Doorstep selling

Doorstep selling, also known as cold calling, is when someone comes to your front door or telephones you without prior arrangement and then tries (often persistently) to sell you something. Visits to your home to follow up a cold call telephone call, where the visitor then tries to sell to you, are also covered by the same rules.

Cold callers include, amongst others:

• Driveway contractors
• Roofing contractors
• Burglar alarm sellers
• Double glazing sellers

If you are unexpectedly subjected to a sales pitch at home the law protects you if you purchase, provided the contract you enter into is for more than £35.

Every year we receive many enquiries from people who have fallen for the sales patter, have parted with their money and then realised they have paid over the odds or that the work done is of very poor quality.

How we can help

• By circulating information on rogue callers at work in your area.
• By advising you of your rights if you do receive such a call.
• By encouraging you not buy from these people and to take the time to reflect and research before making a decision to purchase.
• In certain circumstances we can negotiate on your behalf.

What you can do

• Never let an uninvited tradesman into your home.
• Think carefully before entering into any agreement either written or verbal
• Get at least three separate written quotations
• Only use companies that have been recommended by a friend or relative
• If you've just received an aggressive/persistent caller let us know so we can circulate the information
• If you hear about a rogue caller tell everyone you know, especially the elderly or vulnerable.
• Say no. In the cold light of day your purchase will look less of a bargain and may be of substandard workmanship.

Reputable traders do not have to knock on doors to find work.