Doorstep and Telephone Salesmen

When you are at home and relaxed, you can sometimes be vulnerable to unscrupulous traders, who may be trying to sell goods or services you don't want or need.

Beware
Doorstep and telephone sellers are often trained in pressure sales techniques and can be very persuasive. They may use such introductions as:
"You've a loose tile on your roof...."
"I advise on security and home safety...."
"I'm from the Council/ Gas/ Electricity Board...."
"You have definitely won a prize..."
"Can you help with Market Research...."
"We're looking for show houses...."

Be Firm
You can always say, "I do not buy goods from salesmen" and close the door or put the phone down.
If the person won't go away, say you will call the Police and do so if they refuse to leave.
Just dial 999

Do
keep a hardcopy of this leaflet close to the door
fit a security chain and use it
think before you open the door
use the eye-hole and put the chain on before opening the door
ask the caller for proof of identity. Most callers will have an ID card. Check it carefully, but keep the chain on
be cautious - even if they are in uniform
find out the name and address of the company
if the caller does'nt have an appointment, ask them to wait outside while you ring their office to confirm their identity - genuine callers will not mind
ask the caller to come back if you are alone (never let them know you are alone)
check the claims made by the seller and read the small print particularly on "free offers"
always check the details before agreeing anything or paying money
get several quotes from local traders

Don't
let the caller in if you are suspicious
be pressurised into a hasty decision
pay money out without the goods
pay until you have a detailed bill
pay a deposit unless you are sure you wish to be held by a contract
pay on credit until you have compared alternatives
give your credit card number over the phone unless you have verified the seller's details
sell anything you own to doorstep purchasers unless you have obtained a second opinion about its value

Don't become a victim - Always Ask Yourself
do I want it?
would I normally have bought it?
have I compared prices?
what if it goes wrong?
do I know the seller?
can I afford it?
can I contact the seller again?
do I have cancellation rights?
do I really want to buy this?

Your Rights
If you pay over £35 for goods/ services as a result of an uninvited visit or phone call.
You have the right to cancel within seven days.
The salesperson must give you a written cancellation form.

If you contact a firm and request a visit you do not receive this protection.

With credit and hire agreements, the rules differ. It does not matter if the trader was invited or not, you still have five days to cancel if you signed the contract at home. Special rules apply if you receive goods you did not order - contact the Help line on what to do.

Access for Our Customers

Trading Standards
Public Offices: Gentleman's Row, Enfield EN2 6PS
Helpline: 020 8379 8515
Fax: 020 8379 8506
Textphone: 020 8379 4419
Out of hours please phone: 020 8379 1000

Metropolitan Police Service
Crime Prevention Department
Southgate Police Station
25 Chase Side, Southgate N14 5BW
Phone: 020 8345 4793
Fax: 020 8345 4790
In an emergency dial 999

This document was last updated on 2004-10-13 16:39:38 published by the CEX team. Document Reference:LBE_111385