Before we get too carried away, let’s define some of the head terms surrounding images, photos and resolution we will be frequently referring to:

• Image Resolution – Also referred to as “resolution” or “print resolution”, image resolution is the value that determines the quality of an image when it is printed onto any given material (photo paper, vinyl, etc.). Generally speaking, resolution is measured by the number of pixels (or dots of ink) that run along a single inch of a printed image. The more pixels contained within an inch of printed material, the higher the resolution i.e., or the higher the quality of the photo.
• Image Dimensions – Also referred to as “pixel dimensions”, image dimensions designate the number of pixels that comprise the width and height of any given image. For example, if I were to take a digital image that is 1,200 pixels wide and 1,000 pixels high, then the dimensions for that image would be 1,200 x 1,000 pixels. The dimensions of an image are used as an indicator of an image’s size. The higher the dimensions, the larger the image. The dimensions of an image are critical in determining how that image will look when displayed on a computer screen, monitor, or printed material.
• Pixel – Pixel stands for “picture element” and is the smallest element or building block, used in the creation of an image. Every digital image is comprised of a grid of tens, hundreds, or thousands of square pixels, each containing a single hue/color. When a group of pixels are placed together and viewed at the right distance, they give the appearance of a smooth, continuous image. However, if you were to look close enough at any image you would be able to identify each individual pixel making up that image. One thing to note is that each pixel actually gets its color from three subpixels (which are red, green, and blue in color) that blend together in a unique way to produce the needed color for that pixel.
• PPI – PPI stands for “pixels per inch” and is used to measure the digital resolution of an image. Each digital image is comprised of pixels, and PPI tells you how many pixels of that digital image will be contained along a single inch of material when that image is printed.
• DPI – DPI stands for “dots per inch” and is used to measure the printed resolution of an image. When an image is printed, the printer places a large number of small dots of ink onto the material you are printing on, which produces the final printed image. DPI determines how many dots of ink are placed along each inch of the width and height of the printed image.
• Megapixel (MP) – One megapixel equates to one million pixels (1,048,576 pixels to be exact) and is a unit of measurement for the pixel count of a digital image. Digital cameras are assigned a megapixel count, which tells you how many pixels are contained within the image that is captured by the camera. For example, if I take a photograph using a 10mp (short for megapixel) camera, then that image will be composed of up to 10 million pixels. To determine the megapixel amount of any given image, take the image’s width in pixels and multiply it by the image’s height in pixels. For example, if I have an image that is 4,032 x 2,268 pixels then it would be 9.1 megapixels (4,032 x 2,268 = 9,144,576 pixels).

What is the difference between PPI and DPI? Which should I use?

Both PPI (pixels per inch) and DPI (dots per inch) refer to the resolution of an image. Due to this fact, these terms are frequently used interchangeably, even though they technically are not the same thing. 

PPI refers to the digital resolution of an image, counting the number of pixels that will be contained along one inch of printed material. PPI is used when you are figuring out the resolution of your image based off of the number of pixels the image contains compared against the actual size of your printed image. This means when you are looking at the pixel dimensions of your image on your computer or phone you will need to take the number of pixels in your image (width and height) and divide it by the number of inches you are wanting for your photo print (width and height). This will tell you what the resolution of your image will be based on the number of pixels per inch.

DPI refers to the printed resolution of an image, counting the number of dots of ink that will be contained along one inch of printed material. This measurement is the more literal of the two, as printers do not print actual pixels, but rather dots of ink that give the appearance of pixels when grouped together. Therefore, DPI is a specification that is tied to the printer you are using. There are some printers that are only capable of printing up to 150 dpi whereas others can print to over 1,800dpi. The more dots of ink that are contained along an inch of printed material, the higher the quality the photo print will be.

So, which should you use when determining your resolution? Honestly, this comes down to your personal preference. The reason we say this is that whether someone provides a print shop with an image that they have designated as either 300 ppi or 300 dpi, the image will be put through the same printing process and converted to the correct resolution based off of the printer being used. The relatively small (and frankly, quite confusing) distinction between the two is why you will see some photo editing software use PPI whereas others will use DPI.

Generally speaking, all you need to know moving forward is that PPI and DPI are indeed different, but they bleed over one another in so many applications that it has become very common to use them synonymously (we recommend leaving it to the print shop to worry about making the distinction).

To avoid confusion with jumping back and forth between the two, from here on forward we will use PPI when referring to resolution. 

How do I determine the resolution of my image?

You have an image that you want to turn into an outstanding photograph, banner, or sign. Great! But how do you determine how good that image is going to look when printed? There are two things you will need to note when trying to determine the printed resolution of your image:

1. The pixel dimensions of your image

2. The physical size of the photo or sign you want to print

As mentioned above, the first step is to determine the pixel dimensions of your image. How exactly do you do this? There are several ways you can find out the pixel dimensions of an image:

On your Android device – Finding the pixel dimensions for an image on your android will vary based on the model of phone you are using, but with most androids, all you need to do is select an image in your gallery and view the details of that image (usually contained within some kind of menu icon). Here is how you would find it on a Samsung Galaxy S24:

1. Go to your image gallery.

2. Select the photo you want.

3. Click the … found on the top right.

4. Scroll to bottom of page to find image size (labeled as the resolution).

On your iPhone – If you are using the Photos app, here’s a quick guide on how to view an image’s resolution.

1. Open the Photos app and select the image you want to print.

2. Swipe the photo upward to see the specifications of the file.

3. You can also click the letter i found at the bottom of the screen to see the image’s ppi.

On your PC – To find the dimensions of an image you have stored on a PC (running Windows 10 or later), follow these steps:

1. Open the File Explorer and find your image.

2. Right-click on the image and click on Properties.

3. Click on the Details tab in the window that pops up.

4. You can now see the dimensions of your image.

On your Mac – To find the dimensions of an image you have stored on a Mac (running macOS Sonoma), follow these steps:

1. Open the Finder application and locate your image.

2. Double tap the trackpad and click on Get Info.

3. In the window that pops up, click on More Info.

4. You can now locate your image’s dimensions.

Through Adobe Photoshop – Follow these steps to find the dimensions of your image using Adobe Photoshop 2024:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Go to Image > Image Size.

3. You can now see the dimensions of your image. In this window you can also play around with the Width and Height to figure out what resolution your image will be at whichever size you input.

Through Adobe Illustrator – Follow these steps to find the dimensions of your image using Adobe Illustrator 2024:

1. Open your image in Illustrator.

2. Select the image.

3. Navigate to the Properties tab on the right-hand side of the window.

4. You can now see the dimensions of your image. You can change the pixel dimensions of your image here, but if you increase the size past the original file size you will end up with a blurry image.

Now that you have found out the pixel dimensions of the image you want to use it is time to move on to Step 2. This step is easy because it is entirely up to you. All you need to do is determine how big you want your printed photo to actually be. Are you just looking for a cute little 4” x 6” photograph to put in a scrapbook, or do you need a banner that is 12’ wide and 6’ tall? Whichever size you need, your image has to be large enough for you to create a crisp print.

Once you identify the pixel dimensions of your image and the physical size of your print, you are ready to get a clear sense of how good your image is going to look when printed. To do so, simply use the following formula:

Image width or height (pixels) / Print width or height (inches) = Print Resolution (ppi)

As an example, let’s say I have an image I took on my smartphone that is 2,400 pixels wide and 3,000 pixels tall (2,400 px x 3,000 px) and I want to use it to print an 8” x 10” photograph. Let’s take this and apply it to our formula:

Image Width (2,400 pixels) / Print Width (8 inches) = 300 pixels per inch (ppi)

Image Height (3,000 pixels) / Print Height (10 inches) = 300 pixels per inch (ppi)

This equation tells us that if I were to print a 8” x 10” image, the resolution would be 300ppi (translation: there would be 300 pixels along each inch of printed material). Check out the following table to see a few more examples of image sizes and their resolution at certain print sizes:

Now back the question we are trying to answer — what is the best resolution? Is it 300, 150, 75 ppi or something else? The truth is, it’s a case to case basis. Let’s continue forward to find out.

What is the Best Resolution for Banner Printing?

One of the most “recommended”, “best”, or “standard” resolution you will read or hear about is 300 ppi. The main reason for this is that the standard human eye is rarely unable to discern greater detail in images printed any higher than 300 ppi, thus making it the general cut-off line for resolution.

While this is usually a great resolution to print at, it is incorrect to immediately jump to the conclusion that this should be used for all print jobs. In some circumstances, this may be a much higher resolution than it needs to be and in others, it may be lower. Ultimately, the best resolution for printing comes down to two main factors – expected viewing distance and what it is you are printing.

The expected viewing distance is the most important factor in determining what resolution you should print in. When getting ready to print a banner or signage, ask yourself generally how close will people be when viewing it. The answer to this question makes all the difference. A general rule of thumb to follow is the closer the expected viewing distance, the higher the resolution the image needs to have.

For example, say you want to print some business cards. When people look at your business cards, they will be holding it in their hand and will view it at about a foot or two away from their eyes. This tells you that you will need to go with a bit of a higher resolution. On the flip side, if you are printing a billboard designed to be viewed by passing cars on the highway, your expected viewing distance is going to be much further (100 feet – 300 feet), allowing you to get away with a much lower resolution. Here is a chart to give you some recommended resolutions to print at based on viewing distance:

Here’s another way of looking at it:

Why would you want to use a lower resolution just because your image is going to be viewed further away? Generally speaking, the further away something is viewed, the harder it is to distinguish between different resolutions. Take, for example, the following two images. The image on the left was printed at 300 ppi and the image on the right printed at 72 ppi and they are both being viewed approximately 20 feet away.

