South Ayrshire Council is reminding residents to follow good practice when dealing with doorstep callers, who often use the summer months to get out and about.
Most doorstep traders are honest tradesmen, but there are a small minority who are not. The key message is that if an offer sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
If you feel doorstep sellers are putting you under pressure to buy goods or services, trading standards advice is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want the goods or services?
- Can I afford them?
- Would I buy them if I saw them in a shop?
- Do I trust the seller?
- Are the goods in working order or safe if buying electrical equipment?
- If there is a problem with the goods or work carried out, can I contact the trader again?
If you answer no to any of these questions, then don't buy. Most importantly, don't pay 'up front' as you may never see your money again – no matter how appealing the deal sounds.
If you are unsure, take time to check out the company, ask friends or family if they have heard of them. It is usually best to go by recommendation.
If you do agree to buy goods or services on your doorstep you have the right to change your mind, cancel the deal and get back any money you may have paid. Doorstep selling rules give consumers seven days to cancel contracts signed in their home. By law, consumers should receive a written notice describing the contract, the trader's details and clearly advising them of their right to cancel the contract. A mobile phone number is not enough as you may not be able to trace the trader if things go wrong. If you want to receive the goods or service within the seven days cooling off period, you will usually be asked to give your agreement in writing.
Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for trading standards issues said: "I would urge local residents to be mindful of the advice from trading standards when dealing with doorstep traders or sales people. We obviously encourage genuine businesses trying to make a living in this way and hopefully by following our advice, fewer residents will fall victim to unscrupulous traders."
Any consumer concerned with a contract made in their home can contact South Ayrshire Trading Standards Advice and Intervention Centre on 01292 61 60 60 or speak to an advisor at 5/7 River Terrace Ayr. You can also visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards