New research from the National Consumer Agency (NCA) shows that 20 per cent of people who answer their doors to sales people feel pressurised into buying goods or services on the spot and run the risk of being ripped off as a result.
The research, carried out by Amarách Research, found that 41 per cent of consumers experienced a door-to-door sales pitch over the last 12 months. Some 80 per cent of those who had dealings with door-to-door salespeople said they represented energy suppliers. Telecommunications providers were the second most likely business to engage in doorstep sales at 43 per cent while television service providers were third with 33 per cent of people saying they had been contacted by such busineses.
The NCA has launched a nationwide public information campaign aimed at helping consumers make confident and better-informed purchasing decisions when buying goods or services on their doorstep.
"Many reputable companies use doorstep selling as a sales channel," said NCA chief executive Ann Fitzgerald, "However, some employ high-pressure sales tactics to sell their products or services. Consumers may feel obliged or pressured into signing up to contracts without having the time or information to decide if it is the best option for them."
She said people who were offered a product or service at their door should feel under no pressure to make a decision there and then. "Consider if the product is something you would like to buy and then check with other companies offering the same product or service first to make sure you are getting a good deal. Ask for clear information in writing on the offer. Also satisfy yourself about the cancellation policy and make sure that you get a cancellation form."
She warned that if a seller refused to give out this information "then you should not sign up until you get it and know for sure what you are getting into."
The survey found that just under three in five, or 57 per cent, of respondents who experienced door-to-door selling in the past 12 months were informed of their right to cancel any purchase made while just under two in five, or 39 per cent, received written information on the product before signing up.
Of those who signed-up to a product or service provider, just 29 per cent received a cancellation form.
"Our campaign aims to raise consumers' awareness of their rights when dealing with people selling on their doorstep and to encourage consumers to make an informed decision before signing up to or purchasing anything. If you are dealing with someone on your doorstep always ask for identification. Don't be hurried into a decision even if they offer you a discount or a one-day only offer," Ms Fitzgerald concluded.
