Beware of doorstep sellers - Trading Standards

Trading Standards are advising householders to beware of doorstep sellers, after a local man was charged £5,500 for a job originally quoted as £400.

Doorstep sellers typically turn up at consumer’s homes, without advance notice, offering to carry out building, repair or landscaping work to homes or gardens.

Trading Standards recently received a complaint relating to a case in County Tyrone, where two men had called at the home of an elderly gentleman, offering to clean and paint his roof. They quoted £400 for the job and the man agreed to have the work carried out.

However, on completion of the work, the man was asked for £5,500 cash. While the bill was significantly higher than the amount quoted, the consumer felt pressurised to pay and handed over the £5,500 in cash. A receipt was provided but it was later discovered that the stated Omagh trading address was in fact false.

Catherine McErlean of Trading Standards, said: “Consumers are warned not to act on impulse when traders call unexpectedly to their door, but to think carefully before agreeing to have work carried out. Consumers should remember that they do not owe these traders anything – if they don’t want the work done, they should firmly refuse.

“Consumers should always remember that a doorstep sellers’ aim is to get them to buy and they can be extremely persuasive. Once inside someone’s home, doorstep sellers expect a sale and our experience shows that they do not give up easily.

“Reputable traders will allow a customer to take time to come to a decision. If consumers do decide to have work carried out, they should follow Trading Standards advice:

• take adequate time to check the trader’s credentials;
• check if the trader is a member of a trading organisation such as the Federation of Master Builders, as this will help in the event of seeking redress;
• check that the trader’s full postal address and landline telephone number are legitimate;
• obtain quotations from other traders, in order to make an informed decision;
• be aware of doorstep sellers who say they will only accept cash or are prepared to do a deal for payment in cash;
• never pay the full amount or a large deposit up front;
• never hand over money unless you are certain you want the work carried out;
• never hand over money unless you are satisfied that the work has been completed to the standard expected; and
• ask for a detailed receipt with the trader’s full address and telephone number.

“Provided these guidelines are followed and consumers ensure that the trader is legitimate, they will be protected by law when buying goods and services from traders at home, regardless of whether the sales visit was unannounced or pre-arranged.

“The law also states that, where the goods or services cost over £35, consumers are entitled to a seven day cooling-off period during which they can cancel the contract. Sellers must provide prospective buyers with written notice of these rights, along with a cancellation form. If traders do not comply with these requirements, any contract agreed with a customer will not be legally binding. More importantly, such traders will be committing an offence.”

If consumers are concerned or have a complaint about doorstep callers, they are asked to contact Consumerline on tel: 0845 600 6262 / 028 9025 3900 or alternatively log on to Consumerline.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 gives cancellation rights in respect of a contract from goods or services made during a visit by a trader to a consumer’s home or place of work. These cancellation rights should be given in writing.
2. All media enquiries to DETI Press Office: Tel. 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.