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Trading Standards

Trading Standards

Doorstep Crime and Rogue Trading

Doorstep crime is when rogue traders come to your door, uninvited, and pressure you into buying something or signing up for a service. They often try to sell their product or service in a way which can be very intimidating.

Doorstoppers Image

Examples of doorstep crime are, traders who:   

  • tell you guttering, roofing, garden or paving is in need of urgent repair – this may cause you to panic and allow the work to take place,
  • take your deposit and never return to do the work,
  • charge unreasonable prices or increase the price of the work as the job progresses.
  • don't have cancellation policies or give cancellation notices, guarantees or warranties,
  • produce poor quality work and refuse to sort out problems or finish the work,
  • don’t give their address or use a fake address,
  • don’t give their real name. 

If you are bothered by doorstep callers 

Please note that not all doorstep sellers commit a crime, and you can avoid doorstep selling scams by remembering these tips:

  • Don't agree to anything just to get rid of a seller – don't buy anything you don't want to.
  • Don’t agree to anything until you’ve had time to think and are happy with the work to be carried out and the price.
  • Cold callers are smartening up their act. Don’t be taken in by fancy uniforms and liveried vans – say NO to cold callers. If you need home improvement work done, do plenty of research - get a few quotes and check companies on different review sites
  • Don’t believe a cold caller’s scare stories or warnings about the condition of any part of your home - they are rarely true.
  • Be wary of special offers, discounts or deals which are only available on that day.
  • Check and take note of the seller's ID card, including their full address, not just a PO Box or phone number - check the address actually exists.
  • If you tell someone to leave your home, it's a criminal offence if they don't do as you ask
  • Even if a seller provides you with cancellation rights, remember that once you pay them they have the money and you don't!
  • Company backed guarantees are worthless if the business disappears, or ceases trading – try to ensure any guarantee or warranty provided are backed by an insurance company or Trade Association
  • Don’t pay for any work or materials in advance or agree to go to the bank with the trader.  
  • Get and keep a copy of any paperwork, contract, receipts, advert or flyer.

Warning Stickers

Often the best way to prevent unwanted sales calls at your home can be by use of a warning sticker on or near the front door of a home. These should be respected by callers and it may be an offence for them to ignore them.

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar Trading Standards can provide stickers at no charge to residents if you call by one of our main council offices across the islands: Stornoway, Tarbert, Balivanich, Castlebay. There is also a PDF version for download.

The law says 

It is a legal requirement that traders trade fairly. By law, for contracts concluded away from trade premises, consumers must be given a 14-day cooling off period to consider, or cancel, contracts costing more than £42.

Doorstep selling regulations are available to view on the UK Government website.

Advice Services

If you wish further guidance or have a query about the above then please contact the organisations listed below:

If you wish to report an issue or have concerns in relation to Doorstep Crime & Rogue Trading please contact us at ts@cne-siar.gov.uk.

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