Gillette Itinerant Merchant Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Gillette Itinerant Merchant Bond

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 per month
• Bond Amount: $1,000
• Who Needs it: All itinerant merchants and door to door solicitors operating in Gillette, Wyoming
• Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages should the merchant violate licensing law
• Who Requires the Bond: The City of Gillette

Background

Gillette Municipal Code 10-28 requires all itinerant merchants operating in the city to obtain a business license. The Gillette city council enacted the licensing requirement to ensure that merchants engage in ethical business practices. To provide financial security for the enforcement of the licensing law, itinerant merchants must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond to be eligible for licensure.

What is the Purpose of the Gillette Itinerant Merchant Bond?

Gillette requires itinerant merchants to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a business license. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the merchant fails to comply with the regulations set forth in Gillette Municipal Code 10-28-5(e). Specifically, the bond protects the public in the event the merchant engages in any acts of fraud or fails to pay out any judgments rendered against them. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the merchant breaks licensing law.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Wyoming Itinerant Merchant Surety Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Wyoming Itinerant Merchant Bond easy. Simply login to your account and use our keyword search to find the “merchant” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the Gillette Itinerant Merchant Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the Gillette Itinerant Merchant bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same low rate is offered to all merchants operating in the city, regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the Gillette Itinerant Merchant Bond Cost?

The Gillette Itinerant Merchant bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

Who is Required to Purchase the Bond?

Gillette requires all itinerant, also referred to as transient, merchants and door to door solicitors operating in the city to purchase a $1,000 surety bond before obtaining a business license. To paraphrase Gillette Municipal Code 10-28-2(b), an itinerant merchant is an individual or business entity that temporarily sells goods in the city while utilizing any aspect of the city’s infrastructure to exhibit said goods. Exemptions to this definition include:

• Non-profit organizations
• Charitable organizations
• Religious organizations
• Educational organizations
• Scientific organizations
• Community groups
• Local farmers markets

Vendors participating in flea markets, arts and crafts fairs, bazaars, as well as seasonal plant and produce sales are commonly required to purchase this bond.

BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.

How do Itinerant Merchants Apply for a License in Gillette?

Itinerant merchants in Gillette must navigate several steps to secure a business license. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the application form for details on the process.

License Period – All Gillette Itinerant Merchant/Door to Door Solicitor’s Licenses may be issued for a period of 90 days. Merchants may extend the terms of their license for an additional 30 days, provided they pay a $75 fee.

Step 1 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Itinerant merchants and door to door solicitors must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond

Step 2 – Obtain a Wyoming Sales and Use Tax License

Merchants are required to obtain a Wyoming Sales and Use Tax License, issued by the Wyoming Department of Revenue, before applying for a local business license

Step 3 – Obtain a Temporary Use Permit

Gillete requires merchants to obtain a Temporary Use Permit for the location(s) they will be conducting business from. Merchants can apply for a permit in person by visiting the city clerk’s office at:

1st Floor, City Hall
201 E 5th St.
Gillette, WY 82716

Step 4 – Complete the Application

All Gillette Itinerant Merchant/Door to Door Solicitation License applications should be mailed or delivered to the City Clerk’s office at:

1st Floor,City Hall
201 E 5th St.
Gillette, WY 82716

Merchants must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following items:

• • Letter from the property owner(s) authorizing the merchant to conduct business on their property
  • Copy of the merchant’s contractor license (if applicable)
  • Photo copies of the driver’s licenses for all door to door salespersons
  • Photo copies of the registrations of all vehicles used for door to door sales

Merchants must pay a $25 fee (plus an additional $5 for door to door sales) for each day the license is active. Additionally, merchants must obtain a Temporary Use Permit for the location they will be conducting business from. Permits can be acquired from the City Clerk.

Can Gillette Itinerant Merchants Renew Their Licenses?

No, all Gillette Itinerant Merchant/Door to Door Solicitor’s Licenses may be issued for a period of 90 days. Merchants may extend the terms of their license for an additional 30 days, provided they pay a $75 fee. If merchants need a license for a longer-term, they must apply for a new one.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Itinerant Merchants in Gillette?

Gillette does not require itinerant merchants to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a business license. Merchants must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond.

How Do Gillette Itinerant Merchants File Their Bonds?

Merchants should mail or deliver their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney, to the following address:

1st Floor, City Hall
201 E 5th St.
Gillette, WY 82716

The surety bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and from the merchant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• Legal name and license classification of the entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name and state of incorporation
• Entity requiring the bond
• Bond amount
• Date the bond goes into effect
• Date the bond is signed

What Can Gillette Itinerant Merchants do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?

To avoid claims against their bonds, itinerant merchants in Gillette must adhere to all licensing regulations in the city, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:

• Do not engage in any acts of fraud
• Payout all judgments

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Itinerant Merchants in Gillette?

Gillette does not require itinerant merchants to purchase liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a business license. However, most reputable businesses will purchase this insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.

How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Gillette Itinerant Merchant Customers?

Gillette conveniently provides a list of active itinerant merchants in the city. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.