Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

PRESS RELEASE

19 September 2001

For Use: Immediately

Beware of Door Step Salesmen!

The Trading Standards Service of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is giving a seasonal warning to consumers to be on their guard for unscrupulous door to door salesmen. A spokesman said, "At this time of year many door to door salesmen visit the Island, and although some provide a valuable service, a minority have proved troublesome in the past and consumers are advised to be on their guard."

Previously some salesmen have offered to buy and sell second hand goods including furniture and electrical goods and some have offered to tarmac drives."

The advice from the Trading Standards Service is to be on your guard and to follow the simple rules below:

If in doubt just say no thank you and close the door.
Before committing yourself find out the name and address of the seller's company.
Ask yourself - Do I want or need this? Can I afford this? could I get it cheaper elsewhere? and Do I know and trust the seller?
Ask the seller what will happen if you change your mind. In most cases you will have a seven day cooling off period during which you can cancel the contract.
Pay by credit card for goods or services costing more that £100. The credit card company can give you some protection.
Get a receipt with a name, address and telephone number of the company on it.
Don't ask a door-step seller to call unless you are sure you want to buy.
Don't let a caller into your home if you are at all suspicious of them and don't let the seller push you into making a snap decision.
Don't let persuasive salesmen convince you to buy something you don't need.

Anyone requiring further advice or information on door step salesmen or any other consumer protection matter should contact the Comhairle's Trading Standards Service on 01851 709577.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk