If Someone Calls at Your Door to Sell Something

Summary: You know the feeling: It is a busy day, and suddenly a knock comes at the door. Someone is there to sell you something, and you're not sure if it is safe to trust the person.

The following tips apply to Law in the UK regarding doorstep sales.

If someone calls at your door to sell you something, ask to see his peddler's license. If it is not shown, call the police. However, this does not apply to canvassers, such as double-glazing salesmen, who are soliciting agreement to a later visit by a salesman.

Beware of buying from door-to-door salesmen. They are difficult to trace, and if the item you buy is faulty you have no means of recompense.

If you agree to a contract away from the trader's premises, whether it is in your own home or elsewhere, and you have not specifically invited the trader there to do business, you are entitled to back out of the contract without penalty within seven days. The trader should tell you of this right, but you have it whether he does so or not. All you have to do is write to him telling him that you are canceling the agreement. This holds, too, for sales on credit agreed off trade premises.