Does anyone know the meaning of "No Soliciting"

as somebody who has sadly worked door to door for a non profit... we are told it doesnt matter what your sign says, we are to ask. We always had a signed paper from the city saying we were allowed to be there and asking for donations. got a new paper everyday. plenty of people hated me, but I still got a ton of donations everyday. I also hate solicitors, but until it stops working, I cant really blame them...