Doorstep selling

The Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 are aimed at traders who enter into a contract with a consumer at their home or workplace. They also cover contracts made at another individual's home or on an excursion organised by the trader away from their business premises.

The regulations cover contracts that are made during both solicited and unsolicited visits by traders. The regulations apply to all contracts with a total payment of more than £35 and they set the cooling off period to a minimum of seven calendar days. The regulations also require cancellation rights to be clearly and prominently displayed in any written contract or provided in writing if there is no written contract.

However, if consumers decide to have work done, or to receive goods, within the 7 day cooling-off period, they need to give their agreement in writing. If they have given this written agreement for any services or any of these goods:

• goods supplied to meet an emergency
• goods that are personalised or made to your specification
• goods whose price is dependent on fluctuations in financial markets
  perishable goods
• goods which by their nature are consumed by use and cannot be returned
• goods that have become incorporated into land, or something else
• goods or services relating to a funeral

and then cancel within the cooling-off period, they have to pay for the work done so far or the goods received.

These regulations do not apply to:

• contracts for mortgages or home purchase plans or home revision plans made during a solicited visit
• agreements that are cancellable under the Consumer Credit Act 1974
• solicited contracts for regulated consumer credit agreements under the Act
• contracts for the construction, sale or rental of property (but they do apply to extensions, patios, conservatories or driveways and to repairs, refurbishment and improvement of property)
• insurance contracts
• contracts for food and drink supplied by regular roundsmen
• contracts under £35
• contracts relating to shares and investments
• catalogue orders where there is a notice showing the right to return goods or cancel the contract.

See further guidance for businesses on BERR's website. 

See the Cancellation of Contracts in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008.

Download the doorstep selling leaflet - all files are pdf:

England (541 kb)
Wales (825 kb)
Scotland (846 kb)
Northern Ireland (635 kb)

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