D2D glossary / Rules and paperwork
What is the difference between canvassing and soliciting?
Canvassing vs. soliciting: In city codes, soliciting usually means going door to door to sell something, while canvassing means going door to door for a non-commercial purpose such as politics, religion or a survey. The rules differ.
Courts give non-commercial door knocking strong First Amendment protection. In Watchtower Bible and Tract Society v. Village of Stratton (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a village rule that required a permit before door-to-door religious and political advocacy. Commercial sales get less protection, which is why cities can require sales reps to register, pay a fee and keep to set hours.
The sales industry uses "canvassing" loosely for any door knocking. For permits, what counts is the definition in the city's code: a rep taking orders for solar, pest control or internet service is a solicitor there, whatever the job title says.
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Canvassing vs. soliciting: quick answers
What is the difference between canvassing and soliciting?
In city codes, soliciting usually means going door to door to sell something, while canvassing means going door to door for a non-commercial purpose such as politics, religion or a survey. The rules differ.