Protect Yourself During Door to Door Sales and Solicitations

As summer turns into fall, it’s a great time for Wisconsinites to be outdoors – and that includes solicitors who take advantage of the warm weather to go door-to-door making sales. How can consumers be sure to protect themselves when a stranger knocks on their door? It starts by recognizing some of the services and products commonly pitched by doorknockers, which include:

· Storm damage repair

· Tree removal/trimming

· Blacktop/asphalt paving

· Solar panels

· Pest control

· Telecommunication services and upgrades (i.e. internet, cable, satellite)

Door-to-door sellers are required to disclose who they are and what they are selling at the start of a conversation. Some solicitors will use high-pressure tactics and urge consumers to act quickly, either by offering enticing limited-time-only deals, or by instilling guilt or FOMO (a “fear of missing out”). Legitimate businesses are happy to leave a consumer with literature or a business card, but dishonest solicitors may push consumers to buy, subscribe, or upgrade before they share all the details.

Before making any payment or signing any contract, consumers should ask questions about the company and the product or service being pitched. Example questions: Are there product or workmanship guarantees? What is the policy for returns or unsatisfactory service? Does the company have a history in the community? Do they have a website? Are they licensed or registered in the community to solicit door-to-door? Is there a “right to cancel” and, if so, what are the terms?

Even if they are faced with a tempting offer, consumers should pause before they act and take time to consider, and verify, what they are being told. It is okay for consumers to thank a doorknocker, say they will make a decision later, and end the conversation. This gives the consumer time to do more research on their own: check for consumer complaints, ask if the neighbor is “really” using the same company, contact the company with more questions, and decide whether they really need that product or service, and want to do business with them or someone else. And never let an uninvited, unknown door knocker into your home.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with asking a solicitor to leave.