Pretty hard to tell the difference, right? But wait! Let’s get a closer look (now only 3 feet away) to see if we can start to notice any changes.

Now it is much easier to spot the difference. If you were planning on displaying this photo in a setting where people would be viewing it from 20 feet away, then you would be fine going with the lower resolution (72 ppi). However, if you were in a setting where people will be viewing it up close then you would want to go with the higher (300 ppi). If you are unsure how close people will be getting to your print, then print your photo at the highest resolution your image will permit.

What does this mean image resolution for banner printing? The pixel size of a printable banner depends on the desired physical size of the banner and the printing resolution (PPI). For example, a banner meant to be printed at 8 feet wide (96 inches) by 3 feet tall (36 inches) at a resolution of 100 ppi would require an image with pixel dimensions of 9600 px x 3600 px. It’s important to consult with your printer for their specific requirements, as resolutions can vary based on the viewing distance and banner material.

The resolution for banner image sizes typically ranges from 100 ppi to 150 ppi for large banners viewed from a distance. For closer viewing distances, such as at trade shows or presentations, a higher resolution of up to 300 ppi may be recommended. The key is to balance file size with the expected viewing distance and print quality requirements.

Pull-up banners, often used in conferences, tradeshows, and indoor events, require a resolution that ensures clarity at close viewing distances. A minimum of 150 ppi is recommended but aiming for 200 ppi to 300 ppi can give you an even sharper banner resolution image. As pull-up banners are typically viewed from closer distances than larger outdoor banners, the higher resolution will ensure your message is conveyed with crisp, clear visuals.

There are several reasons why you wouldn’t want to try and always print at a resolution such as 300 ppi regardless of the viewing distance, including the following:

• Nearly Impossible to Achieve – Let’s say you want to print a banner that is 96” (8’) x 64” (5’ x 4”) tall. If you were to print that banner at 300 ppi, then you would need to use an image that is 28,800 pixels wide and 19,200 pixels tall (a whopping 553 megapixels in size)! Most consumer digital cameras on the market today rarely go over 30 megapixels, so good luck finding one that is over 500.
• Unnecessary – As illustrated in the example above, at certain viewing distances it is near impossible to tell the difference between a 300 ppi printed image and a 72 ppi one.
• Large File Sizes – The higher the resolution, the larger the image needs to be. The larger the image needs to be, the larger the image file will be. If you try to provide a print shop with an extremely large file to achieve a resolution that is not necessary, then there is a very good chance they will be asking you for an alternative image that is smaller. Large image files take more time to work with, load, print and transfer, making the print job cost more for them and you.

How do I get a photo that is high resolution?

Let’s say Mother’s Day is coming up, and you decide you want to print a gorgeous, 18” × 12” photo of you and your family for your mother. You want the best resolution you can get, so you know you need to get your hands on an image that is large enough to come out looking crisp and clear. How do you get an image that is large enough for your needs? Let’s look at some do’s and don’ts for getting a high-resolution photo:

Avoid the Following Printing Pitfalls

Downloading photos from social media

Facebook has all of my great photos, so I can just pull one from there and I should be good to go, right? Wrong! If you want to achieve a high-resolution photo, avoid using downloaded images from social media. Every time you upload an image to your favorite social media platform, they are compressing that image into a much smaller file size for storage management purposes. You may not notice the difference in quality when looking at the image on your phone or computer, but if you were to download that image and use it to print a photograph, the loss in quality would immediately be noticed.

As a test, we uploaded the following image to Facebook:

The original pixel dimensions of this photo were 4032 px x 1960 px. After uploading the image, we downloaded it from Facebook. The result? The dimensions for the downloaded image had been changed to 1110 px x 540 px. That’s a 72% loss in image size and quality!

In 2024, many social media platforms have improved their image processing algorithms to reduce quality loss upon upload, though compression is still a factor. High-resolution image hosting has become more common, allowing for better quality downloads. However, for printing purposes, sourcing images directly from the original high-resolution files remains the best practice, as this ensures the highest possible quality is maintained from source to print.

Downloading photos from websites (and yes, that includes Google Images)

One of the main goals for websites is to achieve maximum speed and performance. As a result, images used on websites are generally the smallest and lowest quality they can be in order to decrease load times. As with images from social media, these images might look great on the website, but if you were to download them and used them to print, the quality would not be high enough to achieve a high-quality print.

Using screenshots from Your Computer or Phone

If you can’t download images from social media, websites, or Google Images, then how about just taking a screenshot of the image and using that? Another big no. The screenshots taken on your phone or computer are created at very small pixel dimensions and will also result in a low-quality print if used.

Aim for the Following Printing Habits

Photos taken directly using your phone or digital camera

Without a doubt, the best source of images that will result in a high-resolution print is the direct source that created the image. One important thing to note, however, is cameras are not the same when it comes to resolution. This is where megapixels come into play. One megapixel stands for one million pixels (the exact amount is 1,048,576 pixels), meaning that for every megapixel in a digital image there are one million pixels making up that image.

When you see a digital camera with an assigned megapixel count, this tells you how many pixels are capable of being used to create an image captured through that camera. For example, if you take a photo using a 24-megapixel camera, then the image that is produced is capable of being made up of 24 million pixels. After I have captured the image with the camera, I can look at the pixel dimensions for that image to see if this holds true. In this case, we’ll say the dimensions of my image were 6000 px x 4000 px. If I multiply the pixel width of the image by the pixel height of the image I will get my total pixel count for the image, which is 24,000,000 (24 megapixels).  

The higher the megapixel count on a camera, the higher pixel count in the images created by that camera. Therefore, if you want high-resolution photos you will need to use an image that was captured from a camera with an adequate megapixel count. Here is a chart showing some of the most common types of digital cameras and their megapixel counts:

What type of file does my image need to be?

Now that you know the size your image needs to be, it’s time to determine what type of image file you want to use. First things first, it is important to make the distinction between raster graphics and vector graphics. 

A raster graphic is a digital image that is comprised of individual colored pixels grouped together to create the appearance of a smooth, continuous image. When a raster graphic is created, it contains a certain pixel count which cannot be increased. You are able to increase the size of the image, but all that is happening is you are increasing the size of each individual pixel. The more you expand a raster graphic past its original size, the blurrier the image will become. Raster image file extensions include TIFF (.tif), JPEG (.jpg), GIF(.gif), PNG (.png), and BMP (.bmp).

A vector graphic is a digital image that uses mathematical equations to produce an image made from lines and shapes that can be scaled to any size without loss of quality or fidelity. Vectors are created in illustration software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator. Vectors are generally used to create illustrated artwork, such as icons, logos or murals. They are not used for standard photographs. If available, they are the ideal image type for large format printing, due to their ability to scale to large sizes without becoming “pixelated”. Vector image file extensions include .SVG, .EPS, .PDF, .AI, and .DXF.

If you are printing a photo you have taken on your digital camera or smartphone, then you will be printing a raster image. The majority of digital cameras and smartphones today create images in the JPEG format. This file type works great at producing a quality images at a compressed, manageable file size. If you need to print some type of graphic or illustration that has a transparent background, then you will want to go with the PNG file type, as it allows a transparent background. If you are printing a very large raster image, you will want to consider using the TIFF format, as they are used as large image files without any compression or loss in quality.

In the context of banner printing, choosing the right file format is crucial for achieving the best visual impact and durability. Vector formats like SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, and DXF are typically the best choices for banner printing. These formats ensure that your designs can be scaled to large sizes without losing quality, making them ideal for the crisp, clear visuals needed for banners.

Time to wrap things up

Feel like you know a little bit more about image resolution now? We sure hope so! To sum things up, here are a few points to remember:

• Image resolution determines the quality at which an image will print and is measured using PPI (pixels per inch) or DPI (dots per inch)
• PPI and DPI have their differences, but they cross over in so many applications that they are frequently used interchangeably. Whether you choose to use PPI or DPI, your print shop will help you make sure you get the resolution you are after.
• There isn’t really a universal or “best” resolution for printing. You should determine the resolution to print at based on what it is you are printing and what you are expecting the viewing distance to be for your printed piece. The closer the viewing distance, the higher the resolution.
• It is very difficult to discern the difference in resolution for anything higher than 300 ppi, which is why that resolution is often referred to as the “professional standard”.
• For printing purposes, do not use images that have been downloaded from social media or a website. Use images that have come directly from the source – the camera that was used to take them.
• Every camera has a megapixel count assigned to it. Make sure you take your image using a camera that has a high enough megapixel count to meet your print size needs.
• Be sure to choose the right file type that will satisfy the needs of your image/print.

Have an image that you would like to turn into a stunning photo print, sign, banner or decal? Upload the image to our easy to use online design tool and get started today! If you have any additional questions regarding resolution feel free to contact us as we will be happy to help.

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What is the Best Way to Mount a Banner?

Mounting a banner can be done in various methods. The best way depends on whether or not your banner has grommets or pole pockets. Grommets are metal rings inserted along the edges and corners of a banner, reinforcing holes for tear-resistant hanging. Pole pockets, on the other hand, involve folding and sewing the banner to create an open pocket on one or both ends for pole or rope hanging.

Categorizing methods into grommet and non-grommet options, we’ll explore these accessories and the ideal locations for hanging banners.

Note: We’ll use ‘banners’ as a general term that applies to vinyl banners, fabric banners, and mesh banners. 

How to Hang a Banner With Grommets

The best way to hang a banner with grommets is to use display accessories like bungee cords, nylon rope, hanging clips, zip ties, and suction cups and hooks. These accessories work great with grommets and other banner finish options and expand their functionality while ensuring that the banner is secure.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are excellent for pulling your banner tight when displayed. Hook one end of the cord onto the grommet (included for free with all of our banners) and the other to an anchor point of your choosing. Ensure adequate tension from each bungee to pull the banner evenly across its surface.

