Doorstep selling

Last year, the OFT and BERR jointly carried out a campaign to warn businesses and consumers about the change in the regulations to buying goods and services in the home. This autumn we'll be helping older consumers deal with high-pressure sales and tactics on the doorstep.

Content on this page ...

• What is doorstep selling?
• Your doorstep, your decision campaign
• Campaign materials available to download
• Further information

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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.

In 2004, the OFT estimated that there were 16,000 cases reported to local authority Trading Standards Services (TSS) per year about rogue doorstep traders - though the overall figure could be much higher.

Victims are likely to be older consumers living alone, especially women. In the current economic climate, there could be an increase in this activity. Therefore, we are launching a campaign to raise awareness of these issues and to empower older consumers to refuse offers of on the spot house repairs. 

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Your doorstep, your decision campaign

Our 'Your doorstep, your decision' campaign launched on Monday 16 November 2009.

The campaign is raising awareness of how to handle doorstep sales tactics and the risks of rogue traders primarily amongst women over 70, and their families, friends and carers. See our campaign plan.

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Campaign materials available to download

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 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).

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Further information

See the OFT's 2004 Market Study on doorstep selling.

See other doorstep selling publications

To find out more about the campaign, please contact Paul McSherry at paul.mcsherry@oft.gsi.gov.uk

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