Door-to-door sales: a consumer story

After buying a vacuum from a door-to-door salesperson the day before, a BC couple took a closer look at the contract and noticed something odd. Learn more about your rights when it comes to door-to-door sales by reading this real story about a BC couple.

Your door, your rules 

In BC, there are rules when it comes to legitimate door-to-door sales, which means that you have rights. For example, you have the right to cancel your contract in certain situations.

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. 

A true story: Cleaning up the pieces of shady deal

After buying a vacuum from a door-to-door salesperson the day before, Jack* and Evelyn* took a closer look at the contract and noticed something odd.

“My wife and I are both retired seniors with limited means and there were thousands of dollars of extra costs that had not been explained to us,” says Jack. The couple tried to cancel the contract and get their old vacuum back, which had been traded in for a $1,000 credit towards the new one.

“They told me my old vacuum had been sent out for recycling and couldn’t be returned,” says Jack. He told the company he wanted the value of his old vacuum refunded to him, but the company was not cooperating.

“They fought me long and hard,” says Jack. “My wife and I were very upset.” That’s when they reached out to Consumer Protection BC.

The provincial regulator contacted the business on behalf of the couple, stating that Jack and Evelyn had cancelled their contract within the first 10 days and were within their rights to receive a refund. The business relented and wrote them a cheque for $1,000, the trade-in value of their old vacuum.

“My wife and I were so happy,” says Jack. The couple says that they were lucky they kept track of their interactions with the business and encourages others to do the same.

“Be meticulous and keep your information organized,” says Jack, “and contact Consumer Protection BC when you’re stuck.”

*Names changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Learn more about your cancellation rights

Have you ever purchased something from a door-to-door salesperson and found yourself in a contract that you don’t want to be in? In BC, you have the right to cancel in certain circumstances. For example, you can cancel your contract within the first 10 days for any reason. Learn more about your cancellation rights.

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.