Prepare for Door-to-Door Sales with Knowledge

It's the same old story! Salesman shows up on the doorstep, offers you a good price for what he claims a cheap price, promises delivery, and then fails to deliver.

That's what happened to a woman in Oregon this past week, and she says she had no one to turn to but BBB to help resolve this problem.

But, the sales isn't the key problem here, it's gaining control of certain situations.

Wanda Steege, who lives in Baker City, Ore., was taking care of her grandchild when the salesman showed up.

Not expecting company, Steege, "an grandmotherly voiced person," says the man was disruptive in nature and came into the house and started his presentation right off the bat.

She says she was distracted by her grandchild tried to comprehend what the salesman was saying, calculating in her own mind what the price per pound was going to be, and making a decision on whether she needed 150 pounds of meat.

In the end, her moment of indecision was mishandled with frustration and she signed the contract with Steakhouse Quality Meats of Idaho.

Robb Hicken, BBB chief storyteller, says "Prepare yourself before the door-to-door salesman ever makes a visit or a stop. Simply tell them, 'I do not buy products from salesman' and close the door."

There are trustworthy individuals and sales companies that will respect your request to make an appointment to make a presentation, if you are interested in buying the product. But, prepare ahead to take that position, he says.

By having a plan and resolution in mind, you're more equipped to handle those frazzle moments when a salesman tries to dazzle you at the door, he says.

Here's advice if you do buy:

• On door-to-door sales of $25 or more, a Federal Trade Commission rule gives consumers the right to cancel a transaction up until midnight of the third business day after the date of the sale.

• The rule applies to any sales agreements made away from the seller's normal place of business, such as sales "parties" given in private homes or sales made out of rented hotel or motel rooms or restaurants.

• The rule states that the seller must tell you of your right to cancel, give you a contract or receipt and give you 2 copies of your Notice of Cancellation.

• The contract should be dated, and it should clearly show the name and address of the seller.

• If you cancel, the seller must refund your money within ten days and return to you any documents you have signed.

And, remember to be sure you understand the terms of your cancellation agreement, some contracts require you to put your cancellation notice in writing.

Insist on a contract, and never make the payment to the individual salesman.

Also, BBB provides a numerous reviews on businesses that allow you to check out the company or business. Go to bbb.org. 

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