The tactics may be arrogant, pushy and aimed at doing business on a “one time” basis but there is often nothing illegal about it. Understanding your rights and remaining in control is the key to protecting your interests, so remember:
IT’S YOUR HOME! : Repeat, it’s your home! You have every right to ask anyone to leave your premise anytime! If they don’t comply, call police. They can be removed, arrested if necessary, and charged under the Trespass to Property Act.
WHO YOU DEALING WITH? : If you can’t answer that question you need to ask questions. Who are the sales persons, companies and brands involved? If you can’t verify, simply don’t deal with them.
DEMONSTRATIONS or INSPECTIONS SHOULD BE ON YOUR TERMS: Find out how long it will take and set a time frame that works for you. Ask a relative, neighbour or friend to be there. Being alone with a stranger or multiple strangers can make you very vulnerable.
KEEP CONTROL: End the session when you want! Take time to think about it and if the salesperson insists otherwise, it is a sign that things aren’t right. If it’s a good sale today, it will be a good sale tomorrow, so what’s the harm in a grace period to think it over.
DON’T BE TOO FREE WITH INFORMATION: There is a chance that in some cases the stranger you are dealing with is fishing for information that could be used for illegitimate purposes. Remember, you are there to get information about their product, not about you and your belongings.
YOU MAY HAVE AN OUT: If a sale is made to you within your home you are protected by legislation that allows you to undue a deal that might have been made under duress.
A contract signed in your home worth over $50.00 can be cancelled by sending a letter within 10 days to the involved company.
