On this page you will find out about:
What is door-to-door selling? How do you know they are legitimate? The contract Making a complaint
What is door-to-door selling?
This is when a trader approaches you uninvited and tries to sell you something face-to-face. You may be contacted initially by phone or letter but the final sale will usually occur in your home.
Door-to door sales includes when a sale is made or negotiated at a:
- customer's home
- workplace
- exhibition or show
- fair or field day.
If you contact a trader who then visits you at home this is not a door-to-door sale.
You are entitled to discourage door-to-door selling by displaying a no hawkers or no door-to-door sales sign in a prominent location.
Services and goods often sold door-to-door include:
- appliances
- cable television
- security monitoring services
- roof restoration
- driveway restoration
- roller blind and shutter installation
- energy and telephone services.
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How do you know they are legitimate?
Don’t let door-to-door salespeople or contractors enter your home unless you are certain that they are legitimate. The trader must immediately show you their identification and explain why they are there.
The tradesperson’s identification must clearly state:
- their name
- the company they represent
- the company’s address
- any industry or trade associations they are members of.
You can contact the company or any association they are registered with to confirm they are legitimate representatives. You can ask a trader to leave your property at any time.
If you are concerned for your own safety or that of others phone the police on 131 444 (in an emergency phone 000).
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The contract
It is important to know your rights when approached by a door-to-door salesperson. This will help you to avoid being scammed.
If you are offered a door-to-door agreement you should:
- only sign it if you are sure you really want the goods or services
- compare prices and quality of similar goods or services to make sure you are getting the best deal
- carefully consider all costs involved, especially if you require credit to finance the deal
- read the contract and cooling-off information carefully before signing anything.
If you are unclear or uncertain about something included in the contract you should:
- ask the trader to explain it
- contact the company for an explanation
- contact the Business and Consumer Services (Consumer Affairs) for further information and advice.
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Making a complaint
You can make a complaint if:
- the trader has engaged in misleading, deceptive or unjust conduct
- proper documentation hasn't been used
- you weren't given copies of the contract, the rescission notice or information about the cooling-off period
- the trader was operating outside the regulated hours - eg Sunday, public holiday
- the trader harassed you or refused to leave your property when asked
- the trader wanted payment, including a deposit, or trade-in before the cooling-off period expired.
To lodge a complaint about a door-to-door salesperson or company practices contact Consumer and Business Services (Consumer Affairs).
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More information
Other websites
Law handbook
Legislation
Fair Trading Act 1987