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Kimberly Houk ReportingThe national "Do Not Call" list is sending businesses that rely on telemarketing on a search to find a different way to get to consumers. One way they're headed may be more bothersome than a phone call.
In the past 2 weeks Murray, West Jordan and Draper have all seen an increase in individuals wanting to buy door-to-door solicitation licenses. Going door to door may be the new marketing tool for businesses that can no longer use the telephone.
From a ringing phone to a knock on your door, companies are changing the way they get to consumers here in Utah.
Capt. Gary Cox, West Jordan Police Dept.: “I would imagine that as the new law really takes effect and individuals and businesses determine that maybe that's the only recourse that they have left is to go door to door."
A door-to-door solicitation license costs between 80 to 100 dollars per city and most solicitors will want to be licensed in all cities. But a license alone doesn't make selling door-to-door legal. They also have to have a business license that costs around $70, and pass a background check.
Capt. Gary Cox, West Jordan Police Dept.: “There are frequently situations where officers encounter individuals who have not gone through the process. They can be cited with a Class B misdemeanor."
That’s a citation that carries a $299 fine and a six month jail sentence. But the fine's not enough to stop some from knocking doors in an area that prohibits it -- Draper.
For the past 12 years Draper has banned all but solicitors for non-profit organizations from knocking on doors.
Salt Lake City licensing officials say they have not seen an increase in the number of people wanting solicitation licenses.
