Door-to-Door Sales

Door-to-Door Sales

o Ask to see the salesperson's personal identification and license
or registration if that is required where you live. Make note of
his/her name, the name and address of the company, and whether the
salesperson carries proper identification.

o Ask for sales literature and then call local stores that might
sell the same merchandise to compare prices. Some door-to-door
products might be overpriced.

o Don't be pressured into buying something. 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 you're told that a neighbor just
made a purchase.

o If you feel threatened or intimidated, ask the person to leave.
Don't leave the person unattended in any room of your home. If you
are suspicious, report the incident to the police immediately.

Cancellation Rights

o The "Door-to-Door Sales Rule" (or "Cooling Off Rule") gives you
the right to cancel certain purchases costing $25 or more. Notify
the company in writing by midnight of the third business day
following the sale. Saturdays are considered business days, but
Sundays and holidays are not.

o The seller must tell you about your cancellation rights and give
you two dated copies of a cancellation form showing the seller's
name and address and explaining your right to cancel. o These
Federal cancellation rights apply to purchases made in locations
outside the seller's normal place of business, in other words, at
a house party, a temporarily rented room or in your home.

o States might have additional cancellation laws that protect
consumers. Check with your state or local consumer protection
agency for your rights.

o To cancel a contract, sign and date one copy of the
cancellation form. Mail it within the three-day limit, making sure
it's post-marked before midnight of the third business day.
Sending it by certified mail will show proof that it was mailed.
o If you were not given the cancellation form at the time of sale,
your right to cancel continues until three days after the seller
finally gives it to you. You can write your own letter cancelling
the sale and send it return receipt requested.

o Once you cancel, you have a right to a refund within 10 days.
The seller must let you know when the product will be picked up and
must return any paperwork and trade-ins within that time. o
Within 20 days, the seller must pick up the item or reimburse you
for any shipping expenses if you send it back yourself. If you do
not return it, you still are responsible under the
contract.

o Extend your rights! If you paid by credit card, canceled the
contract within three days, have not yet paid the credit card bill
and still have a problem getting a refund, dispute the charges with
your credit card company under the Fair Credit Billing Act, (See
the section on Credit, page 19.)