13 tips on not being taken by door-to-door salesmen

It is not very often that we get complaints about door-to-door vendors or people going around looking for a ‘hustle’, but when we do the problems are usually the same.  They bought something they didn’t need, that didn’t work or they agreed to hire a stranger to do work at their home, paid them in advance and then never saw them again. 

Be careful of the door-to-door salespeople and home improvement offers.

Here are a few quick tips to avoid being taken advantage of.

Put up a sign that clearly says “No Soliciting of Any Sort”. While this may not deter everyone, it clearly indicates that you are not interested in what someone may be selling or offering and should lessen your chances of being solicited. 

If you do get strangers at your door, look out to see who is there or ask who is there before opening the door. 

If you do not feel safe, do not open the door. 

If they are selling something tell them to leave the literature or a business card in your mailbox. 

If they seem suspicious call the police. Just because someone has knocked on your door or rung your doorbell does not mean that you have to open the door.  

Be skeptical of people who may be pressuring you buy something or to do work. If you are not interested make them take NO for an answer and if they do not let them know that you will contact the authorities.

ID

Ask for identification from any delivery or service provider who comes to your house and do not leave a service person alone in your home;

Get a contract.  

Do not hire a tradesperson to work on your house or yard without a contract stipulating the terms of work and verifying the person’s contact details.  

Cash

Do not give cash to a tradesperson before the project is underway — and even then pay in instalments as the work is completed. Before work starts agree to a price, payment schedule and start and completion date. Get this all in writing before work starts.

Wait 24 hours before making a purchase; there is no need to rush. 

An offer from a reputable source will remain available from one day to the next.  

Ask for written information about the business, goods or services to review. If they refuse to leave or make you feel threatened, call the police;

Get a second opinion; consult with someone you trust before making important financial decisions.

If considering giving to a charity, ask for the charity’s registration number and call the Centre on Philanthropy (292-5320) for a list of registered charities. 

Wary

Be wary of street peddlers selling products door to door or on the street if you do not get their name and contact details. When buying from them, make sure you know their name, address and contact numbers. 

Peddlers are bound by the Sale of Goods Act 2002 (as amended) like retailers.

When buying from a peddler you have the right:

To a refund if the product you buy is faulty;

To ask what the return policy is; 

If there is no return policy, carefully decide whether or not you want to buy the product.

For more information read the Pedlars Act 1894.

If you think you have been victimized by a fraudulent scheme or you know of a con game that is targeting your friends or neighbours, call the police immediately.

Honey Adams Bell is the education officer for Consumer Affairs.