Consumer Tips - Door-to-door Sales

Although this method of selling is not as popular now as it was in the past, it can still both provide a service and be an annoyance. If you do receive a door-to-door salesperson at your home, remember the following tips:

• Ask to see the salesperson's personal identification and licence or registration. Make note of his or her name, the name and address of the company, and whether the salesperson carries proper identification.
• Ask for sales literature and then call local stores that sell the same merchandise to compare prices. Some door-to-door products may be overpriced.
• Don't be pressured into buying anything. Watch for the warning signs: an offer of a "free gift" if you buy a product, an offer that is only good for that day, or a claim that a neighbour just made a purchase.
• If you feel threatened or intimidated, ask the person to leave. Don't leave the person unattended in any room of your home. When you are suspicious, immediately report the incident to the police.

Every province and territory gives you a specified number of days (a cooling-off period) during which you can cancel a contract you make with a door-to-door salesperson for any reason. To find out the length of the cooling-off period where you live, contact your consumer affairs office.