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).
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
- You have the same rights when you buy something from a door-to-door seller as you do when you buy on the high street. This means items should be free of faults and services should meet the standard you expect for the price you paid
- If you’ve placed an order with a door-to-door seller for over £35, you usually have seven days to cancel your order for any reason. This is known as a cooling-off period. The seven days start from when the seller gives you written information about your right to cancel.
- Until you are given written information about your right to cancel, the seller can’t hold you to anything in the contract.
- If you want to cancel your order, you need to do this in writing, eg by letter or email. If you post a letter, send it recorded delivery so you can prove the date you posted the letter.
- If the service starts or you receive items within the cooling-off period you must have signed to agree to this. You still have the right to cancel your order.
- 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
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 provided by our partners at Consumer Direct. 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.