Ethics in Sales: Discussing D2D Dos & Don’ts with Sean Ricks

3 Min Read

Last Updated: December 5, 2023
A promotional graphic for a sales strategy guide, featuring illustrated characters representing door-to-door salespeople with tips on do's and don'ts for ethical salesmanship.

Sam Taggart here, the force behind D2D Experts, bringing you another exciting episode from our D2D podcast. 

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for anyone associated with the high-energy world of door-to-door sales.

I mean think of the recent Time magazine article that lambasted solar sales reps or solar bros. The D2D industry routinely faces intense scrutiny.

 

Key Takeaways

Sean Ricks, the former Junior Legal Counsel at Vivint and I sat down to discuss ethics in sales and what you can do as sales reps to stay on the right side of things. 

You can watch the the full episode here but if you’re just craving a quick summary, I’ve covered you with the key highlights. 

Let’s explore this legal labyrinth and find ways to navigate it effectively!

Battling City Ordinances

One of Sean’s significant contributions has been challenging and changing restrictive city ordinances. From Green River, Wyoming’s historical ‘no solicitation without invitation’ rule to modern-day oddities like Benbrook, Texas, requiring door knockers to wear orange safety vests, Sean has been instrumental in ensuring sales reps can operate freely yet responsibly. This advocacy benefitted not only Vivint but also the entire door-to-door sales industry.

Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities

As Sean explains, understanding the First Amendment’s implications on commercial speech is vital. While regulations are permissible, outright prohibitions aren’t. This understanding equips sales reps with the confidence to operate within legal boundaries and respect homeowners’ rights, such as acknowledging ‘No Soliciting’ signs.

The Intricacies of Rep Agreements

Sean’s insights into rep agreements highlight the need for thorough understanding before signing. Issues like non-compete clauses, stipulated judgments, and advances are complex, and awareness is critical. 

For instance, non-solicitation clauses are enforceable, which can lead to legal challenges.

 

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Stay Informed on Sales Ethics to Stay Ahead

Sean’s parting advice is simple yet profound – operate ethically. Avoid deceptive practices, be transparent about terms with customers, and understand your legal obligations. This approach keeps you out of trouble and elevates the integrity of the door-to-door sales profession.

In the whirlwind world of door-to-door sales, staying informed about legal aspects and debunking myths is as essential as mastering sales techniques. Sean Ricks’ insights provide a roadmap to navigate these complexities confidently.

For more insights into the sales world, subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest updates. Stay passionate, stay informed, and keep on selling, my friends!

Enjoyed the podcast? Well, there’s more where that came from. D2D content is here to help you take your sales game to new heights.

Sam Taggart

I knocked doors since I was 11! Never bought into the whole hourly normal job, and used direct sales to be the vehicle to create MASSIVE success. I Started the Direct Sales division for Solcius as their VP building it up to have 70+ sales reps nation wide. In 2018 I left to pursue a greater mission to unify and uplevel the Door to Door industry and founded the D2D Experts.

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