Never agree to have a job done on the spot by people who call without an appointment.
The information on this page prepares you for visits from these people so that you do not fall victim to the conmen.
Remember, doorstep sellers are trained to get people to buy. They can be extremely persuasive. Once you have let a doorstep seller into your home, they will be expecting a sale - and they won't give up easily.
Dealing with doorstep sellers and telephone sales calls
- Fix a security chain to your door, and make sure you use it every time someone calls.
- Don't agree to buy goods or services from the first person who comes knocking on your door.
- Check prices elsewhere and don't let the seller or trader push you into making a snap decision or convince you to buying goods or services you don't need or want.
- Don't listen to scare stories. They are usually nonsense.
- Rogue traders often give themselves away by asking to be paid in cash.
- Always ask yourself - do I really want these goods or services?
- If you are being offered work on your home always get a minimum of three written quotes from local traders with reputations to maintain and go on recommendation.
- Always verify a trader's name, address, and phone number. Remember - a phone number, even an 0800 number can be linked to an untraceable mobile phone and what appears to be a local address can be an accommodation address. If you can, visit their premises to check.
- Ask the seller what will happen if you change your mind. In most cases, you will have a seven day "cooling off" period during which you can cancel the contract. Anyone who signs a contract on the doorstep following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it (this also applies if the visit was arranged as a result of an unexpected phone call). All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, (usually on the doorstep). It is an offence not to do so and any contract that is not accompanied by cancellation rights cannot be enforced (penalty on summary conviction, maximum fine £2,500).
- Finally, our best advice would be that if you don't want to speak to the person, don't open your door to them. It can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys; it might be easier to keep the door closed. Do not allow uninvited callers into your home.
Unexpected Telephone Sales Calls
Many consumers receive unexpected and sometimes unwanted telephone sales calls to their homes, often in the evening. Much of the above advice applies equally to those callers and in particular the following;
- Always ask yourself - do I really want these goods or services?
- Don't agree to buy goods or services from the first person who telephones you - shop around.
- If you are being offered work on your home always get a minimum of three written quotes from local traders with reputations to maintain and go on recommendation.
- If you don't want to speak to the person, put the phone down. It can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys - even more so on the telephone.
- To reduce the number of unwanted telephone sales calls you receive register with the Telephone Preference Service
Warwickshire residents can request a free 'We Don't Buy at the Doorstep' sticker by phoning 01926 414040.
Remember you do not have to open your door to a doorstep seller - if in doubt shut them out!
Case studies. Could this happen to you?
A 63-year-old man signed a contract after more than four hours' high pressure selling from a double-glazing salesman. He was able to cancel the contract the next day, having obtained cheaper quotes from other glazing companies....
"It didn't matter how many times I refused to sign the contract, the salesman just wouldn't go. In the end I gave in because I was exhausted and it was the only way to get him out of my home. I would advise anyone not to sign, and always to get alternative quotes."
Salesmen persuaded a woman to sign a contract for a £3,000 burglar alarm after telling her that her dogs could be blinded or even poisoned by intruders. She later cancelled the contract when she realised the company had misled her.
"They scared me into buying an alarm by making me feel unsafe in my own home . Thank goodness I checked up on them."
A stranger knocked on the door of an 87 year old man and told him his chimney looked dangerous, offering to give a price for the work he said was needed.....
"I knew he was talking rubbish because I used to work in the building trade and I know my bungalow is well maintained. I told him, "You may frighten some people but you don't frighten me." I run the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and often hear about conmen like this."
Two pensioners received a phone call saying that they had won a free holiday. When a representative of the company called at their house, he persuaded the couple to buy a vacuum cleaner for £1,600. They later got their money back after complaining to their local trading standards officer.....
"We didn't need or want a vacuum cleaner but he was so persuasive we didn't know what to do. The whole experience has made us very wary of doorstep sales. Now we simply say "no thanks" and shut the door."
Cowboy builders persuaded a pensioner to part with £300 for home repairs, £100 more than the price he thought he had verbally agreed with them....
"I felt intimidated into giving them the money. I wrote asking for a refund but the letter was returned with "address unknown" stamped on it, so it's clear they were a bogus firm."
A 79-year-old man parted with £665 after a doorstep salesmen persuaded him to have a small patio built for a total fee of £1,300. They demanded half the money up front, and even drove him to his bank so he could withdraw the money. His son has tried unsuccessfully to cancel the contract and retrieve his father's money...
"My father gets confused sometimes and didn't realise he was being massively overcharged for a job I could do for £500."
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