Business information

Doorstep Traders

Problems with door-to-door sellers are all too common in Hertfordshire. Each year this service receives complaints about odd job builders, and salesmen who use high-pressure selling tactics to get people to buy their goods and services.

Doorstep deals are a minefield where lots of things can go wrong. People are persuaded into handing over hundreds of pounds up front thinking they are getting a good deal. But things can turn sour if people end up with goods they don’t want, if work doesn’t turn out as they expected, or worse still, if traders don’t finish the work or cannot be traced when problems come to light.

Trading Standards is urging people generally to tread carefully before agreeing to work from doorstep sales people and not to pay anything unless they are satisfied with the job. We also advise to :

• Be wary of sales people who just turn up uninvited at the door.
• Check you are being told the truth. You may not need those urgent repairs.
• Use reputable traders wherever possible. Get recommendations from friends or from trade associations.
• Shop around. Never buy goods or services unless you are sure they are at least as good value as those which can be obtained from established traders.
• Before agreeing to work get a full quotation listing exactly what is to be carried out.
• Never sign anything unless you have read it through and understand it.
• Don’t enter into a deal with a trader unless you have a name and address where you know you can contact them should anything go wrong.
• Only pay for goods or services if you are satisfied.
• Always get a written receipt.

Cancellation Rights

If you buy something from a doorstep trader and regret it straight away you may be able to cancel the contract, but you will have a short time in which to do this.

If you buy a large item such as double-glazing and pay by credit you have the right to cancel the agreement if you signed it at home.

If you pay over £35 cash for an item which you bought from someone who “cold called” on you, i.e. without first arranging to see you, you can return the goods and get your money back within seven days.

Doorstep Hotline : A hotline to help people targeted by doorstep tricksters has been set up as part of a regional campaign. Hertfordshire Trading Standards has joined forces with organisations across the Eastern region to create a dedicated phone line aiming to beat rogue workmen and salesmen. The number to call is 0845 60 444 66

Every call made to the hotline will be logged to build up a picture of who the trick traders are, how they work, and where they are operating.

The hotline is also available to give advice about goods or services already bought on the doorstep.

Other useful Doorstep information and numbers.

• Doorstep sellers may try to encourage you to change your gas or electricity supplier. Never give out your account details and don't feel pressured into signing anything. For Help and advice ring; Energywatch. 0845 906 0708
• Beware of bogus Waterboard officials. Three Valleys Water staff always wear a uniform and carry identification cards. To confirm their identity ring 0845 782 3333
• Advice from the Police includes, make sure you lock up before you go out - NEVER let anyone in unless you are SURE they are genuine - Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs (one to distract you). For suspicious incidents contact your local station number or 999.