Nylon Rope

Nylon rope is one of the most common ways to hang banners, whether or not your banner has grommets. Loop through the grommets or feed through pole pockets to secure banners to posts and fences or suspend them from ceilings of overhangs.

Hanging Clips

Hanging clips, commonly called carabiners, can be easily clipped through grommets, which can then clip to anchor points or objects. Carabiners can be used for both permanent and temporary displays. These make an excellent option for displaying a banner on a chain link fence as carabiners can hook into the fence and to the sign through the metal grommets.

Zip Ties

Zip ties are designed for temporarily displaying your banner on fences (chain link fences are the best for this). We recommend zip ties for casual, outdoor events such as fairs, food truck advertising, grand openings, sales, and birthday parties. Zip ties are also more commonly used for extended periods as they are more permanent than bungee cords, ropes, or clips. To hang your banner using zip ties, put the zip tie through the grommet and the anchor point wherever you’re hanging it, then secure it by attaching the ends. To remove it, cut the zip ties.

Suction Cups and Hooks

Suction cups allow you to hang banners on non-porous (smooth), flat surfaces. The most common application surface for these is glass. Hooks extend from the suction cups that can go right into the grommets of your banner. It’s important to mention that suction cups are not meant for large or heavy banners. The weight of larger banners can be too much for the suction ability of this accessory.

How to Hang a Banner Without Grommets

If your banners don’t have grommets and you want to hang them on a wall without drilling, consider Velcro strips, pole pockets, magnets, or tape. Here’s how you can use them:

Velcro

Velcro adhesive strips can be included to attach to the back of your banner. The strips come in two parts; one adheres to the surface you want to connect your banner to, and the other attaches to the back. Velcro strips will do the job if you want to display your banner on walls indoors or wrapped around a surface. They’re also convenient if you want to continually swap out banners in the same display position or a banner without grommets around the edges.

Pole Pockets

You can slide the banner over a pole and suspend it on both ends — picture the start of a parade where two people are holding a suspended banner — or thread something through the pole pocket, like a rope or cord. You can have pole pockets sewn on all four sides of your banner or just one, the choice is yours.

Magnets

If you’ve got a metal surface, strong magnets are another option to consider. To secure the banner in place, make sure to stick the magnets strategically so that they won’t easily fall off from the surface.

Tape

If you want a quick and temporary banner setup solution, use tape to attach your banners. Make sure the tape has strong adhesion and stick it to the back of the banner and affix it to the chosen surface.

Best Places to Hang Banners

Directly On A Wall

One of the most popular ways to hang a banner is on a flat wall. Use Velcro adhesive strips for a flush display on smooth walls. For brick walls, opt for screws or hooks for and use washers for added stability. While double-sided tape or glue are other options for displaying banners on walls, we don’t recommend using them due to potential damage and their permanent nature.

Suspended Between Posts

Suspending or hanging a banner between posts is another standard display method. We’d recommend including grommets on all four corners to allow the banner to be pulled taut between posts. To do this, use rope, zip ties, or screws to secure the banner (wooden posts are ideal for using screws). You may also install hooks into the posts to utilize the grommets of your banner. For larger banners, use a middle post to not only keep your banner taut but also to avoid potential damage in windy conditions. We always recommend taking down banners in extreme weather conditions, and to use mesh banners instead since they are the best option for often windy areas.

Hanging From an Awning or Ceiling

Hang banners from higher points using grommets and rope. Make sure the rope is long enough to feed through the grommets and back to the anchor point of the rope. Metal chains, fishing lines, and the like can also be used. However, we have found rope to be the best option for this location. The aesthetics of the different materials will also play a role in which one you choose.

Displayed on a Flagpole

Use grommets with metal clips or zip ties for hanging banners on flagpoles. Remember to ensure the pole is designed to fit the ¼” clips. Pole pockets are also ideal for sliding a flagpole through the top or bottom of the banner. Though in both of these cases this is not the recommended use and we offer custom flags that can be displayed on flagpoles.

Note: Our pole pockets are 3” in diameter.

Hanging on a Fence

Banners are commonly displayed on chain link fences using grommets, zip ties, or hanging clip, while pole pockets can also secure a banner to a fence with the rope being fed through the pocket(s). Fences that aren’t chain-linked can have banners attached using rope and an anchor point on the fence (this varies depending on the type of fence).

Hanging on a Table

Hanging a banner on a table can be done in multiple ways. Include grommets on the four corners (and around the outside edge if necessary) to secure the banner so that it hangs in front of the table. If your banner has a pole pocket, a rope or string can feed through the pocket to secure the banner to the table.

Hung Up On Hanging?

Banners are a versatile and durable indoor and outdoor signage option. Assuming you’ve correctly hung your banner, you shouldn’t have to worry about it tearing or prematurely failing in any way. Regardless of the location or manner in which you hang them, these banners should last for years to come. If you’re still unsure how to hang your brand new banner outside or inside or are wondering what accessory you should include with your purchase, call us at 888-222-4929. Need some design help? We also offer free design services that can assist you in designing the perfect custom banner for your next event.

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The main idea behind temporary signage is it’s both flexible and functional.

Rather than hassle with nails and screws that leave permanent, unsightly holes, temporary signs typically offer all-in-one or other simple display options, making installation and removal quick and clean. And as these materials tend to be lightweight and durable, their portability makes them easy to transport quickly and to install without the need for specialized hardware or additional manpower.

In addition to their easy set up, temporary signs are typically manufactured out of low cost, recyclable materials, making them more cost-effective for virtually any budget. That lower price point means you can buy signs in bulk, maximizing your ability to reach more potential customers, or to notify your regulars of short-term changes.

Then when you’re done, temporary signs offer the convenience of no-hassle disposal in a way that leaves no mess and that’s friendly toward the environment.

The ability to easily swap out and update creative assets on the fly makes temporary signs the ideal solution for displaying any short-term message!

What are Temporary Signs used for?

Temporary signs are used everywhere. They’re perfect for promoting limited sales events, providing directional signage at construction sites, and even in advertising a realtor’s open house. In this article, we’ll cover the main advantages of temporary signage and how it’s used in various industries, from businesses and nonprofits to consumers, alike. So whether you’re promoting your local food drive, planning a yard sale, or ramping up awareness for your local 5K, here are the 7 types of temporary signs you’ll want to consider:

Posters

A common form of advertising, posters are incredibly easy to display (even in mass quantities). Hang posters anywhere: inside in hallways and on doors, and outside on fences. You can even hold posters at sporting events or other outdoor events, as opposed to hanging them up. The caveat is that they aren’t waterproof. So make sure to only use them in suitable conditions if you’re going to use them outdoors! Use them in dry areas with low wind. They are lightweight so they can be hung up with sticky-tack or tape.

Benefits of Posters

• • Large quantity orders / Budget friendly

• • Ideal for indoor use

• • Quickly post on bulletin boards, walls, sign and light posts

• More cost friendly than other sign types such as banners

Where They Fall Short:

• • Damage easily in tough weather conditions
    • • Rain/moisture
    • Wind

• Not rigid

Posters

Opaque Window Cling / Clear Window Cling

Clings are great for decorating windows for seasonal events or limited-time promotions; displaying store hours, social media links, or even online review ratings. They’ll even work great for stores or locations during renovation or construction. There really isn’t much hassle to them: just peel off the protective backing and slap them on a window and voila! – you have yourself quick and easy advertising or decor.

Unlike traditional window decals, window clings do not use an adhesive backing to stick to the surface. Nonetheless, they are a durable short-term option that are removable and repositionable for reuse, whereas traditional window decals are semi-permanent in nature—you can remove them, but you can’t reuse them. Use static clings on various surfaces such as windows, glass, non-porous metal, and other smooth surfaces.

Benefits of Static Cling Decals

• • Advertise directly on windows, doors and other smooth surfaces

• • Removable and reusable

• • Easy to remove/install

• No adhesives/residue

Where They Fall Short:

• • Not as permanent as decals/stickers

• • Can’t be applied to fabrics or other porous surfaces

• Not as vibrant as other options

Opaque Window Clings

Clear Window Clings

Floor Decals

Not only are floor decals great for catching attention (think “Watch your step”) but they are great for temporary indoor use. Floor decals (also known as floor stickers) perform well as more permanent signage options, with some lasting as long as 3 years, but we recommend replacing them yearly for best results. Like with most temporary signage, there really isn’t a limit to what can be displayed. They can be placed on cement, tile, brick, and even carpet.

Floor decals are great for directing your customers or event attendees toward points of interest. They’re perfect for increasing brand awareness and messaging exposure even in heavily trafficked, indoor areas. Finally, once you’re done displaying it, just peel it away from the floor and quickly clean any adhesive that may remain.

Benefits of Floor Decals

• • Easily noticeable, eye-catching

• • Temporary or long-term use

• Can withstand heavy foot traffic
• Can be placed on both hard surfaces and softer ones like carpet

Where They Fall Short:

• • Receive a lot of wear and tear

• Only advertised on floor

Floor Decals

Foam Board

Extremely lightweight and easy to hang or prop, foam board can quickly be displayed in your store with no more than a few strips of tape or some plastic hooks. Foam board is great for a number of uses. Use them in a business setting to present a chart/graph, at a fair to advertise directions and/or rides, or at conferences to advertise keynote speakers.

Foam board is comprised of biodegradable foam and paper, making it a great option for projects ranging from one-time use with easy disposal to more permanent indoor applications lasting up to 2 years with proper care and maintenance. It’s not recommended you display foam board in wet conditions, but in the right conditions (no precipitation and no wind) you can even get away with using these signs outside for short stints of time.

