Rogue traders

Information on how to buy wisely and safely from doorstep sellers in Suffolk.

Many people who sell items on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some are not.

Suffolk Trading Standards are providing the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

  1. Never sign or agree to anything on the spot.
  2. Check the trader’s identity. Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine.
  3. Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home.
  4. Always shop around for the best price and use a Trusted Trader.
  5. Read the small print. Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights.
  6. Double check the facts. Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction –including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing.
  7. Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
  8. Don’t hand over a cash deposit. Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this.
  9. Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away. If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the 14 day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.
  10. Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Report doorstep traders

If you are contacted by a doorstep traders or are aware of any operating in your residential area, report it to us by calling 0808 223 1133.

What is the law on cold calling?

Each year, we receive many complaints from residents who have been conned on their own doorsteps by rogue traders. These cons can involve thousands of pounds and are often on the most vulnerable residents.

Know your rights around the law and cold calling doorstep traders

If you pay or agree to pay over £42 for any services or goods that are sold to you in your home, then:

  • you have 14 days to cancel the agreement. If you cancel, any monies that you have paid should be returned to you
  • the trader must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights when you agree the contract. If the trader doesn't provide you with this information, they commit a criminal offence

This protection applies even when you invite a trader to your home.

Although doorstep calling is not illegal, the law states that a trader who ignores a resident's request to leave and not return commits a criminal offence. You can show you do not want to receive visits from cold calling doorstep traders by displaying our sticker.

Any trader that puts you under pressure by suggesting you have to make a decision there and then, or that the "special price" is only available for a limited period in order to make you sign up, may be committing a criminal offence.

Doorstep traders are trained in sales techniques and can be very persuasive.

Be very wary of signing anything as you may give up your rights to cancel.

Our advice is to always say "No thank you - please leave" and then immediately close the door. If the trader won't go away, tell them that you will call Suffolk Trading Standards. If you feel under real threat or in danger, you should contact Suffolk Police.

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