Door-to-Door Sales

You have three business days to cancel any purchase.

Shopping for products in the convenience of your home can be satisfying, but you must be careful to ask the right questions and make the right decisions.

Door-to-door sales, or direct selling, is the nation's oldest method of selling. To be sure you are buying reputable products from reliable salespeople, ask some questions before you buy. If you don't get satisfactory answers, don't buy.

When someone rings your doorbell…

He or she should tell you what they have come to discuss. They should give their name, the company's name, and the product or service offered. You should ask for identification so you can be sure the person is who he says he is.

When a product is shown…

Be sure you understand what it will do, what it won't do, how it works, how to get repairs and where to get repairs. Ask questions. That's the best way to find out what kind of warranty the product may have, how long it lasts, what it covers, and what the company's written policy is on refunds or exchanges.

Be sure you know how to reach the salesperson and company after the sale. Get the name, address and telephone number of the person or company. You may need more information later. Be sure the sales contract is clear and complete. By law, a contract must specify the terms of the sale and must give address. Don't sign a contract with blank spaces. Be sure each line is filled in or marked out before you sign.

Be sure the finance charge is disclosed fully in an annual percentage rate term. Look for incidental charges. Are they stated clearly? Ask for and keep a copy of any contract you sign.

If, after the salesperson leaves, you decide to cancel the contract, by law you have three business days in which to cancel any purchase of more than $25 made in your home.

The salesperson must tell you about this right to cancel. Ask about it and find out who to contact if you wish to cancel. Some companies may offer a longer period for cancellation. Ask about the company's policy.

If you aren't satisfied with the product, call the salesperson. If he or she cannot resolve the problem, contact the company directly. Make any cancellations in writing.

If you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact a local consumer agency such as the Better Business Bureau or the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.

For more information on your rights and privileges as a shopper, contact your local county Extension office.