Door-to-door sales may be a convenient method to purchase some products or services. However, you may be opening your home to a stranger who may use fraudulent or high-pressure tactics to sell you something you don’t want or need.
View the AGO guide to avoiding scams with door-to-door sales and solar companies HERE.
Use the following information and tips to protect yourself against deceptive door-to-door sales practices:
When a solicitor knocks at your door…
- Remember that you don’t have to let the seller into your home. Exercise caution any time a stranger comes to your door.
- Get everything in writing! Get all terms, prices and conditions in writing. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to him or her. Ask for a business card and contact information. Verify with the company that the salesperson is an employee, and consider doing independent research about the product and service online.
- Before buying anything, ask to see a copy of their permit, often called a peddler’s license. Many Arizona cities require a special permit for companies selling door-to-door. While having the appropriate permit does not necessarily infer that the company can be trusted, it does let you know the company/individual has taken the steps for a required permit in your city or township.
- Do not be rushed into making a decision by high-pressure sales tactics, and remember that sellers who engage in unfair or deceptive business practices are in violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable position, end the conversation quickly.
- Pay with a credit card. If you have a dispute with the purchase (for example, if the merchandise shipped was not what you ordered,) you can notify the credit card company that you want to dispute the purchase. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, the credit card company must acknowledge your dispute in writing and conduct a reasonable investigation of your problem.
Regret your purchase?
- Arizona law provides for a three-day “cooling off” period that allows customers to cancel most door-to-door purchases within three days of signing them. Door-to-door sellers are required to provide you with notice of this right to cancel. See the text of Arizona’s home solicitation laws here. However, these legal protections do not apply if the sale results from your prior invitation, consent or appointment.
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Cooling-Off Rule (16 C.F.R. 429) also provides some protections. The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more for certain home solicitations. Under the Cooling-Off Rule, your right to cancel for a full refund extends until midnight of the third business day after the sale. See the text of the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule here.