Door-to-Door Solicitation at Point Hope

Residents occasionally ask about door-to-door sales and solicitation within Point Hope. While the Point Hope POA does not have jurisdiction to regulate these activities, solicitors and peddlers must comply with applicable City of Charleston, Berkeley County and South Carolina laws.

City of Charleston Regulations

Under Chapter 17, Article II of the City of Charleston Code of Ordinances, individuals engaging in door-to-door sales activities, commonly referred to as “peddling,” are required to obtain a permit.

The ordinance also establishes several restrictions, including:

• No solicitation before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM

• No solicitation on properties displaying signs prohibiting such activity

• No aggressive or intimidating solicitation practices

Berkeley County Regulations

Chapter 12, Article II of the Berkeley County Code of Ordinances similarly requires peddlers to obtain a county-issued license before conducting door-to-door sales.

Additional restrictions include:

• No solicitation on properties with clearly posted “No Soliciting” signs

• No solicitation before 9:00 PM or after one-half hour before sunset

• No solicitation on Sundays

South Carolina Consumer Protections

South Carolina law provides additional protections for consumers who make purchases through door-to-door sales.

Under the state’s “Right to Rescind” or “Cooling-Off Rule” (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-2-502), consumers who enter into a home solicitation sale have the right to cancel the transaction until midnight of the third business day following the date the agreement is signed.

To exercise this right, the buyer must provide written notice of cancellation. A cancellation notice is considered effective when it is properly addressed, postage-paid and deposited in the mail.

Reporting Concerns

If you encounter a solicitor who is acting aggressively, refusing to leave your property or appears to be operating without the required permit or license, residents are encouraged to contact the City Police Department and report the incident to the Better Business Bureau.

Residents who do not wish to receive door-to-door solicitations may also consider posting a clearly visible “No Soliciting” sign at their residence, as both City of Charleston and Berkeley County ordinances recognize and enforce these notices.