Doorstep selling
Many traders who call at your door are honest and genuine. However, some are not and can be extremely persuasive. Examples of bad practices associated with cold calling and doorstep selling include pressure selling, unfair contracts, overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements, phoney consumer surveys and bogus charity collections.
What reputable callers should do
Reputable callers should:
- Present personal identification and identify who they represent.
- Make it clear from the outset if they are selling something.
- Provide written information on cooling off periods and cancellation rights.
- Not use pressure to sell goods or services.
- Not expect an on-the-spot decision.
- Leave as soon as they are asked to do so.
Say “No.” For example:
- Say you do not buy goods or services at the door unless you are genuinely interested.
- Say you want more time to think about it.
- Say you want to compare prices by getting other quotes.
- Say you have to discuss it with someone else (e.g. your partner or son/daughter).
Think. For example:
- Do you feel safe letting the caller into your home?
- Do you feel under any pressure?
- Do you feel your emotions are being used or manipulated (e.g. subjected to scare stories or exaggerated claims)?
- Do you know the full costs (e.g. including estimates, delivery and installation) of the transaction?
- Have you compared prices for the same goods or services?
- Do you understand your rights if you sign a contract?
- Do you know the arrangements for after-sales servicing (e.g. guarantees or warranties)?
Question. For example:
- Has the caller identified themselves and their company satisfactorily? (Make a note of these details.)
- Has the caller engaged your interest by questionable means (e.g. claiming to be conducting a survey or representing a charity)?
- Has the caller offered you a “once only” price for agreeing to the transaction on the spot?
- Is the caller offering something you really want or need?
- Has the caller aroused any suspicions about themselves, their methods or their motives?
- Decide. Only if you are satisfied that the transaction is entirely acceptable and that the decision is entirely your own should you agree to make a purchase.
