When the weather heats up, so do unsolicited visits to your home from people offering products and services ranging from magazine subscriptions to security alarms and roof and driveway repair jobs.
While some of these opportunities can be legitimate, it’s best to have a plan to manage those unexpected knocks at your door. Here are some general guidelines from your Better Business Bureau to help you be prepared:
Check identification. Before you allow anyone to provide information on the product or service they’re promoting, ask them to provide a photo ID and a business card to validate their identity. A trustworthy salesperson also shouldn’t have a problem with you confirming their identity and employment by calling the company they claim to represent, especially if they state they’re an existing vendor of yours. Check for the correct number yourself rather than relying on the contact information they provide.
Verify the reliability of their company. Also research the company they represent to ensure it’s reputable. You can look up a company’s BBB business profile and customer reviews at BBB.org or by calling our office at 423-266-6144.
Don’t give in to pressure. Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics and be aware that anything you sign could construe a contract. For example, some individuals have reported they were asked to sign an agreement granting a roofer authorization to talk with their insurance company about possible roof damage, only to realize they had already agreed to hire the roofer if a claim was approved. If you feel pressured into signing an agreement, consider that a red flag. Learn more about free inspection scams as well.