Door to door sales caution
Issue Date: - Thursday, 25 June 2009
Consumer Protection has cautioned consumers on door to door sales, urging people to take care when considering a purchase.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said door to door sales were governed by simple rules under the Western Australian Door to Door Trading Act.
“People can make impulse purchases when presented with a professional sales pitch on their doorstep,” the Commissioner said.
“It can seem as simple as a ‘student’ selling what they claim is their artwork to help them get by financially. However, sometimes these sales pitches are scams, and the artwork is actually cheaply produced in Asia,” Ms Driscoll said.
The Commissioner said it was a fraudulent act if sellers claimed to be what they weren’t, and charges could also be laid under the Fair Trading Act.
Ms Driscoll said people who bought from door to door salespeople had the same rights as people who made purchases from a store, such as return rights for faulty goods.
“They also have special rights under Western Australia’s Fair Trading Act pertaining to door to door sales.
“If a purchase is more than $50, a ten day cooling off period applies. During that time no payment can be demanded or received, and any services cannot be delivered within that time,” Ms Driscoll said.
“Paperwork should also be supplied by the seller, and that paperwork should comply with Western Australian laws, including a clear statement about the right to exercise the 10 day cooling off period,” she said.
“The consumer should also sight identification for the seller. If these things are not done, then Consumer Protection advises consumers not to buy the product.”
The Commissioner said difficulties often arose in locating itinerant sellers to pursue a complaint and, if necessary, to recover monies that had been paid to them.
“Consumer Protection would like to hear from anyone immediately if they see these sellers operating in their area. This would provide the opportunity for our officers to get to the area to locate and interview the door to door salespeople.
“If a consumer has a complaint or a report, they can contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54, and it will be taken up by an investigator,” Ms Driscoll said.