If a door-to-door salesperson comes to your home and sells you a product or service, it’s important to know exactly what you’re agreeing to. Here are some things to think about before you sign a door to door sales contract.
Your door, your rules
In BC, there are rules when it comes to legitimate door-to-door sales, which means that you have rights. Before you say yes to these types of contracts, there are some important questions you’ll want to ask.
And remember, you don’t have to make a quick decision – take your time and do what feels right to you. After all, it’s your door, your rules.
What questions to ask
It’s very important to read the contract thoroughly (including the fine print) and understand exactly what it is that you are agreeing to before you sign anything. It’s okay to ask for some time to do this. If you are being pressured, that’s a bad sign and you may want to reconsider saying yes.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Installation timing. If the contract is for heating, ventilation or air-conditioning, when will the installation of the equipment take place? If the installation is the next day, it doesn’t give you much time to review the contract and read through the fine print. It also makes it hard to cancel your contract within 10 days (which you have the right to do for any reason.) Consider delaying installation until you are 100% sure you understand the terms of the contract.
- Length of the contract. How long is the contract for? Is it a long-term lease?
- What is the total cost under the contract? Are you buying the item outright or is it a potentially costly lease? Are there monthly payments? How much are they exactly? Are there other fees like interest or delivery fees?
- How does the financing work? If you buy a new furnace is the financing through the company that came to your door, or is it through a financing company? What kind of interest rates are involved?
Your cancellation rights
As a BC consumer, you are entitled to certain cancellation rights with door-to-door sales contracts by law. For example, you can cancel your contract within the first 10 days for any reason. Learn more about your cancellation rights with door-to-door sales contracts.
Knowledge is power. Help yourself and others when it comes to door-to-door sales.
We have lots of information and tools to help you make informed decisions around door-to-door sales. Brush up on your knowledge and share what you know with the people you care about. The important thing to remember is that there are rules when it comes to these transactions. Take your time before you sign anything and talk to someone you trust if you’re unsure. You got this.
Learn more about door-to-door sales in BC
What needs to be in the contract
How to say no
What questions to ask
Know your cancellation rights
Learn what scams to watch out for
Hear a real story
Learn how to spot the bad operators
Where do we fit in?
Our organization is responsible for overseeing certain aspects of these contracts, like contract requirements and your cancellation rights. Learn more about when we can step in and help.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.