Door-to-door sales | Know your rights

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 ~ Jim Krause ~ 1 Comment

4–6 minutes

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.

*It’s the season of door-to-door salespeople*

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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‘Coffee With a Cop’ proves popular

March 4, 2026March 7, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Despite the well-known urban legend that no cop can resist a donut, several witnesses who attended Wednesday’s Coffee With a Cop event at the Biddeford Community Center say none of the officers even touched one of the fine donuts that were provided by Reilly’s Bakery.

Wednesday’s event was coordinated by Recreation Director Lisa Thompson who said she was pleased by the robust public turnout for the event.

*Lt. Normand Allaire; Deputy Chief Steve Gorton and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk answered a variety of questions and offered some sage advice, including the hazards of distracted driving. (Seaver photo)*

“This is something that has been done in many other communities across the country,” Thompson said. “Many communities – including right here in Biddeford – host Night Out events and other ways to get residents better connected to the law enforcement officers who serve the community.”

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk, Deputy Chief Steve Gorton and Lt. Normand Allaire attended the event, fielding a variety of questions from the public and then later posing for photos with folks who were anxious to have their picture taken with a uniformed officer.

“It’s a lot of fun for us, and we enjoy the opportunity to connect with people in the friendly way – in a more relaxed and casual setting,” Gorton said. “Things like this are really the foundation of community policing.”

Roughly 25 people attended the 90-minute event, and the questions were rapid-fire and sometimes complex.

The officers answered questions on topics ranging from appropriate medication disposal to traffic accident investigations and how police handle protection from harassment orders.

*Officers pose with a few of the residents who attended the Coffee With a Cop event (Seaver photo)*

The mood in the room was friendly. And residents listened intently – even when officers were forced to decline talking about specific personal matters or ongoing investigations.

Officers also shared some of their pet peeves.

“For goodness’s sake, please put down your phones when you’re driving behind the wheel,” Allaire told the group of residents. “Even, when I’m off duty, I see it happening all the time – and I yell out ‘somebody call the police.’

Thompson said she was pleased that the event proved popular and said she would like to do another event with the officers.

“I always think it’s a good idea for us to collaborate with other city departments to promote community engagement and hopefully increase understanding of what’s happening in our city.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Community rallies for fallen officer’s family

February 6, 2025April 8, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Despite frigid outside temperatures, a layer of warmth blanketed the cities of Biddeford and Saco Wednesday night as people from both communities turned out to support the family of a fallen police officer.

Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran member of the Biddeford Police Department, was killed in a traffic accident in December.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman organized Wednesday’s event in order to raise funds for Wolterbeek’s family, including his wife and three young children.

Nearly 20 Biddeford restaurants, taverns and shops participated in the four-hour ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event. Many of the businesses donated a percentage of their proceeds to a fund in honor of Wolterbeek.

Many residents wandered from location to location, donating funds along the way.

Wolterbeek’s parents, Jacob and Ky, were surrounded by supporters at Or Nell’s Barbecue on Franklin Street shortly after the event started.

*Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Ky Wolterbeek, Deputy Biddeford Police Chief Steve Gorton, Jacob Volterbeek, senior and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk*

Wolterbeek’s parents each held back tears as they shared stories about their son with well-wishers, city officials and reporters.

“We are grieving internally and externally,” Ky Wolterbeek said.

Jacob Wolterbeek, Sr. said he was “deeply touched by the stories he read on social media about his son, especially one in which a resident wrote that Jacob had literally saved his life by helping him overcome a troubled life.

“He loved this city,” the elder Wolterbeek said. “He was passionate about it, and he always said how much he loved the opportunity to work with some very fine people. The last time I was in Biddeford was last August during the ceremony when he was being sworn in as a sergeant.”

Those who participated in the event said they were happy to support Wolterbeek’s family because he had given so much back to the community.

*Former Biddeford Mayor Bonita Pothier (center) chats with Ky Wolterbeek (right) during the Mayor’s Night Out*

“Jacob was a cop’s cop. He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”
— Juliet Angis

Jim Albert, a Saco native and the owner of Cowbell Burger on Main Street, said it was a “no-brainer” when he was asked if his restaurant would participate in the event.

*Jim Albert, owner of Cowbell Burger, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Saco City Councilor Tricia Huot. (Seaver photo)*

“It’s a great cause,” Albert said, recalling Wolterbeek’s trademark smile. “He was very personable and super friendly. It is so tragic what happened to him, leaving behind three little kids. We were more than glad to help.”

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk accompanied Wolterbeek’s parents during the event.

“Jake was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. That’s what made him a great cop,” Fisk said, choking up a bit with her words.

“He had a way of dialing into people he encountered,” Fisk added. “He had this uncanny ability to see beneath the surface and see people where they really are.”

*Biddeford State Rep. Marc Malon is joined by Dianne and Bob Cyr of the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center at Banded Brewing.* *during the Mayor’s Night Out event*

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was honored to participate in the event.

“In times like these, there are no boundaries. We are one community,” MacPhail said. “We celebrate together, and we grieve together.”

Wolterbeek’s fellow officers spoke highly of their deceased co-worker and friend.

“We miss him every day,” said Corporal Matthew Baldwin, a 27-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who helped train Wolterbeek. “it still almost doesn’t feel real that he is gone. He was definitely one of the good guys.”

Deputy Police Chief Steve Gorton described Wolterbeek as a dedicated family man. “That was the thing about Jake. His top priority, first and foremost, was his family.”

*Kennebunk Police Officer Juliet Angis shows a bracelet that she any many other officers are wearing to honor the memory of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek*

Larry Angis, who recently retired from the department, said he is still processing the grief of losing his friend and co-worker. “I’m not there yet. He was a good cop and a good friend.”

Angis’ wife, Juliet, is a police officer in Kennebunk. “Jacob was a cop’s cop,” she said. “He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”

Ky Wolterbeek said her son was the second of nine children, six of whom were adopted. “He was our second child, but oldest son, and it leaves a big void.”

“This is truly a great community,” she added. “The outpouring of support has touched us deeply.”

Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate to Sgt. Wolterbeek’s family, please visit the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.

Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.

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