Murray-Darling Duty MLC Tony Catanzariti is warning Deniliquin residents to be wary of door-to-door salespeople.

Mr Catanzariti said NSW Fair Trading had received a local report yesterday about suspicious door-to-door selling tactics involving roof insulation.

“The report from Deniliquin suggests the use of intimidating behaviour by the salesperson, who allegedly tried to get a resident to let them into their home without providing any identification or business details,” he said.

“No one should ever feel bullied or harassed into buying goods or services they don’t want.” 

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge urged consumers to shop around and compare quality and prices before agreeing to a deal.

“If you are interested in a door-to-door deal, take the time to think it over,” she said.

“By law, you have a five-business-day cooling off period for sales of more than $100, so sellers cannot demand any money from you for services supplied in that period.

“Sellers also must not visit you between 8pm–9am, seven days a week.

“You can ask sellers to leave at any time and you must get written information about your cancellation rights before any contract is made.”

Mr Catanzariti said any consumers who have been harassed or stood-over by a door-to-door salesperson should call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and their local police.

“Breaches of the direct commerce provisions of the Fair Trading Act can result in penalties of up to $11,000,” he said.

Common complaints associated with door-to-door traders are:

• the total amount to be repaid is often much greater than the real value of the goods or services
• the goods or services supplied may be different or inferior to what the customer was led to expect
• customers experience delivery and other delays
• customers experience problems getting faulty goods replaced or repaired and
• terms and conditions of the agreements are not properly explained to customers.

More information is at this website or call Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

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