Doorstep selling advice

Every year we deal with a large amount of complaints about doorstep selling and rogue traders. 

Rogue traders normally call door to door and it is common for them to offer to work on driveways, guttering, gardening or roof repairs.  Although they may appear genuine and trustworthy, once you let them in to your home they can become very persistent, bullying and aggressive in ensuring they make a sale. 

Spotting a rogue trader

Rogue traders will often use a range of techniques to encourage you to hand over your cash there and then. So - beware of people who say things like:

• "Congratulations! You've won a prize which means you can get a special discount for replacing and repairing roof tiles. Just sign here to claim..."
• "I was just passing and noticed your gutter is starting to come away..."
• "I don't mean to worry you, but there have been a lot of burglaries in the area recently..."
• "This offer is only available today. If you don't sign up to this now the price will be 50% higher come tomorrow."
• "If you pay cash right now I can give you a special discount..."

Of course, we all need home improvement work on occasions. But you can protect yourself from rogue traders by asking these questions:

• How long has your company been in business?
• Do you have a trade premises I can visit?
• Are you a member of a Trade Association linked to the Government Trustmark Scheme?
• Can I see some references for similar work you've done in the past and can I speak to the people for whom the work has been done?
• Have you got insurance to cover against any damage to my or my neighbour's property?
• Is all your work guaranteed and will this be insurance backed*?

(* An insurance backed guarantee means that an insurer will make certain any guarantee work is performed even if the business with which you contracted has ceased trading)

You can never presume that a tradesman will answer such questions correctly and honestly - but any who stumble over their answers or are uncomfortable or unconvincing are best avoided. Better still call the Fair Trading Service, who can help who you check whether what you have been told is correct or not.

The Trustmark Scheme is always a good place to start looking for tradesman who can carry out better quality home improvement work. Businesses who sign up to this scheme have agreed to abide by a meaningful code of practice. Not all business associations are part of this scheme and some of their codes of practice are of little benefit to consumers. 

For more information visit the Trustmark Scheme website (opens new window).

There are also some businesses who claim that, for a fee, they can prevent trades people calling at your door and trying to sell their products and services. Be very wary of such claims. How can they actually stop companies knocking on your door? They almost certainly can't. Do you really want to spend money to be part of a 'doorstep watch' type scheme that is essentially unenforceable?    

But don't just take their word for it - always check what you are told. If you call the Fair Trading Section at Gateshead Civic Centre on (0191) 433 3987 they should be able to assist you in this process.

Choosing a good trader

Don't just think about questions to ask a tradesman - there are questions you should really ask yourself before agreeing to any work:

For example:

• Can I afford this work?
• Do I normally pay large sums of money to firms I know nothing about?
• Do I need to have this work done straight away?
• Will this work be good value?
• Would I have got this work done even if a doorstep trader had not called?
• Do I know how to contact the seller if things go wrong?
• What happens if I change my mind?
• Is this offer too good to be true?

If, after all of this, you still decide to go ahead and get work done, it is recommended that you get at least 3 quotes. Make sure that you clearly specify what needs to be done, and that all parts of the job you require are outlined in a written quotation. 

When you come to consider the three quotes, remember to take into account not just the price, but issues such as the trader's reputation and status within the industry.

Find a Trading Standards Approved local business (opens new window)

If you've chosen a rogue trader

If you find that you have agreed to some work that you did not want or cannot afford, then remember - you may still be able to get out of the contract. 

If you buy something for more than £35 from a doorstep salesman, you have 7 days to change your mind and cancel the contract. You should be given notice of your right to cancel in writing, and if this does not happen then the trader probably can't bind you to any agreement.

Never sign something to waive you right to cancel. 

Once you have decided to cancel, you must let the trader know within 7 days of signing that you are exercising this right. This should be done in writing and ideally by a recorded delivery letter. You should also keep a copy of the letter that you send as proof of cancellation.

If you have any doubts about what to do then don't hesitate to Gateshead Fair Trading Service on 0191 433 3987 / 3930 / 3892.

Documents

The following leaflets have been produced by the Office of Fair Trading:

Buying on the doorstep (PDF, 387 KB)(opens new window)

Buying on the doorstep - your rights (PDF, 836 KB)(opens new window)

Buying on the doorstep - mobility aids (PDF, 134 KB)(opens new window)