National Consumer Week 2012
This year's Trading Standards National Consumer Week will take
place from Monday 12 November to Friday 16
November. The theme is “Cold Calling – Don’t Buy
It.” Officers from the Trading Standards teams
at Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham will be
at various locations across both boroughs to give you advice about
your rights when people are cold calling and doorstep
selling. Please come and see us at one of the following
events:
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Date
|
Kensington and Chelsea |
Hammersmith & Fulham
|
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Monday 12 November
|
|
10am – 1pm Avonmore Library Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB)
|
|
Tuesday 13 November
|
|
2pm – 5pm Uxbridge Road Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB)
|
|
Wednesday 14 November
|
|
1pm – 4pm Avonmore Library Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB)
|
|
Thursday 15 November
|
10am – 1pm Kensington CAB
|
|
|
Friday 16 November
|
10am – 1pm Kensington CAB
|
1pm – 2pm Age UK (please call to make an appointment as this is
a small location
|
Locations
Kensington CAB, The Westway Information Centre,
140 Ladbroke Grove, W10 5ND
Avonmore Library, 7 North End Crescent, W14 8TG
(entrance in North End Road).
Uxbridge RoadCAB, 338 Uxbridge
Road, W12 7LL
Age UK, 105 Greyhound Road, Hammersmith, W6
8NJ
For more information about the organisations please visit:
Doorstep Callers
One of the issues with doorstep callers is that some people feel
rude saying no, when they actually do not want to buy anything or
have any work done. The message is clear: ‘If you want them to GO,
just say NO’. Officers want to make sure that residents know that
they have a legal right to say no and should not feel pressured
into buying goods or services or, even worse, inviting a stranger
into their home. Elderly or vulnerable people
are often targeted by doorstep callers, and are
overcharged for substandard work that they do not need. If you
think someone is a victim of doorstep crime, you can report them to
Trading Standards.
Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham Trading
Standards have developed a doorstep sticker to deter doorstep
callers from knocking on your door. The sticker warns traders that
you do not buy goods or services at the door and asks them to leave
your property. Stickers are available to collect from one of the
advertised events below or you can request one.
To order a free doorstep sticker, you can use the telephone
numbers below to order by telephone. You can also request one by
email, by sending your name and address, using the email addresses
below and quoting ‘DOORSTEP’ in the subject heading.
Families and carers of elderly or vulnerable people should be
aware of doorstep callers, and take notice if large amounts of
money are being spent. Is someone carrying out work on your elderly
mother's house? Does the person you are caring for give money to
people on the doorstep? As well as this, you should look out for
lots of mail, such as lottery letters, which may be scams asking
for money to be sent by post.
For further information about National Consumer Week:
Kensington and Chelsea residents can contact Kensington and
Chelsea Trading Standards by email at trading.standards@rbkc.gov.uk
or call 0207 361 3002.
Hammersmith & Fulham residents can contact Hammersmith &
Fulham Trading Standards by email at trading.standards@lbhf.gov.uk
or call 0208 753 1081
In the meantime, you can follow the Office of Fair Trading Ten
Top Tips for doorstep selling:
Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep
Many people who sell things on the doorstep are legitimate
traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use
illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can
ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed
ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your
doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.
1. Don’t sign on the spot
Don’t feel pressured to agree on the spot- if you are interested
in what they are selling, you can ask them to come back at another
time that is more convenient for you, maybe when you have someone
else with you or you’ve shopped around.
2. Check the trader’s identity
Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to
check the salesperson’s identity is genuine. Don’t use the number
on their card. Check if the trader is a member of a reputable trade
body, like the Direct Selling Association, whose members should
ensure their salespeople sell responsibly.
3. Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
Don't get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling
techniques. Don’t be hurried into a decision even if there is a
discount. The discount might be on a price that is too high in the
first place.
4. Always shop around for the best price
Check with other companies offering the same product first. Make
sure the price and product is right for you.
5. Read the small print
Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make
sure you fully understand your rights. It’s best to ask salespeople
to call back so you can do this in your own time – don’t be rushed
into signing before you feel ready.
6. Double check the facts
Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the
transaction – including estimates, delivery and installation and
the arrangements for after-sales servicing, such as the guarantees
or warranties. Only agree to make a purchase once you’re entirely
satisfied that the transaction is acceptable.
7. Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion
Take the time to talk to someone you trust – for example your
family, a friend or carer – before you sign anything.
8. Don’t hand over a cash deposit
Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable
trader will never ask you to do this (even if they need materials).
Never agree to go with a trader to the bank to take money out.
9. Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting
any work straight away
If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the
seven day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later
change your mind and cancel the contract.
10. Trust your instincts
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
And finally ... it’s OK to say no
Remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. If you feel
pressured for any reason ask the person to leave.
If in doubt, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or
call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06