Regulations over doorstep selling to provide more protection

Recent reports have shown that regulations with regards to doorstep selling have been tightened in the hope that the consumer will receive more protection. The new rules will mean that consumers that sign a contract for work or a service from a doorstep seller will have a cooling off period to change their minds.

Previously only consumers who signed up for a service with a doorstep seller that had cold called to the home had this cooling off period, but now even those that have invited the seller into their homes will be able to enjoy this increased protection of a seven day cooling off period. This comes after fifty thousand complaints were received over the past year with regards to doorstep sellers.

An official from the Office of Fair Trading stated: “These new regulations will mean that the law is a lot clearer for consumers. People buying goods in their own home now have a safety net of seven days in which to change their mind, regardless of who arranged the visit.”

However, officials are still warning consumers to be careful about rogue traders and to shop around for services and products before making a commitment. One official said: “Consumers should always take time to think about agreeing to any work on their home, taking the opportunity to shop around and get more quotes first.”