With some unlicensed individuals acting as door-to-door salespeople in North Battlefords recently, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) is posting some tips for people to be aware of with door-to-door salespeople.
As a rule, the FCAA cautions the public to never engage with a direct seller unless you have verified their licence, and not to purchase any goods or services from unlicensed sellers.
Anyone who opens their door for a salesperson should follow some of the following tips from the FCAA:
- Ask to see a copy of their licence and verify their listing on FCAA411.
- Read the contract carefully, including the fine print.
- Ask questions if you do not understand something.
- Do not feel pressured to make an immediate purchase.
- Keep down payments to a minimum; the higher the amount paid in advance, the greater the risk of loss.
- Never hand over a blank cheque.
- Avoid paying in cash or agreeing to services without documentation.
- Check the seller's rating and customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau directory at bbb.org or call 1-888-352-7601.
If a sale is made, the FCAA says consumers have rights they should be aware of:
- All contracts must be in writing unless the sale is less than $100.
- All direct sales contracts must include a statement of cancellation rights.
- You have 10 days to cancel a contract without needing to provide a reason.
- If a contract is cancelled, the vendor must refund all money received under the contract within 15 days of cancellation.
The FCAA also cautions that these rights may not be honoured by an unlicensed direct seller.
If you do encounter an unlicensed salesperson, the FCAA asks you to call their Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-877-880-5550 or contact them by email at branch.consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.