Find a trusted trader
A wide range of goods and services are sold to people in their
own home. It can be convenient to buy on the doorstep and
many of the traders are honest and genuine.
However by their use of clever sales tactics it can be difficult to
refuse some sales people on your doorstep and you can be pressured
into buying something you do not want or that is not good value for
money.
Sgt Nathalie Carr, who specialises in crime reduction across Essex
said: “It is your doorstep and your decision and we would advise
people to follow a few simple steps to help them handle any high
pressure techniques.”
Visit Buy with Confidence to
find details of approved traders
1. Check the
trader’s identity: were you expecting them? If not, but
you are interested in what they are selling, ask them to come back
at a more convenient time and try to have another person with
you.
2. Take control: you ask the questions and try to remember
that it is a business situation.
3. Be aware that
doorstep sellers are not your friends: watch out for clever sales
techniques where you may be made to feel like you have lots in
common.
4. Don’t sign on the spot: even if it means that you could
lose a ‘special discount’. Take time to reflect, think about
your purchase and shop around.
5. You have a right to cancel: If you do purchase something
for more than £35 from doorstep sales people you have 7 days to
change your mind. This information should be given to you in
writing by the sales person.
6. If in doubt, ask
the person to leave: phone Consumer Direct or Essex County Council
Trading Standards on 08454 040 506 for further advice.
You can also contact Essex Police using the non emergency number
0300 333 4444. If you feel threatened by a sales person
in your own home call 999.
Dc Alan Philips said: “Rogue traders often target vulnerable
members of the community offering household property
services. Using any method to obtain as much money as
possible, they will often only do the job to a poor standard or not
undertake the work at all."
Trading Standards Approved Traders
Visit Buy with Confidence to
find details of approved traders