Follow tips for dealing with door-to-door salesmen
With the start of spring and warmer weather, door-to-door salespeople will become more prevalent throughout our area. These sellers may offer products or services that run the gamut from general home contracting work, including asphalt paving and home security promotions, to items like magazine subscriptions.
Some door-to-door salespeople will move into an area for a period of time and pitch unwanted and often fraudulent solicitations for a variety of products and services. They perform poor work or simply collect deposits and move on, leaving a trail of unhappy consumers in their wake.
Many contractors and salespeople are legitimate. Unfortunately, their reputation can be tarnished by unscrupulous operators who cheat consumers.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips to get the work done properly and protect against fraudulent operators:
• Do not make decisions at your front door. If your property requires maintenance or remodeling, BBB recommends researching prospective contractors and sellers at www.BBBHouston.org, to see what other consumers’ experiences have been like. Also, do not invite unsolicited salespeople into your home. The BBB also urges consumers to be even more wary of telephone solicitations for products and services.
• Ask for identification and information. If someone is selling door to door, request they provide you with proper identification and leave you with material to read about their products and services. Legitimate sellers and contractors will give you the time you need to research their reputation and reliability.
• Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics. Avoid sellers who encourage you to sign a contract or put down a deposit right away, claiming that they will offer a special rate, but only if you act immediately.
• Check all contractors’ credentials. Make sure they provide proof of required insurance coverage, licensing, if required by law, and proof of registration.
• Get it all in writing. A contract should contain a description of the project, labor and materials to be used, a start and completion date and payment schedule. Make sure contracts contain any verbal promises in writing. Never pay in advance more than one-third of the contract value.
• Remember your rights. The Federal Trade Commission’s “Cooling-Off Rule” gives you three days to cancel purchases over $25 made at your home or other location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Solicitors should also inform you, in writing, that you have three days to cancel without penalty.
• If you ever feel in danger, call local authorities. If a seller or contractor gets irate and/or difficult with you (for example, does not leave the premise after you have already asked), call the police. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you can help report potential problems that may help others avoid precarious situations in your neighborhood.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.