Islwyn MP Chris Evans has backed a summer campaign by the Office of Fair Trading to warn people of rogue traders going door-to-door.
Last year more than 500 people in Wales complained about doorstep sellers unfairly pressuring them to buy a service or product they neither wanted or needed.
The summer campaign provides consumers with practical tips and advice on how to make effective purchasing decisions on the door.
Labour MP Mr Evans said: “Not all doorstep sellers are bogus but some unlawful traders can use a range of persuasive tactics to pressurise vulnerable customers into making deals they do not want to.
“Anybody who wants advice on how to deal with doorstep sellers can log on to the Office of Fair Trading website at www.oft.gov.uk.”
The only door to door salesman welcome at my home is the French onion seller ‘Sioni Wynwyn’ who calls about three times a year, following a time honoured trade in S. Wales. People should beware of rogue traders who operate door to door. Individuals who feel themselves vulnerable, perhaps through age or infirmity should be particularly wary.
Never let a door to door salesman into your home in any circumstance, those who are genuine sales people, such as the onion seller, would not expect to be invited in. If the product for sale is not visible then you are most likely dealing with a ‘dodgy’ salesperson. If their wares are not something that you would take time to view in a shop tell them, politely, that you are not interested and close the door.
For salesmen selling some form of contract, gas and electricity for instance, ask them for a printed brochure so that you may read about their product without sales pressure. A genuine caller will not object to this and will have a stock of leaflets to hand with their name or identifier printed on them so that they are credited with any sale by their company.
For double glazing sales people, and the like, only speak to them by appointment after first checking their credentials with the company they work for. Do not let them use their high pressure sales pitch, they will for instance want to speak to both husband and wife together. Pre arrange with your spouse that only one of you will deal with them according to a decision on maximum cost, work to be done and type of product you are willing to have installed. Never sign any contract in the presence of the salesman, a genuine company will be happy for you to read through the documentation and either send by post or arrange collection.
If the price is more than you are willing to pay beware the salesman who then “I’ll phone my boss to see if I can get a discount for you”, another sales trick. They usually offer a ‘better’ deal but insist that you must sign up straight away as this special price can only be offered for this day only.
Follow these tips and you will not be a victim. Many door to door salesmen are working hard and selling a genuine product, the problem is that there are also many scoundrels. Don’t get caught out by them!