Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Jacksonville 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 peddlers operating in Jacksonville, North Carolina
• Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages if the merchant violates the terms of their permit
• Who Regulates Itinerant Merchants in Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Public Safety Department

Background

Jacksonville Municipal Code 17-1 requires all itinerant merchants and peddlers operating in the city to obtain a permit from the Public Safety Department. The city council enacted the permit requirement to ensure that merchants/peddlers engage in ethical business practices. To provide financial security for the enforcement of the permitting law, itinerant merchants and peddlers must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond to be eligible for a peddler permit.

What is the Purpose of the Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Bond?

Jacksonville requires itinerant merchants and peddlers to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a peddler permit. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the merchant/peddler fails to comply with the regulations set forth in Jacksonville Municipal Code 17-1. Specifically, the bond protects the public in the event the merchant/peddler engages in any acts of fraud or misrepresentation. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the merchant or peddler acts unethically.

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

BondExchange makes obtaining a Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Bond?

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

How Much Does the Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Bond Cost?

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

Who is Required to Purchase the Bond?

Jacksonville requires itinerant merchants and peddlers to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a peddler permit. To paraphrase North Carolina statute 66-250, an itinerant merchant is a person who temporarily exhibits and sells goods in the city and a peddler is a person who travels from city to city selling goods to residents.

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 Permit in Jacksonville?

Itinerant merchants and peddlers in Jacksonville must navigate several steps to secure a permit. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the application form for details on the process.

Permit Term – All Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Permits are valid for 60 days

Step 1 – Purchase a Surety Bond

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

Step 2 – Complete the Application

All Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Permit applications should be mailed or delivered to the Public Safety Department at the following address:

City of Jacksonville
Public Safety Complex
200 Marine Boulevard
Jacksonville, NC 28541

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

• • Sales tax reporting number obtained from the North Carolina Department of Revenue
  • Proof of zoning compliance (itinerant merchants only)
  • Written consent of the owner of the land where the merchant will conduct business (itinerant merchants only)

Merchants must undergo a criminal history background check and submit their fingerprints before receiving their permits.

How do Jacksonville Itinerant Merchants Renew Their Permits?

Itinerant merchants and peddlers who wish to renew their permits can do so in person by visiting the public safety office at:

City of Jacksonville
Public Safety Complex
200 Marine Boulevard
Jacksonville, NC 2854

Merchants and peddlers may renew their permits a total of three times. All Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Permits are valid for 60 days.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Itinerant Merchants in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville does not require itinerant merchants or peddlers to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a permit. Itinerant Merchants and peddlers must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond.

How Do Jacksonville Itinerant Merchants File Their Bonds?

Itinerant merchants should mail or deliver their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney, to the Jacksonville Public Safety Office at the following address:

City of Jacksonville
Public Safety Complex
200 Marine Boulevard
Jacksonville, NC 2854

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

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

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

To avoid claims against their bonds, itinerant merchants and peddlers in Jacksonville must follow all permit regulations in the city and ensure that they do not engage in any acts of fraud or misrepresentation.

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

Jacksonville does not require itinerant merchants or peddlers to purchase any form of liability insurance. However, merchants and peddlers may choose to 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 Jacksonville Itinerant Merchant Customers?

Jacksonville unfortunately does not provide a public database of active itinerant merchants and peddlers in the city. We suggest contacting the Public Safety Department directly to obtain this information. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.