By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer

Spring and summer 2026 are right around the corner. In fact, Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8. Along with melting snow, muddy driveways and yards, and the first flowers of the season, another familiar trend returns to Biddeford: an increase in door-to-door sales.

Each year brings a new wave of sales pitches—solar panels, replacement windows, driveway or roof repairs, house painting, “faster and better internet,” and whatever the latest sales trend happens to be.

While researching this article, we quickly realized how complicated the issue of door-to-door solicitation can be.

What started as a simple topic turned into a deep dive into city ordinances, state regulations and company practices. Before getting into the details, there’s one key takeaway everyone should remember:

Never invite strangers into your home, and
don’t be afraid to say “No, thank you.”

During my research for this story, I spoke with a young woman who knocked on my door and was very persistent about selling solar panels.

To be fair, she seemed polite and professional—much more so than many door-to-door salespeople I’ve encountered. However, it became clear that she likely knew little beyond the basic instructions she had been given: knock on doors, promote solar panels, and try to earn commission.

Through her, I was eventually able to speak with one of her supervisors. That conversation led me to even more research—and more confusion.

When I asked the salesperson about her solicitation permit, which is required by the city of Biddeford, she said she didn’t personally have one but that her company was permitted to solicit in the city.

I already knew this wasn’t accurate, because the city website lists the companies currently allowed to solicit. Still, it’s very possible she simply didn’t know.

Many companies that rely on door-to-door sales—regardless of the industry—hire temporary local workers, often younger people or college students looking for flexible ways to earn money.

They’re given a clipboard and sometimes a bright vest to appear official, then sent out to knock on doors.

One company involved in these efforts is Freedom Forever, which is currently in the process of merging with another solar company, VITL Power. However, neither company is currently registered to solicit in Biddeford.

 According to the Maine Attorney General’s Office website, neither company is licensed for transient sales in Maine at the moment.

Both companies previously held licenses but allowed them to expire or canceled them—VITL Power in June 2025 and Freedom Forever in April 2024.

During a phone call with a manager from Freedom Forever/VITL Power, Owen Haglund stated that the company operates in Maine as “commercial travelers” or “transient sellers,” and therefore believes they do not need a solicitation permit in Biddeford.

However, according to the Maine Attorney General’s website, transient sellers must still be licensed by the state and must follow the regulations of any municipality where they operate.

Which companies are permitted to knock on doors in Biddeford?

Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson confirmed that neither Freedom Forever nor VITL Power is currently permitted to solicit within the city. She also clarified that even transient sellers must obtain permits for each employee who plans to go door-to-door under the city’s ordinance.

At this time, Patterson said the only companies currently permitted to solicit in Biddeford are Fidium Fiber, Fox Pest Control and Renewal by Andersen.

Residents can check the city website at any time to see which companies are properly permitted.

The city website also advises residents to ask to see a solicitor’s permit. Anyone legally going door-to-door is required to carry one.

A sample of the permit is available on the website so residents know what to look for.

If you believe someone is soliciting without a permit, behaving aggressively, or failing to provide a required buyer’s rights statement, residents can contact the Biddeford Police Department’s non-emergency line at 207-282-5127.

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk emphasized one key safety point during our conversation: never allow a solicitor into your home.

When asked about “No Solicitation” signs, Fisk noted that signs can help discourage law-abiding salespeople, but many solicitors simply ignore them.

In most cases, door-to-door solicitation is regulated by city ordinance rather than criminal law. However, that doesn’t mean problems can’t arise—which is why it’s important to keep interactions at the door and never invite strangers inside.

Fisk also encouraged residents to review both the city’s solicitation ordinance and the information provided by the Maine Attorney General’s Office to better understand their rights as consumers.

So, here’s the short version:

Door-to-door solicitation in Biddeford can be frustrating, but it isn’t going away.

The city has rules in place to regulate it, and reputable companies will follow those rules. Those regulations are designed to protect residents.

However, residents also need to take steps to protect themselves. Don’t invite solicitors into your home, ask to see permits when appropriate and know your rights under the city ordinance.

Salespeople are supposed to show their permit. They’re supposed to respect your decision if you say no. And if you do sign a contract, there are specific consumer protections they must follow before work can begin.

A “No Solicitation” sign can help, but it’s not a guarantee.

As the saying goes, signs keep honest people honest—just like locks keep honest people out.

In the end, the best protection is simple: know your rights, use common sense and don’t be afraid to close the door.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Jim Krause is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. He can be contacted at jiggyjim@live.com

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