciting” sign. This legally prohibits commercial solicitors from contacting you, providing peace of mind and minimizing interruptions.
You can download free, ‘No Soliciting’ signs here.
Recent Experiences from Our Neighbors
We have received numerous reports from neighbors about their encounters with aggressive door-to-door pest control salespeople. These testimonies highlight the importance of being cautious and informed. Here are a few examples:
- Anne: ” They came to our house too (we live on the street below the person who posted this). Even though I told him at least four times I wasn’t interested, he kept pestering me until I closed the door in his face. So annoying!”
- Christine: ” Had one on our porch today. I’ve gotten tired of dealing with these time-sucking creeps so I didn’t answer. Was on the porch for 5 minutes. Rang the doorbell repeatedly and he also knocked loudly. Then he helped himself to a protein bar from a box labeled ‘Delivery People: Please take one.’ “
- A. M.: ” Yep, he came to our door too. He was going to kill spiders. I mean, who does that? He ignored the ‘No Soliciting’ sign, which is next to the doorbell. Hard to ‘not’ see. He was extremely pushy. When I finally pointed to the sign, he apologized, and then went on and on trying to sell me his insect-killing service. I finally got stern with him. And yes, he used the neighbors’ names to get our business. He was also surprised that ‘we had not seen him doing work in our neighborhood.’ The audacity of that guy was jaw-dropping. I should have called the sheriff on him.”
- Margaret: ” We had someone at our house yesterday, and it was incredibly difficult to get him to understand we have no interest! He was pushy (edging on aggressive) and very determined. If you see them coming, I say, pretend that you are not home. “
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Eastside Exterminators, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. If you ever feel unsure or unsafe, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and support our community in any way we can.
Thank you for trusting Eastside Exterminators with your pest control needs. Enjoy the beautiful weather, and stay informed and safe!