Benefits of Foam Board

• • Lightweight

• • Cut-to-shape designs

• Rigid

Where They Fall Short:

• • Stiff–can’t bend or fold

• Not suitable for wet/windy conditions

Foam Board

Banners

One of the best-known temporary signage options, banners offer great functionality with a range of display possibilities. They come in a variety of formats, including vinyl, fabric, and mesh.

Vinyl banners offer a durable, heavy-duty display for outdoor use, while fabric and mesh are the lighter weight options, the latter enabling wind to pass through. Banners are excellent for promoting grand openings, holiday sales, birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, and so on. In addition to these, they are also perfect for seasonal hiring, construction sites, road work and temporary parking arrangements. You name it, banners can do it.

While we’re including banners in our temporary signage roundup, banners are very durable, often lasting years in extreme weather conditions. So they’re perfect for recurring events: ‘Now Hiring’ banners can be stored/used depending on when you’re hiring, ‘Happy Birthday’ banners can be used for multiple birthdays, and you can use them to advertise different recurring sales if you’re a business owner. Plus, banners don’t require any heavy duty hardware to display; simply tie them down using rope, zip-ties, or hang them from a pole with pole pockets.

Benefits of Banners

• • Extreme durability and water resistance

• • Large format signage

• • Easily rolled up for storage and reuse

• Vinyl, mesh, and fabric options

Where They Fall Short:

• • Not freestanding

• Must be hung using additional accessories

Vinyl Banners

Mesh Banners

Fabric Banners

A-Frames

A-frames, or sandwich board signs, are great for catching the attention of people walking by your restaurant or business and are very durable. Our premium A-Frame signs with a removable graphics give incredible versatility in what you display. Solve your temporary problem with an easy to set up solution. If something changes, store the current graphic, insert a different one and once again you’re effectively communicating or promoting the message needed.

The foldability and carrying handle lend to the ease of portability, allowing you to quickly set up and take down the sign when needed. So while this sign type is far from a one-time use product the versatility makes it a must for temporary display needs.

Benefits of A-Frames

• • Freestanding

• • Folds up, making it easy to store

• • Easy to move

• • Replaceable inserts

• Very durable

Where They Fall Short:

• • One size

• Bulky

A-Frame

Yard Signs

You’ve probably seen a yard sign. They’re very popular with politicians during elections, among other things. These signs are designed for temporary display. They are lightweight, easy to move, and even weather resistant! They can be displayed in places where the ground is soft enough for the wire stakes to go in. Of course, these signs are also reusable, so you don’t have to dispose of them after a single use.

Buy yard signs in bulk to accomplish massive marketing and display efforts, or purchase just a few to place in your neighborhood for a yard sale or other event.

Benefits of Yard Signs

• • Quick and easy display

• • Lightweight

• • Rigid

• • Water resistant

• Often bought in bulk for mass signage

Where They Fall Short:

• • Limited to yards or similar surfaces

• • Smaller format

• Typically can’t be displayed indoors

Yard signs

Temporary Situations

Recap: we’ve covered 7 different types of signage. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it should give you an idea of where to start with your temporary signage needs. As you’ve seen, there’s no end to the versatility of temporary signs.  Don’t feel limited by our recommendations for what you can use—be creative with how you use temporary signs for functional or promotional needs. We’ve included customizable templates to help you with design ideas for each temporary need. We also offer free design services if you’re in need of extra assistance with a sign design.

Yard Sales and Garage Sales

Fairs and Community Events

Rodeos

Neighborhood BBQs

Company Sales & Events

Trade Shows & Conventions

Concerts

Parades

Sporting Events

Real Estate

Construction Zones

Local Elections

Always Available

No matter the need or situation you can rest assured there are plenty of options for your temporary signage needs! These simple, yet functional signs get the job done for the time needed without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking for a custom sign that can be displayed for the short term don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

Signage 101 – Temporary Event Signs

Do you need a new alarm system? Pest control? Books, cleaning products, a new vacuum cleaner? If you live in the suburbs, odds are good that you won’t even need to leave your house to have the opportunity to purchase a wide array of goods and services: Summer is the season of door-to-door salespeople.

Some people must be excited to see these folks. After all, companies are still sending out hundreds of sales reps (often college kids on break) into neighborhoods all over the country to make appointments for services or sell products, so the practice must be effective. Many people, however, dread the ring of the doorbell on a weekday afternoon. How do you get rid of the door-to-door salesman, once and for all? We have an idea.

What is the best way to keep solicitors away?

Unquestionably, the best way to (legally) keep solicitors from knocking on your door is to display “No Soliciting” signs. Think we’re biased because we’re a sign company? The Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly ruled that while many local laws that restrict solicitation are unconstitutional, privately posted signs are a legitimate way to tell salespeople to leave you alone. In the words of one Supreme Court opinion, “The Court has traditionally respected the right of a householder to bar, by order or notice, solicitors, hawkers, and peddlers from his property.” Put differently, by posting a sign that states that you do not want to receive solicitors, you are effectively telling anyone attempting to solicit that they are not welcome on your property. In almost any part of the United States, those who remain on your property against your express instructions are breaking the law.

Takeaway: Putting up a “No Soliciting” sign is the best action that you can personally take to protect your privacy. Still not convinced? Here’s why other attempts to stop salespeople aren’t as effective as a tried and true “No Soliciting” sign.

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Constitutional Protection for Door-to-Door Salespeople

Why aren’t there laws that ban door-to-door soliciting altogether? We’re glad you asked. The first thing you need to know is that the door-to-door salespeople canvassing your neighborhood have a constitutional right to be there.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

In 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that speech that, “does no more than propose a commercial transaction” is protected by the First Amendment (Virginia State Board of Pharmacy v. Virginia Citizens Consumer Council). Since that case, the Supreme Court has upheld free speech for commercial purposes. So, the door-to-door salesperson on your front porch is protected by the First Amendment, though there are some legal restrictions that can be placed on his or her activities.

Court rulings related to door-to-door soliciting typically deal with the delicate balance between the solicitor’s right to free speech and the homeowner’s right to privacy on their private property. Most cases arise when a city passes a local ordinance that restricts the activities of solicitors in some way and an organization affected by the law sues the city for violating its First Amendment rights. In the paragraphs below, we discuss some of the most important cases about solicitation and why they are important. After that, we provide a detailed breakdown of “No Soliciting” laws adopted by major cities in all 50 states. Before we get started, though, we need to note a brief disclaimer: we are not attorneys and the information that we provide should not be read or interpreted as expert legal advice. Although we hope that this post will be a valuable resource, readers should consult their local statutes as they make signage decisions.

Local Ordinances Regarding Door-to-Door Sales

Ordinances regarding door-to-door solicitation are typically passed and enforced by municipalities, and vary widely from place to place. Some examples of typical anti-solicitation ordinances include registration and permit requirements, hour restrictions, “do not knock” lists, commercial solicitation bans, and, in rare cases, laws that forbid solicitation altogether. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on numerous cases involving door-to-door sales, and has deemed that many ordinances are unconstitutional. Here are a few examples:

Permit and Registration Requirements

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc. v. Village of Stratton, Ohio

When the city of Stratton, Ohio passed an ordinance that required “canvassers” to register with the city and obtain a permit in order to go door-to-door, a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses filed a lawsuit that ultimately landed in the Supreme Court. The Stratton law allowed residents to complete a “No Solicitation registration form” in which they selected the groups that they were willing to receive, if any. The Jehovah’s Witnesses argued that the law trampled on their First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of religion. The Supreme Court sided with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, ruling 8-1 that the ordinance violated the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Thus, requiring canvassers to register and obtain a permit to go door-to-door was deemed unconstitutional.

Time Restrictions

Many municipal solicitation ordinances include a time frame during which door-to-door salespeople may operate. These rules are usually intended to preserve both citizen privacy and safety (since criminals sometimes pose as door-to-door salespeople in order to “case” potential targets, scam customers, or force their way into homes). In the end, however, the Supreme Court and other appellate courts generally consider these time restraints to be unconstitutional.

City of Watseka v. Illinois Public Action Council

In 1987, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, ruled that a Watseka, Illinois ordinance that limited door-to-door solicitation to the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, was in violation of the First Amendment. The city had created the ordinance because citizens had complained that door-to-door salespeople were interrupting their dinners and generally being an annoyance. The city was also concerned that the salespeople might contribute to crime in Watseka and thatlcrimes were more likely to be committed after 5:00 p.m.

The Court of Appeals found that the ordinance, “impermissibly infringed upon the First Amendment rights” of the defendant. The Court pointed out that under Watseka’s current laws, “Even Girl Scouts will have a difficult time selling their cookies by 5:00 p.m.” While the Watseka case didn’t involve Girl Scouts, the Court reasoned that some citizens might welcome the opportunity to speak with salespeople, and would be in need of the services or products offered. This is a good point—after all, who wants to miss out on an opportunity for some Thin Mints?

The Court of Appeals also noted that there were other ways in which the city could protect its citizens’ rights to privacy and keep crime in check:

“Watseka residents wishing to avoid door-to-door solicitation all together may do so by posting a “no solicitation” or “no trespassing” sign at their door or at the entrance to their property.”

In other words, while city time restrictions may be unconstitutional, signs are an effective and acceptable way to prevent solicitors from ringing your doorbell.

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Ohio Citizen Action v. City of Englewood

In another case which pitted the right to solicit against homeowner privacy, solicitors came out on top once again. The City of Englewood, Ohio implemented an ordinance that, among other things, prohibited solicitors from going door-to-door after 6 p.m. In a legal battle that lasted almost seven years, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit found that the city’s registration and time restriction requirements were both unconstitutional because they infringed on free speech.

