Consumer Advice - Advice Sheets

Say NO to doorstep traders

Troubled by Doorstep Traders?   Worried about a neighbour?

Doorstep traders - The Issues

We live in times that provide us with choice, often a bewildering amount of it, but it does give us the opportunity to choose who we have working on our homes. Our homes are, after all, our sanctuary, our personal space and often our greatest asset. It is important therefore, to know who we are letting in to carry out work. Our advice is always to turn away uninvited doorstep traders. Traders who rely on unsolicited calls to generate business are more likely to try and use high pressure sales techniques because they need to do the deal there and then. The work that they are recommending may not need doing and even if it does they may not be qualified to do it. It is very hard to check I.D. and credentials and such traders will take advantage of this. If you think you need work doing make the choice for it to be done by the trader that YOU want.

Beware!

Doorstep sellers may use lines like these to get into your home

• "I just happened to be passing and noticed that you had some tiles loose."
• "I've been doing a job for the Council and I have some materials left over..."
• "Another client has just cancelled an order so I can let you have these cheap..."
• "Congratulations, you have won a competition..."
• "This cut price special offer is only available if you sign today.."
• "I'm doing a survey.."

Buy With Confidence - Trading Standards Approved

Buy With Confidence - Trading Standards Approved, is a new scheme launched to promote and support the good reliable tradesmen and retailers of Brighton & Hove, whilst in turn increasing consumer protection by providing and approved trader list.

Member companies have been independently checked by staff from the City Council's Trading Standards Service, for compliance with the letter and spirit of the law. Only if businesses pass stringent checks can they display the Buy With Confidence logo.

You can give us your views on a firm. If you have had a good service why not recommend the business for membership. For more information, follow the link to the Buy With Confidence Consumer Information., or call 01273 293340  / 01273 292494

Your Rights

If you have had an unsolicited visit from a trader and have agreed to have work done which is valued at £35 or more, you MUST be given a notice explaining that you have seven days in which to reconsider and cancel the contract if you so wish. Any trader who does not give you these rights is breaking the law and you should call Consumer Direct South East IMMEDIATELY on 08454 04 05 06

Brighton & Hove Trading Standards Rapid Action Team.

The Rapid Action Team is a service for consumers run by Brighton & Hove City Council Trading Standards Service. Whilst we will always attempt to attend calls where our services are required we have limited resources and may have to prioritise. Where we are unable to attend we will provide advice over the telephone or speak to the trader if appropriate. In more serious circumstances, or in situations where they are the appropriate agency, we will advise Sussex Police of the situation for further action by them.

Brighton & Hove City Council Trading Standards, Bartholomew House, Bartholomew Square, Brighton BN1 1JP.
Business Line: (01273) 292523   Fax: (01273) 292524   Electronic Mail: trading.standards@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Consumer Advice Line: 08454 04 05 06. Consumer Advice Electronic Mail: http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/contact

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