JCA-Direct Sellers Act

Act: Direct Sellers Act
Regulation: Regulation 84-151

To Whom Does This Apply?

Companies and salespersons who market goods and services at a consumer´s residence and/or home party sales.

Summary

To provide a screening process of door-to-door salesmen, basic information to consumers, and a cooling-off period respecting purchases from door-to-door sellers.

Each direct sales company and each individual salesperson requires a license. License fees range from $75 to $500 per year for vendors. The fee for a salesman´s license is $35.

Licenses expire on the anniversary month of the vendor.

Non-resident vendors must provide a bond of either $5,000 or $10,000.

Vendors must provide an address for service within New Brunswick.

The following are exempt:

• sales by telephone or mail;
• sales at business premises, malls, marketplaces or exhibitions;
• sales where a resident seller visits a home as a result of a consumer´s response to an advertisement;
• sales of a commercial nature;
• sales of an amount under $100;
• sales of perishable food products;
• other exemptions as described under the Act.

Consumer Affairs has inspection and investigation powers under the Act, including license suspensions, cancellations or prosecutions. Police can also prosecute unlicensed sellers. Specific complaints should be referred to Consumer officials.

Pamphlets available:

• Word to the Wise about Door-to-Door Sellers
• Direct Seller´s Guide

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
Ms. Leanne Smith
Consumer Enforcement Officer
Rentalsman and Consumer Affairs
Justice and Consumer Affairs
Kings Place
440 King Street
P. O. Box 6000
Fredericton, New Brunswick  E3B 5H1
Telephone: 506-453-2659
Fax: 506-444-4494