While solicitor time restrictions were overturned in both of these cases, Circuit Courts around the U.S. have repeatedly allowed restrictions on the “time, place, and manner” of the solicitation, provided that the restrictions are reasonable and narrowly tailored. Because the ordinances for Watseka and Englewood both imposed stringent time limitations, the ordinances were overturned on the grounds that they were overly broad. Cities that want to regulate soliciting would do well to remember—the narrower the ordinance, the more likely it will be upheld in Court.

Solicitation Bans

Project 80’s v. City of Pocatello

The city of Pocatello had a novel approach to door-to-door sales: ban them altogether. The U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit ruled that the Pocatello was clearly unconstitutional because it disregarded the First Amendment rights of commercial salespeople. The Court noted that less restrictive regulations could still preserve citizen privacy. The majority opinion states:

“Privacy is easily served by prohibiting solicitation at households that have posted a sign. . .By rejecting such reasonable alternatives in favor of a total prohibition on uninvited solicitation, these ordinances violate the First Amendment commercial speech rights of Project 80’s.”

The Court’s ruling suggests that blanket bans on solicitation are simply not constitutional. Privacy can, however, be protected by other means like signage.

The Bottom Line

Based on the rulings above, your chances for enjoying a quiet evening, free of uninvited visitors are looking rather slim. Rest assured, all is not lost. If you really don’t want annoying door-to-door salespeople bothering you, you do have one course of action: Post a “No Soliciting” sign and let the law or ordinance work for you. Though a salesman may have the right to be in your neighborhood, he doesn’t have the right to knock on your door if you have a sign posted stating that he’s not welcome to infringe on your privacy.

The reason that Courts have repeatedly ruled that anti-solicitation ordinances violate the First Amendment is because most of these laws take the decision of whether or not to listen to a solicitor out of the hands of the individual citizen. On the flip side, the Courts have repeatedly reasoned that “No Soliciting” signs strike an appropriate balance between the homeowner’s right to privacy and the solicitor’s right to freedom of speech.

So, do “No Soliciting” signs really work? Are they legally enforceable? In a word, Yes. Statements from several Supreme and Circuit Court opinions confirm that signs are an effective, legal solution to your solicitor problems. As the Supreme Court stated in Watchtower, homeowners’ ability“to post ‘No Solicitation’ signs, coupled with their unquestioned right to refuse to engage in conversation with unwelcome visitors, provides ample protection for unwilling listeners.” By using a sign, you can effectively express your desire to not be disturbed.

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Common Questions about “No Soliciting” Signs

Do “No Soliciting” signs apply to religious groups?

It depends on where you live. As you will see in our breakdown of “No Soliciting” laws in major U.S. cities, most local laws proscribe penalties for solicitors who ignore signs that prohibit solicitation. That said, many local laws have exemptions for political, charitable, and religious groups who are not attempting to sell a product or service. On the other hand, many ordinances specifically state that even religious canvassers must respect “no solicitation” signs.

Occasionally, people become frustrated because religious groups seem to repeatedly ignore their “No Soliciting” sign. Why do they do it? The confusion can probably be traced to how the word “solicitor” is defined. Religious representatives may ignore your sign because the word “soliciting” is usually associated with commercial sales of some sort. In fact, some local laws explicitly define “solicitor” as a person who is attempting to sell something (in the traditional sense of the word “sell.”) If you continue to receive calls from proselytizing organizations against your wishes, you have two options: either create a custom sign that specifically states the types of inquiries you will not accept, or politely ask the canvassers to depart. Once you decline to receive anyone that arrives on your property, they are legally required to leave.

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What are some tips for making my “No Soliciting” sign effective?

Do salespeople sometimes ignore signs? Unfortunately, yes. There are, however, a few things that you can do to maximize the effectiveness of your sign in deterring unwelcome visitors. One idea is to post your “No Soliciting” sign at the entrance to your property. If you have a fenced front yard, you could post the sign on your gate. Otherwise, you might use a wood stake to put your sign in the ground. By doing so, you can drive home the point that you would really rather not be bothered. Solicitors may be less likely to expend the effort to walk to your front door if they know that they will probably be rejected.

Another strategy to discourage solicitors from ignoring your “No Soliciting sign” is to create a custom sign that references your local statute. By including a reference to your municipal ordinances, you back yourself up with the authority of the law, giving your sign instant credibility.

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What if my city doesn’t have laws that forbid solicitation at homes with “No Soliciting” signs?

Even if your city doesn’t have a law that specifically addresses “No Soliciting” signs, chances are that your sign will still work. When you put up a sign, you are essentially stating that solicitors are not invited on your property in writing. Those who disobey your express instructions to leave the property might be guilty of trespass (depending on how your local laws are construed).

Can I use a “No Soliciting” sign at my business?

For the most part, yes. While some local ordinances discuss “No Solicitor” signs solely in terms of their application to private homes, many also state that solicitors are not allowed to approach businesses that display signage. It is, however, somewhat of a common practice among salespeople to ignore signs.

To emphasize the point that you don’t want solicitors, consider creating a custom “No Soliciting” sign that includes your company logo. Why? To emphasize to cold-callers that you enforce your policy of refusing uninvited sales calls and that your sign isn’t a mere formality or something slapped on the door by a previous lessee or the door manufacturer. Even Jeffrey Gitomer, who once wished “that [he] had a dollar for every “No Soliciting” sign [he’s] ignored” gives the following word of caution to his fellow salespeople:

“If you see a No Soliciting sign that is customized or handcrafted, they probably mean it, especially if the word absolutely is on it.”

So, even though your everyday sign might not always work, making a custom “No Soliciting” sign can help ensure that you can keep running your business without interruption.

If you do post signs, make sure that your employees know that they are free to express themselves at any time that they are not on the clock at work, in accordance with their First Amendment rights to free speech. If your employees misinterpret your sign to mean that their speech is restricted, you could land yourself a visit from the National Labor Relations Board.

Can a Homeowner’s Association ban all salespeople with “No Soliciting” signs at the entrances to the community?

While municipal ordinances vary widely, most local laws allow salespeople to ignore “No Soliciting” signs at the entrance to a community. By doing so, cities leave the decision of whether to listen to a solicitor up to individual households. Any family can still post a “No Soliciting” sign and expect to have their requests heeded by solicitors.

There are, of course, exceptions to the typical case. For example, if your entire community can be accessed only by private roads (as is often the case in gated communities), solicitors cannot enter if there are signs at the entrance. Local laws may also specifically restrict access to communities that have signs posted at community access points.

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Are there protections for consumers who buy from door-to-door salespeople?

As we stated previously, the door-to-door salesperson in your neighborhood has every right to be there. And she has every right to knock on your door to see if you want to buy her stuff (unless you personally post a sign). The fact that door-to-door salespeople have the right to canvass your neighborhood isn’t all bad—some people like the opportunity to see the goodies that companies offer. Even you might want to buy her stuff… especially if she’s selling cookies.

In the event that something goes awry, however, there are laws in place to protect consumers from faulty products, fraudulent offers, and soliciting scams. Here are a few of the most common protections for those who buy products on their doorstep:

1. Solicitor Bonds

In an attempt to protect  citizens against faulty products, many cities require solicitors working within their boundaries to post a solicitation bond before they can go from house to house. The idea behind the solicitation bond is that if a product is faulty or part of some type of scam, any victimized consumer can claim a portion of the money to reimburse the losses that they experience because they bought the product. Check your local ordinances to see if your city has a law that requires solicitors to put up a bond before they can work. If they do, you can verify whether the salesperson at your door has paid the bond before you purchase from them.

2. “Cooling Off” Period

The Federal Trade Commission has established a “cooling-off” rule (16 CFR 429.1) in order to protect consumers from high-pressure sales tactics. This rule gives anyone who buys a product that costs at least 25 dollars from a door-to-door salesperson 3 days to cancel their purchase. The salesperson must provide buyers with a receipt with the following notice:

“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of this right.”

The seller must also give the consumer a cancellation notice (found in the law above) at the time of the sale. Many cities have adopted “cooling off” rules in their municipal codes, which may provide consumers with even more protection than the federal regulation. If you are trying to return a product that you bought from a travelling salesperson, you may want to consult your local statutes for a similar law.  See the Federal Trade Commission’s article on the cooling off period for more information.

Are there Legal Guidelines for Municipal Restrictions on Door-to-Door Sales?

In 1983, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (Perry Education Association v. Perry Local Educators’ Association) that restrictions on the time, place and manner of expression of any kind (including commercial speech like door-to-door sales) must meet the following criteria to be constitutional:

1. Be content-neutral.

2. Serve a legitimate governmental objective.

3. Leave open ample alternative channels of communication.

4. Be narrowly tailored to serve the governmental objective.

To be content neutral, the law in question should not target or favor a certain group. For example, laws that are designed to limit the activities of a particular religious group would not be considered content neutral. The term, “governmental objectives” sounds ominous, but basically it’s just referring to the government’s interest in protecting its citizens from crime and also protecting citizens’ rights to privacy. The phrase “narrowly tailored” essentially means that the law must proscribe the least restrictive means to accomplish the government objective. In general, the best advice for municipalities that wish to pass an ordinance that restricts solicitation is to make the law as narrow as possible in order to avoid a lawsuit.

