With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, we often see an uptick in the activity of door-to-door sellers, according to the Financial and Consumer Services Commission.
Door-to-door is a technique generally used for sales, marketing, evangelism, or campaigning in which the person or a group walks from one house to another, trying to sell or advertise a product or service to the general public or gather information.
While this job is less popular than it used to be, the commission has received multiple reports of direct sellers operating in New Brunswick without a licence. Direct sellers must be licensed by the commission and carry their direct seller’s licence while working.
Marissa Sollows, director of communications and public affairs for the commission, said New Brunswickers should always ask to see the direct seller’s licence when a salesperson comes to their home.
“As part of the licensing process, each applicant is required to provide us with a completed criminal record check. This adds a layer of protection for consumers by providing a screening process for individuals entering their home,” said Sollows.
Consumers are urged to ask questions and not feel pressured into making a decision quickly.
You should do your homework and read all contracts when approached to purchase products or services.
Salespeople are required to provide copies of the contract to the consumer. The law provides for a 10-day cancellation period for any good or service sold through a direct sale
“When a deal sounds too good to be true, it very well could be. Always take the time to review the full contract – including the fine print – before parting with your money,” added Sollows.
Consumers can search the commission’s direct sellers database to verify a salesperson’s licence.
