Doorstep selling

The law has always provided a one week cooling off period when buying from salespeople whose visit has not been sought out by the homeowner. However, from 1 October 2008, provided the transaction is for more than £35, consumers will now have a seven day period in which to cancel any agreement they enter into, regardless of whether they initiated the visit or not.

The new regulations also mean that doorstep sellers are required to inform customers in writing of their right to cancel. See  press release.

The OFT and BERR are jointly carrying out a campaign to inform businesses and consumers about the change in the regulations. BERR carried out the business campaign during the summer of 2008, while the OFT is running the consumer campaign during October 2008.

This advertisement will be running in local newspapers in areas where the incidence of doorstep selling is relatively high (according to the OFT's 2004 Market Study): East Anglia, the Midlands, Wales and Scotland.

Download the campaign leaflet (pdf 367 kb).

We are also working with colleagues from Local Authority Trading Standards Services and other key partners. They can order the campaign leaflet by calling 0800 389 3158 and asking for OFT1023.

To find out more about the campaign, please contact Dilys Alam at dilys.alam@oft.gsi.gov.uk

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