How to Get Rid of Salespeople – No Soliciting Sign Laws

Local ordinances often address “No Soliciting” signs. Many ordinances will specifically state that solicitors must not attempt to contact any residence where there is a “No Soliciting” sign. For instance, in West Jordan, Utah, the ordinance regarding residential solicitation says that door-to-door salespeople must a) check for “No Soliciting” signs b) If a sign is present, the salesperson must forego all efforts to solicit and c) leave immediately. The city of West Jordan also states that it’s a crime to violate a “No Solicitation” notice by ringing the doorbell, knocking on the door or otherwise contacting anyone on the property. Many cities also have laws that require solicitors to obtain a permit or license and establish hour restrictions for those going door-to-door. Although ordinances in some locations have been ruled unconstitutional (see above) most local laws at least somewhat different than those that were overturned.

As we have emphasized repeatedly in this post, if you want to get rid of door-to-door salespeople for good, your best bet is to put up a “No Soliciting” sign. Will some solicitors ignore your sign? Perhaps, but if they do, your knowledge of your local laws will help you turn away unwanted visitors and maybe even report them to local authorities.

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To get your sign, click on one of the customizeable “No Soliciting” templates (the pictures throughout this post) to make a sign that fits your needs. You can browse a variety of “No Soliciting” signs by clicking here. If you can’t find something you like, start from scratch to create a sign that is uniquely yours. If you need help at any point in the design process, be sure to take advantage of our free design services.

“No Soliciting” Sign Laws in Major U.S. Cities

As a resource for you, we have created detailed descriptions of “No Soliciting” laws for many different locations in the United States. Because “No Soliciting” laws are typically created and enforced at the local level, we outline the ordinances in major cities within each state. To see if we have summarized the laws in your city or town, click on your state in the map below. Even if your city isn’t listed, chances are you will find useful resources that give you an idea of the laws that might be present in your area. Remember, you can start creating a custom “No Soliciting” sign by clicking on any of the graphics in the post.

Alabama

Local ordinances in Montgomery, Alabama state that solicitors and canvassers may not contact any residence or business displaying a sign that states “ “ or something similar.  Montgomery regulations also impose a time limit on solicitation—those going door-to-door must limit their activities to the hours between a.m. and p.m.

Huntsville, too, has laws that prevent solicitors from knocking on doors where there are appropriate “No Soliciting” sings.  Any solicitor who knocks on a door with a “No Soliciting” sign or fails to leave after being asked to do so could lose their permit to solicit in the city. This permit and the accompanying photo identification badge must be obtained before a solicitor is allowed to go door-to-door. Non-profit and religious groups are not required to get a permit. Finally, soliciting times in Huntsville are limited to the hours between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Alaska

The rules for solicitors in the Anchorage Municipal Code apply primarily to those fundraising for non-commercial causes.  Chapter 10.35 requires those seeking funds to obtain a non-commercial solicitor’s license from the municipal clerk and prohibits them from attempting to contact households where there is a sign or notice that prohibits soliciting.

Arizona

The City of Phoenix has detailed rules about door-to-door solicitation. The Phoenix City Code (Section 23-143) states that solicitors must immediately leave any property that has a sign or notice that prohibits soliciting and may not open or walk through any door or gate that has such a sign. The same applies if the residence has a “no trespassing sign” posted.  Section 23-141 of the city code goes on to state that soliciting is restricted to the hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. from April to September and between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. from October to March.

Solicitors must carry with them a government-issued form of identification (such as a driver’s license) and produce that ID upon request (Section 23-142). Even kids who are selling door-to-door are expected to have a government or student ID with them at all times. So if you are really sick of the neighbor kids hitting you up for Sally Foster gift wrap, you can always sic the cops on them for failing to carry photo identification. In all seriousness, solicitors who don’t follow these rules can be charged with a class one misdemeanor.

Arkansas

The municipal code for Fayetteville, Arkansas contains provisions that make it illegal for solicitors to enter the grounds of or attempt to contact any private residence that has a sign that states “No Soliciting” or a similar phrase. The company for whom any salespeople work must obtain one principal business permit (40 dollars) as well as a solicitor’s permit  for each salesperson (5 dollars each), which requires an official state criminal background check. Peddlers can only perform their labors within the hours between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.  The violation of any of these rules could result in a fine. (See Chapter 116 of the Fayetteville Code of Ordinances for specific language and additional regulations).

The city of Springdale enforces similar rules for solicitors. The Springdale code allows solicitation only within the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during Daylight Savings). As in Fayetteville, two permits are required and solicitors must observe “No Soliciting” signage. Furthermore, any salesperson working within the city must have on their person a copy of Section 82-1 of the city ordinances (which contains all of the soliciting laws that we describe here) as well as their city-issued permit and employer-provided photo ID.  These requirements do not apply to representatives of religious, political, or charitable causes.

California

San Diego

No solicitation laws in San Diego, California (§33.14 of the San Diego Municipal Code) require that solicitors “immediately and peacefully” leave any residence where a “no solicitation” sign is posted. The letters on “no solicitation” sign must be at least ½ inch high in order to have legal effect. According to the law, this rule applies to “interviewers” such as survey researchers, political canvassers, and even representatives of religious and charitable groups. Ignoring this law is strictly prohibited.

Commercial solicitors must obtain a police registration card in order to hawk their wares. This process involves filing finger prints with the San Diego police department and provided a photo for the registration card and police files. Neither commercial nor non-commercial solicitors (“interviewers”) may contact households between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. unless they have an already established appointment.

Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles requires solicitors to carry with them government-issued identification as well as a Business Tax Registration Certificate.  No person may solicit sales or charitable/religious donations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. (See section 41.43.1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code for exact language).

Colorado

Solicitors in Denver, Colorado must obtain a peddling license in order to work in the city. The person soliciting must carry their license card with them at all times that they are going from house to house and show it to any prospective customer or police officer that asks to see it. Furthermore, Sec. 47-18 of the Denver Code of Ordinances makes it illegal for any solicitor to “attempt to solicit business at any place which maintains a sign or other visible and legible indication that such solicitation of business is not desired or is prohibited.” Solicitations are prohibited ½ hour after sunset and before 8 a.m.

Connecticut

The city of New Haven, Connecticut requires solicitors selling goods to obtain a license to solicit. The city code (section 3-17-9) also prohibits solicitors from going door-to-door before 9 a.m. or after sunset. This law also outlaws a number of potentially deceptive and fraudulent practices. Children who are younger than 16 years old are not allowed to work as door-to-door solicitors.

Delaware

No solicitation laws in Delaware are established at the state level. Section 4405 of the Delaware Code states that solicitors must obtain and carry a door-to-door salesperson identification card from the Delaware Department of Finance.  Once salespeople have the required identification, they can only go door-to-door between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Delaware time.

Florida

Jacksonville

The City of Jacksonville, Florida specifically states that “No Soliciting” signs “constitute sufficient notice to any solicitor or peddler . . . that any peddling or soliciting by any person is prohibited at such residence.”  In other words, Jacksonville law considers a “No Soliciting” sign adequate notice that solicitors are not allowed on the resident’s private property.

Jacksonville Code also requires commercial solicitors to obtain a permit and limit their work to the hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Solicitors must be older than 18 to work unaccompanied, and older than 14 to work with the help of an adult supervisor. These laws are all contained in Part 250.7 of the Jacksonville, Florida Code of Ordinances. It is worth noting that the laws appear to apply primarily to commercial solicitation, not religious, charitable, or political canvassers.

Miami

The Miami Code of Ordinances (Sec. 39-47) makes it illegal to solicit, peddle, or canvass at any location that displays a sign that states “No solicitors,” “No peddlers,” or “No trespassing.” The sign must use letters that are at least 1 and ½ inches high.

Georgia

In Atlanta, local ordinances (Sec. 30-618) state that solicitors may not enter or attempt to contact any residence that has a “No Soliciting” or “No Peddling” sign. Those who ignore properly posted signs could be cited for criminal trespass.  Atlanta also requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a permit, which requires both an application fee and an annual renewal fee. Tax-exempt groups do not have to obtain permits, nor do salespeople with regularly established routes.

Hawaii

After combing through regulations for the state of Hawaii and most major Hawaiian cities, we weren’t able to find much on “No Soliciting” signs. The city of Honolulu does have an ordinance that requires peddlers to be licensed by the city (Sec. 29-6.2). In general, however, it is fairly safe to assume that if you express your desire not to receive solicitors they are obligated to leave your property.

Idaho

Boise, Idaho has detailed regulations (Chapter 5-12of the Boise Municipal Code) about the conduct of door-to-door solicitors within the city. Solicitors are not allowed to enter the premises of any location where a sign is posted that says “No Solicitation Allowed” or “No Peddlers Allowed.” Those who violate this law may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined 300 dollars.

Additionally, any salesperson attempting to sell goods or services in residential areas must obtain a license from the city, which requires the person seeking the license to pay a fee and provide personal information to the City Clerk. Tax exempt, charitable, political groups and children are not required to get this license.

Illinois

Chicago’s municipal code (10-8-271) states that no commercial advertising materials (flyers, handouts, etc.) may be left at homes that display a sign that states “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” at or near the front door. Those who violate this law may be fined between 200 and 1,000 dollars.

When it comes to charitable fundraising, any charity that attempts to raise funds by going door-to-door must obtain a permit from the city of Chicago. See 10-8-080 et seq. for more information.

Indiana

In Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana, it is illegal for salespeople to attempt to sale goods or services at any private residence where there is a sign or notice near the entrance that forbids soliciting or peddling (Revised Code Sec. 391-104).

Iowa

The ordinances for the city of Des Moines, Iowa refer to door-to-door salespeople as “peddlers” and make it illegal for a peddler to attempt to do business at any property where there is a sign that states “No Soliciting” or “No Peddling.”  (See Sec. 78-111 of the Municipal Code.)

