- The work will normally be done immediately, before the householder changes their mind, and very often any information provided by the workmen, names, addresses, and telephone numbers are false, making them very hard to trace.
- In most cases the work is done to a very poor standard, leaving the owner facing a second bill to have the work done properly.
Putting a time restriction on the offer to hurry you in to making a decision
"We are only in your area this week."
"We are doing some work in the area and have a load of tarmac left over which will go off if we don’t use it."
"I can only let you have it at this price if you sign now."
"You will get a discount if you sign now."
Requesting the use of your driveway
"Were working on this street, can I park my roller on your driveway? I can do you driveway cheap if you like."
Typical Cases
In September 2001 an 85 year old North Warwickshire woman was approached by a gang operating door to door and paid £1900 for a very poor tarmaced drive.
The tarmac gang initially asked to park their roller on her driveway and then offered to tarmac her drive for £1000. The elderly lady agreed, but when the workmen had finished the price had risen to £1900. The woman was then driven to her Building Society to withdraw the money.
The complaint, made by the daughter of the elderly woman, was received anonymously by Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Adviceline. Trading Standards officers attempted to trace the traders involved, but the names and addresses the gang provided proved bogus.
In the same year a Leamington Spa resident ended up paying £4,500 for over-priced and poor quality block paving work having agreed a price of £750, following a door to door visit by a company.
The Luton firm claim to be a well established company with a reliable reputation, but failed to provide complainants with any paperwork, and only false addresses and phone numbers.
If you need work doing to your home remember:
- don’t be forced in to making a quick decision on the doorstep.
- if you want work doing, get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations.
- Only deal with local firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses. Beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers, and accommodation addresses.
- fix a price and be specific about what you want done.
- make sure you have everything written down – don’t rely on spoken agreements.
- if you are at all unsure say no.
- anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it. All cancellation rightsmust 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.
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