Foot in the door

You may be entitled to a cooling off period

The Trading Standards Institute is warning people to take extra care when buying goods on their doorstep.

As part of National Consumer Week, it has launched a campaign to education and seek extra protection for consumers.

Rights

Your rights with regards to buying on your doorstep vary depending on whether you invite the trader, you step into their 'premises' or they arrive unannounced.

By appointment
If you invite a trader, perhaps after seeing an advert in a magazine, you have no right to change your mind about a purchase.

On trader's premises
You also waiver your cancellation rights if you sign for goods on the trader's premises.

So, for example, if the salesman invites you into the back of his van to sign the contract you are effectively on his premises and your rights no longer exist.

This is the same as being in an actual shop.

Cold calling
This is the only type of doorstep selling where you do have some cover.

If a salesman arrives on your door unannounced you have the right to a seven day cooling off period.

This means if you change your mind within the next seven days you can cancel your order and/or get your money back.

For the cooling off period to apply the goods or service must cost over £35.

There are some items which are not covered, for example, food and newspapers.

Cooling off period

Trading Standards warns that some 'cold callers' ask householders to sign a form which says the saleman was actually invited into the house.

This means the cooling off period would no longer exist.

If it appears that you will not be eligible for a cooling off period, ask if the company offers one of its own.

Some are members of the Direct Selling Association which gives extra safeguards.

Danger

It's not only your rights that you may be giving up if you give in to doorstep sellers.

It's important to ask for clear identification to check that the salesperson is who they say they are.

If you are interested in their products but are slightly unsure about the company, do not rush into anything.

Take your time making a decision and don't be afraid to call the company for verification of the salesman.

If they are a genuine company after a sale they will not mind you taking your time.

Always be careful if you let people into your home. Be particularly cautious if there are more than one, never let them out of your sight.