Solicitors in Des Moines are also required to be licensed with the city and to post a refundable bond to protect against fraudulent sales tactics. Furthermore, door-to-door sales are only allowed between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Kansas

The city of Overland Park, Kansas has an ordinance (5.64.020) that states that no salesperson may knock, ring the doorbell, or attempt to contact any home or apartment where there is a sign that says “No Solicitors” or “No Trespassers.” According to the legal definitions of the statue, this rule applies to political organizations, charitable organizations, and religious proselytizers.

Solicitors may not attempt to contact residents between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. or attempt to contact the same household twice within a 14 day period for the purpose of a sale (except with permission of the homeowner).

Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky has an ordinance(§ 115.361)that prohibits solicitors from attempting to sell their products or services at any residence displaying a sign with the words “No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Trespassers,” or other phrases with similar meaning.

Soliciting is only allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 30 minutes before the official sunset time. It is not allowed on Sundays or on national holidays.

Louisiana

The law (Sec 152:152c) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana states that solicitation (whether for a commercial, political, charitable, or religious purpose) is prohibited at residences that post a sign that states “No Soliciting.” Those who violate this ordinance could be found guilty of trespassing and fined accordingly.  The sign must be displayed visibly at the entrance to the property.

Salespeople are required to obtain a permit before they begin their work. Baton Rouge limits door-to-door sales to the hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Maine

The city of Portland, Maine’s local ordinances require “transient sellers” to obtain a license from both the city and the state of Maine in order to do business. This law does not apply to those who are going door-to-door in behalf of a “bona fide non-profit organization.”See Sec. 19-56 of Portland’s municipal code for more details.

Maryland

In Baltimore County, Maryland, solicitors may not attempt to sell merchandise at any residence displaying a “No Soliciting” sign (21-11-106). If a community posts signs that prohibit soliciting at all vehicle entrances, solicitors are not allowed to contact any of the homes in the community.  The law further states that salespeople may only go door-to-door between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.Those who violate either of these rules could be charged with a misdemeanor and fines up to 100 dollars.

Massachusetts

Although the laws governing soliciting in Boston, Massachusetts are somewhat sparse, the city code contains an ordinance that makes it illegal for solicitors to continue to engage a person “who has informed the solicitor by words or conduct that such person declines the solicitor’s request” (16-41.1).

Michigan

Local regulations in Grand Rapids, Michigan state that salespeople must not attempt to contact households who have posted a sign that states “no solicitors,” “no peddlers,” “no salespeople,” etc. (Sec. 7.261).Solicitors may not call at any residence before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless they have an appointment.

Licenses are required of those who are selling goods or services, but not of representatives for charitable, religious, and political causes.  However, religious, charitable, and political canvassers must obey solicitation signs and hours restrictions.

Minnesota

The Minneapolis Code of Ordinances makes it illegal for any solicitor or peddler to call at a residence that posts a sign that states “No Peddlers, Solicitors or Transient Merchants” or comparable words.  The sign must be posted near the front door to the house use a font size 48 or larger and be at least 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide (Sec. 332.90).  This exclusion does not apply to non-commercial representatives (for example, those representing religious groups, charities, and political causes).

By law, commercial solicitors are required to be licensed by the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County.  They must also register with the city and obtain a solicitor identification card.

Mississippi

According to the law in Jackson, Mississippi, solicitors are not allowed to contact any residence that has posted a sign “clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property” (Sec. 94-2(b)).   Salespeople are not allowed to solicit before sunrise or after sunset and must register with the Jackson Police before they begin to sell within the city.

Those who violate these requirements could be required to perform community service, pay fines, or even serve time in jail (depending on the number of offenses).

Missouri

When it comes to “No Solicitation” signs, the Kansas City, Missouri Code of Ordinances (Sec. 50-172) states:

“No person shall solicit anything or any action from any person at property designated by a sign, conspicuously posted at the front door of the property, indicating ‘No Solicitation,’ ‘No Solicitors’ or other similar language expressing the unwillingness of occupants of the property to accept solicitors.”

The penalty for breaking this law could be up to a $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail.

Montana

The city code in Billings, Montana makes it illegal for any salesperson to “[continue] to solicit a person who has made a negative response. Moreover, solicitors may not solicit on private property “if the owner, tenant, or lawful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property”(Sec. 18-1001).Assuming that a sign constitutes a negative response, if you post a sign at or near your door that states that solicitors are not welcome on your property, they are not legally allowed to attempt to make a sale. Anyone who disobeys this law can be fined up to 500 dollars.

Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska prohibits any person (whether working for a commercial or non-commercial cause) from leaving advertising material or disturbing the privacy of any residence that contains the words”No Trespassing,” “No Peddlers or Agents,” “No Advertisement” or any similar phrase (Sec. 3-25).  We assume that this would also make attempting to contact households with “No Soliciting” signs illegal.

Nevada

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but door-to-door salespeople can’t stay on your porch if you have a sign that says “No Peddlers or Solicitors” (or something similar) posted near the entrance to your house (see 6.62.120 of the Las Vegas Code of Ordinances).

In order to sell commercial goods or services within the city, solicitors must obtain a permit and work card from the city of Las Vegas. The salesperson must be prepared to show either the permit or the card to any people (including consumers) who ask to see them.  This means that if you are worried that a particular salesman is not legitimate, you can ask to see identification that states that they have been approved by local authorities.

New Hampshire

The city of Nashua, New Hampshire’s municipal ordinances (§ 231-13) state that no solicitor is allowed to “enter any house, building or premises where there is posted on the front of the house, building or premises a written notice stating that vendors are not desired.” Put differently, if you put up a sign that states “No Solicitors” or “No Vendors,” salespeople are legally prohibited from knocking on your door. Any salesperson who ignores one of these signs could lose their vendor’s license (which they are legally required to obtain before attempting to sale their wares) and be fined up to $1,000.

Registered charitable groups and kids are typically exempt from solicitation rules in Nashua.

New Jersey

As in many other cities across the United States, solicitors in Jersey City, New Jersey must obtain a canvasser license prior to selling their products. The salesperson must carry this permit with him or her whenever going about their work and show it to anyone who requests to see it. To comply with the law, solicitors can’t knock on your door before 9 in the morning or after 6 at night.  (See § 245-12 et seq.)

New York

The city of Buffalo, New York has regulations that prohibit solicitation at any household that has a “No Soliciting” sign. Section 6.36(c) of the Buffalo City Code states the following:

“It is unlawful for any solicitor, peddler or transient merchant to enter, or attempt to gain entrance, to residential premises displaying at such entrance a sign prohibiting solicitation.”

All solicitors must limit their activities to the hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. If the solicitor is attempting to sell commercial goods or services, they must obtain a permit from the city.

North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina has an ordinance (Sec. 15-15(a)(1)) that makes it unlawful for a solicitor to continue to try to convince a person to buy something after the person has said no. The statute states that it is illegal to

“[Continue] to solicit . . . after the person to whom the solicitation is directed has made a negative response, either verbally, by physical sign, by attempting to leave the presence of the person soliciting, or by other negative indication”

While the “physical sign” spoken of refers to a physical motion or body language, you have the right to expect a solicitor to leave you alone after you say no. Moreover, the Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that posted signs are a way for homeowners to express that they refuse a solicitors proposals.

North Dakota

Local laws (25-0510) in Fargo, North Dakota forbid solicitors from approaching dwellings (apartments, houses, etc.) that post a 3 by 4 inch sign that states “No Solicitors” in 1/3 inch letters. The sign should be posted visibly near the entrance to the house.

Solicitors are not allowed to approach any residence after 9 p.m. or before 9 a.m. and are also required to obtain a solicitation permit from the city before they begin working in Fargo. Religious, charitable, and political organizations are not required to have this permit.

Ohio

In Columbus, Ohio it is illegal for solicitors to attempt to contact residences that display a sign that states “no peddling, “No Soliciting” or “no canvassing” (Columbus Code of Ordinances 523.14).

Solicitors must limit their activities to the hours between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. and are required to obtain and display a solicitor identification card from the city of Columbus. If a salesperson is not wearing their identification, you have the legal right to request that they show it to you. They must also be licensed by the city prior to going door-to-door. Those who are soliciting on behalf of a school or a religious, charitable, or religious group are not required to obtain a permit or wear identification.

Oklahoma

Like many cities, Oklahoma City does not allow solicitors to contact any households that have posted a sign that says “No Solicitors,” “No Trespassers,” or “No Trespassing,” since by doing so the person “has indicated his/her desire not to be contacted for sales or solicitations” (§ 39-19). Since Oklahoma City law defines solicitors primarily in terms of commercial sales, this requirement may not apply to religious, charitable, and political canvassers.

Tulsa has similar regulations (Section 2903) that prevent salespeople from soliciting residences that have posted a “No Soliciting” sign or placard. There is also a soliciting curfew after 7 p.m. and before 8 a.m. If any solicitor ignores your sign or knocks after the approved hours, the city of Tulsa suggests that you call the Tulsa Police Department at (918) 596-9222. If you don’t want to receive advertising flyers, you can also post a sign that states “No Handbills” or “No Advertisement” (or add that notice to your “No Soliciting” sign).

Oregon

The city of Salem, Oregon’s laws (95.220) make it illegal for people to leave handbills or other advertisements on private property without written consent from the owner. By posting a sign that expresses your wish not to receive advertisements, you explicitly say that you do not give your written permission.

Unfortunately, we were not able to find any ordinances related to “No Soliciting” signs specifically in either the city of Salem or the city of Portland.

Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s local laws require solicitors to be licensed with the city before they can legally go door-to-door. In order to obtain this license, a person must provide their personal information to the city. Thus, if you are concerned about a particular salesperson, you can check with the city to make sure he or she has obtained the appropriate licenses to work within the city.

