While many people who come to your door offering to sell you a service or product are legitimate, you should always be diligent before making a purchase.

Unlike making a purchase in a store where you have the option of comparison shopping or coming back at a later date, when someone comes to your door you are often forced to make a quick decision. If someone comes to your door offering to sell you a vacuum or replace your windows, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Always know who you are doing business with. Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) or our Inquiry Centre before you make a purchase to see if the company has received any complaints.
• Be wary of high pressure sales tactics. A legitimate company will not pressure you and will allow you time to make up your mind.
• Don’t be seduced by a free gift. This is often a tactic used by scam artists.
• Read the contract carefully. Always make sure you get a detailed contract in writing. Read the fine print and know your cancellation rights. If the contract qualifies as a door-to-door sales contract under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCP Act), you have a 10-day cooling-off period where you are able to change your mind and cancel the contract.
• Be cautious of down payments. The law says that if you are required to make a down payment, it can't be more than 10% of the cost or $100, whichever is less.
• Get a copy of your contract. A direct sales contract is entered into in person at a place other than the supplier’s permanent place of business. There are some exceptions to this, and it does not include a supplier you have invited into your home more than 24 hours in advance. Also, it does not include contracts under $50.

If you have a question about door-to-door sales contracts, contact the Consumer Protection BC Inquiry Centre at 1-888-564-9963.  There's a lot to know about consumer contracts.  For more information, visit our Consumer Contracts page.

We invite you to watch our interview on CTV's
Olsen On Your Side segment about door to door sales (July 2010).