Tips to keep in mind when door-to-door sales representatives start knocking
AUSTIN TexasIf you live in a home chances are you have talked to a sales representative eager to sell you cleaning supplies cosmetics or magazine subscriptions. This summer
Better Business Bureau serving Central Coastal Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises you to be on guard the next time a sales representative knocks on your door.
During the spring and summer months home security systems or alarm businesses hire traveling sales agents to go door-to-door according to the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In some cases these sales representatives will use high-pressure or deceptive sales tactics to get potential customers to buy expensive home security systems or equipment.
According to the
Texas Attorney General under Texas law a door-to-door seller must advise you verbally and in writing that you have a right to cancel the sale within three days. The sales representative must also give you a contract or receipt stating the date of the sale the name and address of the merchant and a statement of your right to cancel the contract which includes the address where you send your cancellation notice.
Unfortunately scammers have also been known to pose as home security sales representatives. These scammers are after your personal and financial information or they may be casing your home for a potential burglary. Summer is an active time for this type of activity because many residents are home during the day to answer the door.
If a sales representative comes to your door your BBB advises the following:
- Know who you are buying from. Before you open your door or let anyone into your home ask to see a photo ID business card and some proof of the business theyre representing. Also ask for a physical address and for local references.
- Do your research. Look up the business online and get references from your friends family neighbors or from the companys current clients. For a business you can trust check out BBBs Accredited Business directory at checkbbb.org.
- Resist pressure to buy now. One sign of a security system scam is a sales representative that may pressure their way into your home and then refuse to leave. Dont be pressured to take advantage of a time-sensitive offer like once in a lifetime or today only. Instead do some comparison shopping and take time to decide whether you want the product being sold.
- Get written estimates. A reputable business wont try to sell you anything before completing a professional assessment of your needs and layout of your home. Ask plenty of questions and find out who will perform the installation and monitor the system. Some businesses subcontract work to a third party. Remember dont let anyone who hasnt made an appointment into your home. If an estimation or installation needs to be done call the business directly to make an appointment.
- Know your rights. The Texas Business & Commerce Code states that you have three days to cancel a contract for goods or services sold to you regardless of whether you have received the goods or services. This cooling-off rule only applies to transactions made at someones home or at a sellers temporary location. Keep your receipt or contract and a copy of your cancellation notice. Remember you are not obligated to return goods to the seller until you have recovered either your money or your agreement to pay money.
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