Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond

An Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond is a type of surety bond required by the state of Ohio, Attorney General’s Office for individuals and businesses who engage in telephone solicitation activities. It acts as a financial guarantee to protect consumers from potential harm caused by unethical or illegal practices by the solicitor. The bond amount is $50,000 and the cost of the surety bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount. Surety1 will shop its many markets to provide the best possible price.

How to Get an An Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond

At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the registration.} 

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.

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Who Needs this Bond?

Anyone who engages in telephone solicitation activities in Ohio, as defined by the state’s Telephone Solicitation Sales Act (TSSA), needs an Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond. This includes individuals and businesses that initiate phone calls with the intention of:

• Selling goods or services: This covers direct sales pitches, product offers, surveys leading to sales calls, and invitations to sales presentations.
• Enquiring about the purchase of goods or services: Even calls that seem more indirect or informational, but ultimately aim to lead to a sale, fall under this category.

However, there are a few exemptions:

• One-time or infrequent transactions: If a call about a purchase isn’t part of a repeated pattern, it might not be considered solicitation.
• Specific purposes: Calls made for religious or political purposes, by registered charities or fundraisers, or to previous customers under certain conditions are exempt.

Remember, even if your activity falls under an exemption, it’s always best to consult the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for the latest regulations and ensure you’re complying with ethical communication practices.

Here’s a breakdown of who definitely needs an Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond:

1. Individual salespeople: If you directly contact potential customers by phone to sell something, you need the bond.
2. Telemarketing businesses: Companies that employ salespeople to make solicitation calls require the bond.
3. Businesses with in-house sales teams: Even if your sales team only calls established customers, you might still need the bond depending on the nature and frequency of the calls.

Who is considered a telephone solicitor in  Ohio?

In Ohio, “telephone solicitation activities” are defined by Section 4719.01 of the Ohio Revised Code as communications initiated by or on behalf of a telephone solicitor or salesperson that meet both of the following criteria:

1. The communication represents the price, quality, or availability of goods or services, or aims to induce the person to purchase goods or services. This includes, but is not limited to, direct sales pitches, offers, surveys leading to sales pitches, and invitations to attend sales presentations.
2. The communication is initiated by the solicitor or salesperson. This means unsolicited calls, even if they’re polite or professional, fall under this definition

How to Register as a Telephone Solicitor

Registering as a Telephone Solicitor in Ohio involves several steps and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Eligibility:

• Before registering, ensure you comply with all eligibility criteria under the Telephone Solicitation Sales Act (TSSA). This includes not having any disqualifying criminal convictions related to fraud, telemarketing, or similar offenses.

Registration Process:

1. Complete the Application: Download the Telephone Solicitation Sales Act Application from the Ohio Attorney General’s website: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Telephone-Solicitors/TSSA: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Telephone-Solicitors/TSSA. Fill it out accurately and completely.
2. Obtain a Surety Bond: You need a $50,000 Ohio Telephone Solicitor Bond from a licensed surety company. The bond acts as financial protection for consumers in case of any violations.
3. Pay the Registration Fee: The current registration fee is $500. Submit it along with your application and bond information.
4. Submit Your Application: You can upload your completed application, bond information, and payment electronically through the Telephone Solicitation Sales Act Application Upload Form: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Telephone-Solicitors/TSSA: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Telephone-Solicitors/TSSA. Alternatively, you can mail them to the address provided on the application.

Processing and Approval: The Attorney General’s office will review your application and notify you of their decision within 21 days. If approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration, valid for two years.

Additional Requirements:

• Do Not Call Registry Compliance: You must comply with the Ohio Do Not Call Registry and remove individuals who request it.
• Disclosure Requirements: During calls, disclose your name, location, the purpose of the call, and the seller’s name on whose behalf you’re calling.
• Time Restrictions: Avoid calls before 8 AM, after 9 PM, or on Sundays.
• Prohibited Practices: Adhere to ethical practices and refrain from deceptive statements, harassment, or threats.

Additional Resources:

• Ohio Attorney General’s Telephone Solicitation Sales Act: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/Business-Guide/Telemarketing-and-Do-Not-Call-Registry: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/Business-Guide/Telemarketing-and-Do-Not-Call-Registry
• Telephone Solicitation Sales Act Application: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Telephone-Solicitors/TSSA: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Telephone-Solicitors/TSSA

Important Note: This information is intended for general knowledge purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney or legal professional for specific guidance and ensure you fully understand and comply with all relevant laws and regulations before engaging in telephone solicitation activities in Ohio