Door to door sales

A door to door sale is typically considered a direct sale. Here are a few things to know about these types of contracts:

• It has a value of more than $50
• It’s signed during a visit from a door-to-door sales agent
• If you ask the sales agent to come to your house more than 24 hours in advance of the visit, this is not a direct sales contract
• You shouldn’t be asked for a deposit of more than $100 (or 10% of the total price in the contract, whichever is smaller)

A direct sales contract is also a type of future performance contract.  By law, it must have:

• the supplier’s information, including a name and signature of the individual who signed on behalf of the supplier
• your signature
• the place the contract was entered into
• the date the contract was entered
• description of the goods or services
• cost of the items
• taxes and shipping charges
• description of custom duties, brokerage fees, or additional charges
• terms of payment
• total price under the contract, including the total cost of credit
• if applicable, a description and dollar value of any trade-in
• if credit is extended or arranged by the supplier, a description of the subject matter of any security interest
• notice of the consumer’s rights of cancellation
• restrictions, limitations or other terms or conditions that may apply to the supply of the goods or service

The law gives a full list of what is required and the contract is not binding if it has missing information.

Read the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, Sections 19, 20 & 21.

Once you receive a copy of the contract, you have 10 days to cancel for any reason. You must give written notice of cancellation to the seller within that 10-day period.

Within the first year of signing a contract, you can also cancel if:

• There is missing information in the contract
• You were asked for a down payment of more than $100 or 10% of the total price
• If you didn’t get a copy of the contract at the time it was entered into

There are a few circumstances that might seem like you have entered into a direct sales contract, but aren’t captured by the law. Exemptions include:

• If you ask the sales agent to come to your house more than 24 hours in advance of the visit
• If you buy something temporary kiosk in a shopping mall, or at an agricultural show, fair, trade show, craft show, art show, or similar type of event

Read the Consumer Contracts Regulation, Section 5.

To cancel your contract, print off and complete a cancellation form to send directly to the business in a way that allows you to get proof of delivery (registered mail, fax, or email to ensure you have proof of delivery). Keep copies for your records and be sure to follow up with the business! It is always a good idea to confirm a contract cancellation. The law gives the business 15 days to respond.

Cancel a direct sales contract within 10 days

Cancel a direct sales contract after 10 Days (for not containing the required content or not receiving the goods or services within 30 days of the supply date).

Unhappy with the quality of goods or services provided? Have you spoken to the business and they aren’t addressing your concerns? Your next step would be to take the matter to court.

For disputes, up to $35,000 use Small Claims Court

For claims up to $5,000 use Civil Resolution Tribunal