Door-to-door sales used to be very common, bringing everything from encyclopedias to vacuum cleaners right to people’s front steps. Today, we are less inclined to answer the door to people we aren’t expecting to visit.
The reputation of door-to-door sales is not stellar. Starting with the ugly, unscrupulous door-to-door pest control salespeople who try to take advantage of decent Americans. These pesky, manipulating salespeople try talking homeowners into buying products that they don’t really need. Or, even worse, scamming homeowners into fine print contracts that are a nightmare to void. In some cases, they will even monitor the movements of homeowners to track when they are at home.
What to do when Door-to-Door Pest Control Knocks (don’t answer)
Then there’s the bad, the salespeople who have been trained not to take no for an answer and keep polite homeowners on the doorstep for ages. They don’t give up easily and come back time and time again. There have also been reports of pest control reps placing dead insects as evidence to convince homeowners of the need for their services.
Then, there is the good salesperson who just happens to be in the right place, at the right time, with a product we actually need.
Legality
Contrary to popular belief, door-to-door sales are actually legal provided nothing is sold to a person under the age of 16. Certain states and cities though have instituted ordinances banning such sales without a permit. In addition, in some places knocking on doors after 6 p.m. is illegal. In other areas knocking on doors on Sundays and during the hours between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. is prohibited.
Lincoln and many communities in the Omaha metro require solicitors who are knocking on doors to obtain a peddlers permit for door-to-door sales. In Omaha, police say residents who answer the door to someone without a permit should contact the non-emergency number.
Selling Pest Control
Pest control is something of a grudge purchase, a necessary evil. We don’t want to spend money on it, but sometimes we have to. We don’t wake up with an immediate passion to buy life insurance, and it’s the same with pest control services.
That’s why it can be good to have a sales rep force your hand. Unfortunately, due to door-to-door pest control scams being prevalent in the news, there can be trust issues with these reps. It’s one thing to waste money on a once-off rubbish product being sold door to door. However, it’s another thing to sign a pest control contract being sold door to door.
We wouldn’t buy life insurance at the door so why would we buy pest control at the door either. The right way to buy pest control is to contact a local pest control company to schedule a free estimate and outline their service options.
How to Handle Door-to-Door Pest Control Reps
If you open the door, you don’t need to engage in a long conversation. But if you do choose to talk, questions like these can quickly reveal if the rep is legitimate:
- “What are you licensed to do, and where did you receive your training?”
- “Where is your company located?”
- “How long have you been in business?”
- “Can I speak to your manager directly?”
- “Do you have references from customers in my area?”
A reputable company won’t avoid these questions. High-pressure reps usually will.
If you want to exit the conversation politely, thank them for stopping by, take their pamphlet, and simply say you’ll review it later.
Always Check With Your Neighbors
Many door-to-door pest control sales reps claim they were “just treating your neighbor’s house.” This is one of the most common sales lines in the industry. A quick message to your neighbors will confirm if the rep is telling the truth.
Be Polite
If you want to be more polite, thank them for their time, and take their paperwork. Then, tell them you need to discuss it with a partner or friend and wish them a good day as you close the door.
Additional Reading: Pest control sale becomes more bothersome than the bugs – WOWT
Why Choose a Local Professional Instead
Instead of signing a contract on your doorstep, it’s always better to call a trusted local pest control company. Local companies offer transparent pricing, clear service plans, and licensed technicians who inspect your home before recommending treatment.
When you contact a provider directly, you can choose the services you actually need instead of what a rep is trained to upsell.
Hire a Professional Pest Control Company – ABC Termite & Pest Control
When you contact ABC Termite & Pest Control, you’re getting licensed technicians, straightforward pricing, and professional service, no door-to-door pest control sales tactics, no pressure, and no long contracts hidden in fine print.
A single misapplication of pest control products can put your home and family at risk, which is why working with an experienced local company matters.
If you want safe, effective pest protection from a company you can trust, contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha or Lincoln today.
When you call a trustworthy pest control provider like ABC Termite and Pest, you’ll get an estimate and save over door-to-door sales offers! We don’t need gimmicky sales pitches, just our best customer service and pricing every day with every customer!
Hire a Professional Company ABC Termite & Pest Control – Pest Control Omaha, NE & Lincoln, NE
Find a reputable termite inspection company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST and ask about their pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE today!
