Lyon County Undersheriff Richard Old has asked area residents to call the sheriff's office if they are approached by a salesperson trying to sell photographs of local farms to the farms' occupants.
The sheriff's department has received a report of "a high-pressure Oklahoma salesman" working in the area, Old said.
"While there is nothing illegal about selling farm photos, merchants from out of state are required to get a license from the county clerk prior to doing business in the county," Old said in a news release, "and they often do not report their sales in Kansas or collect and pay sales taxes."
Old wants to ensure that if photographs are sold, the business first has been licensed here and will be paying sales taxes.
He requested that people call the sheriff's office, 342-5545, if they receive unsolicited offers to buy a photograph of their farms. A description of the salesperson and any vehicle information available also would be appreciated.
"If anyone has recently purchased such a picture, we would appreciate a call so we can insure that the proper taxes have been paid," Old said.
"It would be unfair to ask our local businesses to collect and pay sales taxes if we do not require the same of others."
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
God forbid that the city of Emporia miss out on a little sales tax.
March 11, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Wish Old would have mentioned all the door to door sales that fall under this requirement such as; the folks who come around selling repair work such as siding, roofing, painting etc. Then there are also those trying to sell fruit, old processed meat from deep freezers in the back of a truck, and magazines. I would prefer that no one came to my door that are selling something or promoting their beliefs and or causes. I had the aerial photographer visit my place last fall. Saw him flying around a day or two before hand and expected his offer in the mail or a knock at the door. He had a picture of my place framed in a nice wood frame when he showed up. Told him I was not interested before he could even start his sales pitch. He named a price out anyhow and proceeded to tell me how stupid it was to not consider his offer. I told him how stupid it was for him to drive past my No Trespassing sign that is posted at the end of my driveway where he turned in, that he needed to leave asap before I reacted to his intrusion. He threw his free arm up and stormed back to car. The price he quoted me was $100 more than what he quoted neighbors who let him give his sales pitch.
March 11, 2009 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
We've had these people come by in the past. We did buy one right after we bought our house so we could do a before & after once we got the place fixed up like we wanted. I never thought about them not paying taxes or get licenses. I think it's a good heads up. Neighbor, I have a surefire way to get rid of religious visitors. I did this in college and it worked wonders. I never got another visit so assume they keep a list of "don't even go there" addresses. :) I stared them in the face and said, "My lord Satan doesn't like me to talk to you people" and shut the door in their face. I think God has a sense of humor and was probably laughing as hard as I was. Plus I'm pretty sure I got lots of prayers out of it. :)
March 12, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )