Q. What advice may BBB provide on door-to-door sales people?
A. With summer and warmer weather, BBB is receiving an increase in calls concerning sales people and workers going door-to-door in neighborhoods. BBB cautions businesses, churches and consumers to beware of a wide array of bad deals and scams knocking on your door.
Many door-to-door sales people will often move into an area and pitch unwanted and often fraudulent solicitations for a variety of products and services. They perform poor work or simply collect advance deposits and move on, leaving a trail of unhappy consumers behind.
Some popular door-to-door schemes include:
- Asphalt pavers: They offer cut-rate paving services, claiming they have material left over from another job in the neighborhood. Their work and materials are often substandard and the quality of work is poor for what ends up being a very inflated price.
- Home improvement contractors: Many door-to-door contractors are unlicensed, uninsured and unqualified to do the work they offer. Roofing contractors may make false claims that major repairs are necessary or that your roof needs replacement.
- Magazine sellers: Students are often unaware they are being duped into selling magazine subscriptions for disreputable operators. In many cases wrong magazines arrive or consumers are overcharged. In other situations, the objective may be identity theft; collecting credit card information for the purpose of committing fraud.
- Alarm systems: Often, the door to door approach is that the home owner's current alarm system provider had gone out of business. BBB's across the country receive complaints about people selling alarm systems and failing to divulge terms of the contract for alarm system monitoring.
- Food sellers: Some door-to-door salespeople will try to sell meat, seafood and other food products on the spot and lie about the quality of the products. They promise grade "A" meat that turns out to be of inferior quality or even inedible. At times, these peddlers are set up on busy road intersections.
Most contractors and sales persons are legitimate. Unfortunately, their reputation can be tarnished by unscrupulous operators who cheat consumers. The good news is that, more than ever, consumers are researching companies at bbb.org because of concerns about scams, reliability and quality of work and/or products.
BBB offers seven 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.bbb.org, to see the business review report and what other consumers' experiences may have been. Secure multiple quotes for an expensive project. Compare prices. Also, do not invite unsolicited salespeople into your home. Better Business Bureau 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. Check with your local city regarding the rules of soliciting in your neighborhood. Many times a special license is required for salespersons going door to door.
- 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 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.
- If you ever feel in danger, call local authorities. If a seller or contractor gets irate 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 aggressive situations in your neighborhood.
Visit bbb.org/scamtracker to view and enter active scam activity.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.