Doorstep selling

The Doorstep selling campaign aims to helps consumers deal with high-pressure sales tactics on the doorstep.

The Office of Fair Trading is warning people, particularly those in later life or disabled to be wary of rogue doorstep traders offering home improvement services.

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What is doorstep selling?

Doorstep selling is when someone sells you goods or services in your home or on your doorstep. It can be a convenient way to buy - but there is a risk you may be pressured into buying something you do not want or that is not good value for money.

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Doorstep selling campaign

The 2011-12 campaign launched on 20 July 2011 and aims to empower elderly or disabled consumers to make effective purchasing decisions when buying on their home repairs on their doorstep and reduce their vulnerability to rogue traders.

Building on this, the 29 September 2011 campaign activity will aim to encourage consumers to exercise caution and seek reassurance before agreeing to buy mobility aid products on the doorstep.

Mobility aids include products such as wheelchairs, scooters and stair lifts. Findings from OFT's study into this market highlights that some rogue traders use highly pressurised and deceptive sales tactics in homes. These tactics can result in vulnerable elderly consumers buying mobility aids they often don't need and sometimes being charged 40 - 100 per cent over the average price for a product. There is also an emotional impact on consumers who may feel under pressure and unsure in their home.

The campaign provides consumers with practical tips and informs them of their rights including the following:

• Think twice before you buy and if you are made to feel under pressure to make a purchase, have the confidence to say no.
• Be wary of time-limited or exclusive offers that need to be signed on the spot - this can be a high pressure sales tactic.
• Double check the facts. Do you fully understand the costs and know whether it includes extras like installation, on-going serving charges or warranties?
• Always shop around to compare products and prices.
• Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
• If you spend more than £35 with a trader on the doorstep, you usually have seven days in which to cancel (subject to certain conditions).
• If in doubt, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506

Read the full campaign strategy (pdf 72kb)

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Campaign materials available to download

Mobility Aids Doorstep Selling leaflet -  aimed at disabled or 70+ audience who may be approached by mobility aid traders. The leaflet gives advice on how to purchase a mobility aid with confidence and what to do if something goes wrong (pdf 167kb)

Leaflet - aimed at 70+ audience, includes signs to look out for, advice on how to feel empowered to refuse making an instant decision, and suggested actions on what to do next.
Product code: OFT1116
Product code (Bilingual version - Welsh/English): OFT1116w

Booklet – a more detailed document, aimed at the family, friends and carers of the 70+ audience, advising on signs that show how a friend or relative may be at risk, and the action to take.
Product code: OFT1117
Product code (Bilingual version - Welsh/English): OFT1117w

Door hanger – aimed at 70+ audience, a simple reminder to think twice before making a buying decision when pressurised by doorstep traders.
Product code: OFT1118
Product code (Welsh version): OFT1118w

TV filler – a 30-second public information film, developed by the Office of Fair Trading, which can
be shown if you have TV and DVD facilities at outreach events.

The TV filler can be viewed below and is also available to use via the Office of Fair Trading’s YouTube channel

To order your free campaign materials, phone our mailing house on 0800 389 3158, quoting the relevant product code(s).

To find out more about the campaign, please contact Judy Holden judy.holden@oft.gsi.gov.uk .