Advice to consumers- Door step selling
Information and advice about door step selling.
Advice and support for consumers in Solihull is now provided by Consumer Direct.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in The West Midlands and by Government.
Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Advice Services offering first level advice and information on a wide range of consumer issues. More complex problems, or complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services
To speak to a Consumer Direct adviser, please call 08454 04 05 06. Opening hours are 8.00 a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday - Friday or 9.00a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturdays. (Minicom users should call on 08451 28 13 84). To e-mail Consumer Direct, please Contact us via the Consumer Direct website.
A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/
Many doorstep sellers are honest and genuine. However some are not and may use lines like these in order to get into your home:
- Congratulations! You've won a prize! If you could just sign here for it...
- I noticed you've got a few loose tiles on your roof...
- There have been a lot of burglaries in the area recently...
- I'm doing a survey...
Some criminals use doorstep selling as a cover for their crimes. Offering home improvements such as roofing and driveway services are commonly used by doorstep criminals to get you to part with your money for work you don't need or want or in the worst cases to get access to your property and belongings while you are distracted.
Some Do's And Donts To Help You Deal With Doorstep Sellers
Do
- Fix a security chain to your door and make sure you use it ever time someone calls
- Ask yourself do you need the goods or services being offered for sale.
- Find out the trader's name, address, telephone number, and their vehicle's registration number.
- Ask the seller what will happen if you change your mind. In most cases, you will have a seven day "cooling off" period to cancel the contract.
- Ask for a quote in writing and make sure it's detailed.
- Say 'NO THANKS' if you are in doubt and close the door.
Don't
- Ask a doorstep seller to call unless you want to buy;
- Let a doorstep seller into your home, if you are at all suspicious;
- Let the seller push you into making a snap decision;
- Agree to buy until you have shopped around - it may be cheaper elsewhere. Use our SHIPSHAPE register to identify traders who have made a commitment to honest trade.
- Sign any document unless you've read it in full and understand the terms.
- Pay any cash in advance, unless you're sure it's reasonable, and the trader can be traced - plus ask for a receipt.
- Let the trader start work immediately
If you feel threatened by the presence of a doorstep seller call the Police and Trading Standards.
Your Rights On the Doorstep
- If the goods or services you buy cost more than £35, and you did not invite the seller to call, then you generally have seven days to change your mind and cancel the contract.
- By law, the seller must give you written details of your right to cancel
- Failure to provide the cancellation notice is a criminal offence and it means the contract cannot be enforced against you
- If you cancel the contract, you can get back any money you paid. If you have received certain goods already or certain home improvements have already been carried out you will have to pay for these
- If you contact a company yourself, you have no legal right to change your mind and cancel the contract once you've agreed to buy. Unless the contract allows you to or you have paid on credit signed in your own home, in this case you will have a five day cancellation period
We have a information for residents called 'Who is Knocking at Your Door?' offering advice and guidance on avoiding falling victim to unscrupulous doorstep sellers. Contact us for a free pack.
Contact Details
Consumer Advice and Information in Solihull, is now provided by our partners at Consumer Direct West Midlands. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities (Trading Standards) and Central Government. If you do need support or assistance from Trading Standards, you will of course be referred to them by Consumer Direct.