Sales Guy Ignored A No-Soliciting Sign, Got Caught By The Cops, And Had To Sit for Hours

Nothing tests your patience like door-to-door salespeople who can’t take a hint. For one Redditor, after multiple visits from pest control, lawn care, and solar panel companies, the “No Soliciting” sign was finally put up in an attempt to stop the interruptions.

But when a salesman continued to ignore the sign, the Redditor researched city ordinances, discovered that a permit was required, and made a call to the police. The result? The salesperson was confronted by police, possibly fined, and made to wait on the curb for his ride.

Was this a well-deserved response to persistent, disrespectful sales tactics, or did the Redditor overstep in punishing someone just doing their job? Keep reading to find out how others feel about this action.

Salesperson ignored a no soliciting sign, got cited by police, and had to wait for a ride

The OP took matters into their own hands when salespeople ignored their no soliciting sign, and that decision to stand firm reflects a commitment to privacy and control over their environment.

It also sheds light on the emotional side of setting boundaries and how far some people will go to protect their personal space.

What stands out in this situation is how the OP’s patience slowly wore thin. At first, they tried the simple approach by putting up a no soliciting sign, hoping that would be enough. But when the solicitors kept showing up, despite the clear sign, the OP got more and more frustrated.

And honestly, that frustration is totally understandable. When you set boundaries, like putting up a no soliciting sign, they should be respected. When people ignore them, it can feel like an invasion of your personal space, leading to feelings of anger and helplessness.

The OP’s response, going from verbal confrontations to researching city ordinances, shows how they were seeking to take control of the situation that had become overwhelming.

Psychologically, this is a classic example of what Dr. Terri Apter, a psychologist, calls the need for “self-regulation.”

As Dr. Apter explains, “When someone’s boundaries are disregarded, it leads to feelings of emotional distress. This can trigger a defense mechanism to protect oneself and one’s personal space”.

For the OP, looking up the local city ordinances was a way to regain control and enforce their boundaries in a way that felt more official.

The situation really escalated when the OP called the police after a solar panel salesman ignored the sign and kept trying to pitch his product. The quick response from the police and the possible citation show that there are systems in place to back up people who want to protect their peace.

But the salesman didn’t just face a fine, he also ended up sitting on the curb for over an hour, waiting for his ride. That’s a clear consequence of his actions, and psychologically, that humiliation probably acted as a strong deterrent for future bad behavior.

But while it might feel satisfying for the OP to see the salesman face some consequences, it’s important to think about the long-term effects of this kind of confrontation.

Dr. Laura Berman suggests, “While it’s important to stand up for your boundaries, it’s also crucial to engage in conflict in a way that doesn’t leave long-lasting negative emotional consequences for either party”.

Yes, the salesman likely learned his lesson about respecting boundaries, but the way the interaction unfolded could create further tension if the OP continues to escalate things. There’s a delicate balance between standing firm in your boundaries and creating unnecessary conflict.

While the OP’s response might have been a bit extreme, it shows just how important it is to feel respected in your own home and to maintain control over your environment.

Sometimes, even something as simple as a no soliciting sign can spark bigger consequences when people refuse to respect it.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

This group shared empathy for salespeople who were stuck in difficult canvassing jobs

These commenters vented frustration about persistent solicitors ignoring “No Soliciting” signs

These users critiqued the unethical sales practices, highlighting how managers pressure sales reps to ignore rules

This group shared creative and humorous ways to handle persistent solicitors

Do you think the poster was too harsh, or did they handle the situation perfectly? How would you have responded to the salesperson? Share your thoughts below!