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MP welcomes new rules on door to door salesmen

1 October 2008

Bolton North East MP David Crausby today welcomed new Government regulations to protect consumers when they buy products and services from door to door salesmen.

The new rules give people a legal right of seven days to cancel any agreements entered into with doorstep sellers. Previously, people only had these cancellation rights if a trader's visit was not pre-arranged.

The Doorstep Selling Regulations cover all salespeople who visit consumers in their homes to sell any goods and services such as conservatories, double glazing, orthopaedic furniture and utility contracts.

The law has always provided a one week cooling off period when buying from salespeople whose visit has not been sought out by the homeowner. However, changes to the regulations mean that provided the transaction is for more than £35, consumers will now have a seven day period in which to cancel any agreement they enter into, regardless of whether they initiated the visit or not. The new regulations also mean that doorstep sellers are required to inform customers in writing of their right to cancel.

Mr. Crausby said:

“Last year, the Office of Fair Trading’s Consumer Direct helpline received more than 50,000 complaints about goods and services bought from doorstep sellers, the top complaints being about home maintenance and improvements services, glazing products and installations, and gardening products and services.

“And a recent OFT market study into doorstep selling showed that 94 per cent of consumers were generally unaware of their rights when buying through doorstep selling.

“I’m very pleased that the Government has introduced the Doorstep Selling Regulations and I’m confident that this will give consumers the extra protection they need.”

For more details and advice on the new legislation visit the Consumer Direct website: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call 08454 04 05 06.