Doorstep and other off-premises sales

When conducting door-to-door sales you should:

• Consider the time – do not call very early in the morning or late at night unless the customer has asked you to.
• Show valid identification if possible.
• Always leave when asked to do so.
• Consider if the customer is vulnerable. A person can be vulnerable due to their age, physical or mental health, their gullibility or even the circumstances they are in. If you think a person is not in a position to agree to a contract, walk away and give them time to think it over. Encourage them to discuss the contract with an appropriate person before signing, for example, a family member, friend or neighbour.
• Never claim to be a member of a trade association or signed to a code of conduct if you are not.
• Never try to pressure a customer into buying your products, for example, by making exaggerated claims about crime rates in the area or by stating that you could lose your job if you don’t make a sale.
• Ensure that all staff you employ are fully trained on the legal requirements when doorstep selling, as you could be held liable for anything they do or say.

If you fail to consider and act upon the steps above, you could be committing an offence under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, and you could face prison or a fine if convicted.

See how to comply with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.