Rhode Island

When it comes to door-to-door solicitors the cities of Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island have nearly identical regulations. Section 46-13 (in both codes – the link goes to the Providence code) says the following:

“It shall be unlawful for any peddler or solicitor to ring the bell, or knock on the door, or otherwise attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of peddling or soliciting at any residence, dwelling or apartment at which a sign bearing the words ‘No Peddlers or Solicitors,’ or words of similar import indicating that such persons are not wanted on said premises, is painted, affixed or otherwise exposed to public view.”

The municipal codes in both cities also forbid solicitation between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.  Solicitors must obtain a license and a police-issued identification badge before they attempt to make a sale.

South Carolina

Sec. 17-97 of the Charleston, South Carolina city code states that soliciting is not permitted on private properties that display signs with the words “No Trespassing,” “No Peddlers,” or “No Solicitors.” Solicitors are required to obtain a permit and keep it on their persons while they are going door-to-door. Charleston ordinances say that solicitors are only allowed to contact residences between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

South Dakota

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, solicitors are not allowed to enter properties that post certain signs. The city code (Sec. 29-4) state:                                   

“It shall be unlawful for any peddler to enter upon any private premises when the premises is posted with a sign stating “No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Soliciting,” or words to that effect.”

Door-to-door salespeople may not visit any household after 8 p.m. or before 9 a.m. and must get a permit from the Sioux Falls city finance department before they can begin to sell their products or services. Charitable, religious, and political organizations are exempt from all of the above regulations, as are salespeople who deal exclusively with businesses or government officials.

Tennessee

According to the laws in Nashville, Tennessee (6.64.030), no commercial solicitor may enter or stay on any private property that displays a “No Solicitation” or “No Trespassing” sign near the entrance to the property. If an apartment or condo complex posts signs at the entrances to the complex, solicitors may not approach people in the common areas of the complex, but are allowed to go door-to-door unless the individual apartments are listed on the local “No Solicitation List.”This list can be found on the Nashville city website. Residents must sign up with the city each year in order to remain on the list.

Nashville ordinances also require solicitors to obtain a solicitation permit as well as a city-issued identification badge. The salesperson must wear the identification badge at all times that he or she is working and must show their permit to any person (police, potential customers, etc.) who requests to see it. Any solicitor who disobeys any of these rules could have their solicitation permit revoked and be fined 50 dollars per day of violation.

Texas

Dallas

According to the laws in Dallas, Texas (Sec. 42-21 of the Dallas City Code), if you don’t want to be bothered by door-to-door salespeople, you should post a weatherproof sign that states “NO SOLICITORS.” The sign must be no smaller than 3 by 4 inches, while the letters must be at least 2/3 inches tall.  According to the ordinance, solicitors have a duty to look for signs that prohibit soliciting and leave the property without knocking, ringing the doorbell, or otherwise attempting to contact the household if such a sign is displayed near the home’s main entrance.

San Antonio

The city of San Antonio also has regulations governing solicitations, though the laws there relate mostly to handbills and other flyers that are commonly left on door handles or steps.  Section 21-3 of the San Antonio Code of Ordinances states that person may leave advertisements at any residence that displays a 3 by 4 inch weatherproof sign that states “no solicitation,” “no advertisements,” or “no handbills” in 2/3 inch letters. This law does not, however, apply to government, political, religious, or charitable organization distributing flyers for their respective causes.

Utah

City ordinances (6.09.170) in Provo, Utah stipulate that a “No Solicitation” sign posted at any residence constitutes notice that the household does not want to receive solicitors. Solicitors are required by law to check for “No Soliciting” signs and leave the premises without knocking or ringing the doorbell if such a sign is in place.

Solicitors are also required to register with the city in order to obtain an annual certificate and identification badge. Door-to-door sales and canvassing are prohibited after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m.

Vermont

Peddlers and solicitors working in Burlington, Vermont are required to be licensed prior to performing their labors. Charitable and religious organizations do not need to be licensed in order to go door-to-door. Salespeople are required by Burlington law to display their licensing certificate at all times that they are soliciting. If they fail to display their certificate or obtain a license, they can face civil fines between 50 and 500 dollars. (See Chapter 23 of the Burlington Code of Ordinances for the exact language for any of the rules above.)

Virginia

The City of Virginia Beach, Virginia’s ordinances place restrictions on door-to-door advertisement. Sec. 23-44.2 of the municipal code states that no handbills, brochures, paper, sample, etc. (whether commercial or non-commercial) may be left at any private property that has “conspicuously posted a “no solicitation” sign or any similar sign which clearly indicates that the owner or occupant of the property does not want to receive such materials.” If a solicitor ignores this sign, he or she could be charged with a 3rd degree misdemeanor.

Virginia Beach also requires solicitors to obtain a permit from the city before they begin selling door-to-door.

Washington

Anyone conducting residential sales in Seattle, Washington is subject to city ordinances (6.260.050 ) which prohibit any solicitation at residences that display a sign with the words “”no peddlers” or “no solicitors.”

Solicitors in Seattle must also obtain a current license to conduct door-to-door sales within the city. Furthermore, solicitation is limited to the hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

West Virginia

Charleston, West Virginia’s laws governing door-to-door soliciting (Sec. 18-522) appear to be rather narrow in scope. The city requires solicitors to obtain a license and register with the Department of Consumer Protection.  Thus, if you are worried about whether a solicitor is legitimate, you can call the city of Charleston and ask whether the solicitor has taken the appropriate legal steps to hawk their wares.

Wisconsin

According to section 95-15 of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin code of ordinances, no solicitor may attempt to contact a residence that posts a sign that states “Solicitors Prohibited” (or a similar phrase). Upon seeing the sign, the solicitor is obligated to immediately leave the property. Any solicitor who ignores your No Soliciting sign (or the other regulations below) could be fined anywhere from 50 to 500 dollars.

Salespeople working in Milwaukee must register with the police department at least 5 days before beginning to work and should carry an identification card at all times.  Soliciting is permitted during the hours after 8 a.m. and before 9 p.m.

Wyoming

In Cheyenne, Wyoming solicitors are forbidden from attempting to engage any residence where there is a sign with the words “No Solicitors” or a similar phrase (5.76.050). Other ordinances (8.52.060) make it illegal to leave flyers, handbills, door hangers, etc. at homes that display a “No Trespassing,” “No Soliciting,” “No Peddlers or Agents” or “No Advertisement” sign.

Regulations in Cheyenne also require solicitors to obtain and display a city-issued license and limit their activities to the hours between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

How to Get Rid of Door to Door Salespeople Once and For All!

We know that signs serve many purposes: they provide direction, identify locations and announce events. It’s easy to think that signage serves these purposes just for businesses or municipalities, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes signage celebrates the milestones in our lives. Today’s story is about Sam, who just turned three.

As part of our Signs.com family, Sam’s dad Nelson is surrounded by signage every day at work. Nelson wanted to see if we could do something interesting and creative with signage to make Sam’s birthday special.

The party theme was cars and trucks—Sam’s favorite toys. We have some pretty cool materials in our production facility, so our designers got busy creating some fun, colorful signs and party decorations, using vinyl banner fabric, corrugated yard sign plastic, wall decals and magnets. Here’s what we came up with:

We started with some fun party invitations. These are made from the same magnetic sheeting we use to create car magnets. Guests could put them on the fridge to remind them of Sam’s upcoming party.

We wanted some directional signage to help guests find Sam’s house on the day of the party. This is a basic yard sign, installed with an H-stake:

Then, a vinyl banner for the front of the house that identified the party location and announced Sam’s special day:

A fun “Welcome” sign for the front door matched the party theme. It’s made from corrugated plastic (the same material we use in our yard signs), so it’s durable and weather-proof.

Once inside, guests were greeted with lots of cute, car-and-truck-themed decorations. Sam’s mom shared her thoughts about the party decorations with us, “Within ten minutes of opening the packages from Signs.com, our house was completely decorated for the party.  I couldn’t believe how many different products they were able to create to make our party perfect for our car-obsessed three year old.”

In addition to the wall decals that surround the banner, we made a table runner using vinyl banner fabric. “The table runner and placemats turned our boring wooden table into the perfect place to display Sam’s car cake.  The vinyl was high quality, the colors were bright, and I was especially happy to know that no matter what the kids spilled on it, it would wipe right off!” 

Matching “car” placemats were also contour-cut out of vinyl banner fabric. Place cards that look like street signs were created using foam-core. “Each of the cousins that came to the party was so excited to find his or her own road sign name tags.  They were such a cute detail.  I think it really made them feel special.”

We jazzed up goodie bags for Sam’s guests with contour-cut cars and trucks:

And we put some more cars and trucks on some of Sam’s presents:

Finally, we wanted to make a birthday sign that would celebrate Sam’s third birthday and also serve as a unique keepsake. We came up with this vinyl banner that features Sam’s photo and a list of his favorite things. “One of my favorite parts of the party was the banner full of Sam’s favorite things.  He has such a funny little personality it was fun to have a way to share that with our guests.  We’ve decided that birthday banners will be a new tradition for our family.  I hope his answers next year will be equally entertaining.”

Party time! Sam was surrounded by family and friends and was a pretty excited kid:

Sam’s mom made an adorable cake to match his birthday decorations:

And of course, he had a blast opening all his birthday gifts!

“Honestly, I was very impressed with everything that we ordered for the party.  Each product was so well made and the designs were absolutely darling.  And best of all, it made preparing for Sam’s party so easy I could spend my time where it mattered most — playing with my birthday boy.”

Happy birthday, Sam!

Signs of Life: Sam’s Birthday