Services
News release
Show cold callers the door, say Trading Standards
West Lothian Council's Trading Standards are warning local householders to be wary of doorstep salespeople in the run up to Christmas.
Doorstep traders can cold-call and try to convince local residents that they need house repairs done, such as missing roof tiles, drives re-laid or gardens in need of a tidy-up.
Ed Machin, West Lothian Council's Principal Trading Standards officer, said: " Our advice is always to simply say no to doorstep salespeople.
" If you think you need work done, contact a selection of traders and get proper quotes, and don't be taken in by cold-callers who offer you a 'special deal' if you agree there and then.
" If you want to consider their offer, ask them to put a quote in writing and you will contact them if you wish to go ahead."
He added: " If you do agree to have any work done, it's important to be aware of your rights.
" If the goods or services you buy cost more than £35 and you didn't invite the seller to call or contact you then generally you have seven days to change your mind and cancel the contract. By law the seller must give you written details of your rights to cancel and they can be prosecuted if they don't do this.
" If however you respond to an advertisement in the paper or a leaflet dropped through your door then you won't have cancellation rights. If you are given written cancellation rights and you cancel a contract then you should get back any monies, which you have paid.
" If you have already received some goods e.g. perishables or if certain services have been carried out such as home improvements, then you will have to pay for these, despite having cancelled the contract.
" If you are not given written cancellation rights then you don't have to pay anything even if work has been carried out. If you have signed a credit agreement for goods or services then you will have additional cancellation rights and extra rights if something goes wrong."
For more detailed information, or to complaint about a doorstep trader contact West Lothian Council Trading Standards on 01506 776410.
Date: 11-12-2007
