The Office of Fair Trading’s Doorstep Selling Campaign aims to help consumers buy safely and wisely on their doorstep or in their home. Endorsed by the NHIC and TrustMark, it’s specifically to warn people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be wary of rogue doorstep traders in their area.
Householders can download very useful OFT material that will help them cope with the often tiresome, embarrassing and potentially costly intrusion of doorstep trades people and salesmen.
OFT points out, doorstep selling is when someone sells goods or services in someone’s home or on their doorstep. It can be a convenient way to buy – but there is a risk that people may not understand their cancellation rights and they may be pressured into buying something they do not want or is not good value for money.
The campaign aims to empower elderly or vulnerable consumers to make effective purchasing decisions when buying on their doorstep and reduce their exposure to rogue traders.
Practical tips for consumers informs them of their rights including:
- Think twice before you buy and if you are made to feel under pressure to make a purchase, have the confidence to say NO!
- Be wary of time-limited or exclusive offers that need to be signed on the spot – this can be a high pressure sales tactic.
- Double check the facts. Do you fully understand the costs and know whether it includes extras like installation, on-going serving charges or warranties?
- Always shop around to compare products and prices.
- Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
- If you spend more than £35 with a trader on the doorstep, you usually have seven days in which to cancel (subject to certain conditions).
- If in doubt, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506 or visit:
More information: www.oft.gov.uk/doorstepselling