SPRINGDALE — A business owner said she’s had enough.
In one week, four salesmen went into Jim’s Radio and TV, 726 N. Thompson St., and tried to talk Jannie Bibb into changing her credit card company.
“They were very aggressive,” Bibb said. “They showed us badges trying to make us think they were with some government agency. Then they demanded we show them our credit card records.”
Bibb knew Springdale banned door-to-door salesmen from residences that post a sign saying “No Soliciting,” she said. She put one up at her home, she said.
“I thought the city should do it for businesses, too,” Bibb said.
Bibb called Jim Reed, a council member. Several other business owners also called, Reed said. He decided to propose an ordinance making it unlawful to try to sell products to a business with a sign that states no soliciting or no peddling.
The council approved the residential ban in April and it took effect July 1. The ordinance was based on one used in Shawnee Mission, Kan. The council will consider an ordinance applicable to businesses at its Tuesday meeting.
Ken Hagerty, owner of Arkansas Security and Arkansas Satellite, said he didn’t know about the proposal. A lot of businesses already post no soliciting signs, he said. Hagerty uses door-to-door salespeople in his companies.
“It looks like Springdale is becoming business unfriendly,” Hagerty said.
Fayetteville bans peddlers from trying to sell at residences with posted signs. Rogers has a no-knock list, which includes residences where door-to-door salesmen are banned. Neither city bans door-to-door sales at businesses, according to their code of ordinances.
The business ordinance does not include limiting the hours or requiring a city license for those who peddle only to businesses, said Jeff Harper, city attorney. Those salesmen who go to residences must purchase a $40 solicitor permit and $5 salesman permit for each worker.
Only one person has been arrested since the residential ordinance took effect, Harper said. Brandon Matthews, from Florida, did not have permits, Harper said. Records showed an earlier warning and he was cited.
Matthews did not show up for his Aug. 14 arraignment, Harper said. A warrant for failure to appear will be issued, he said. The penalty for breaking the ordinance is a fine of up to $1,000, he said.
Government workers on official business would be exempt from the ordinance, as would charitable, religious or nonprofit organizations and candidates for political office, Harper said.
No Soliciting decals, 3-by-3 1/2 inches, that can go on doors or windows are available free from the city. For those who do not want decals on their doors, signs are available from the city at its cost of $5. The signs, about 9-by-9 inches, are mounted on a post and ready to install.
Bibb said she is tired of door-to-door salesmen pulling her employees away from their work.
“It’s very questionable who the people are with,” Bibb said. “They can’t tell you what their company’s name is or where it is located. I want it to stop.”
Meeting Information
Springdale City Council
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Council Chambers, City Administration Building