Door-to-Door Sales

Door-to-door sales happen when someone knocks on your door and tries to sell you a product, or asks you to change your gas, electricity company, phone or internet provider.

Door-to-door salespeople will often try to pressure you to buy products you don’t want or can’t afford. You can put up a Do Not Knock sticker to send a clear message that salespeople are not welcome at your address.

All salespeople must follow these rules:

  • Door-to-door sales are only allowed between 9:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am and 5:00pm Saturday. They are banned on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Door-to-door sales must offer a minimum 10 day cooling-off period – a set timeframe in which you can return the goods and get your money back if you change your mind.
  • When the salesperson is selling you the goods, they have to tell you about the cooling-off period.
  • If you ask the salesperson to leave they must do so immediately and not contact you for 30 days.

If a salesperson breaks these rules or ignores a ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker the company they work for may be charged with an offence.

It can be hard to say no when someone comes to your house to sell you something.

Make sure you:

  • Ask to see their ID proving who they are and which company they represent
  • Don’t let them rush you and take the time you need to think it through
  • Ask the salesperson for documents about the product and say you will think about it
  • Keep good records, read and keep all documents and hold on to any receipts
  • Get help if you’re not happy with what you have bought. Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or your state fair trading office.

If you decide to buy something, make sure the salesperson gives you a copy of the sales agreement.

The sales agreement must include:

  • The full name and business address of the seller
  • How much you need to pay including any delivery charges. If it is for a service like electricity, you should receive a document outlining your rate of charges
  • How often you have to pay
  • When you will receive your purchase.

If any of these guidelines have not been met the salesperson cannot force you to continue with the purchase of the goods or services.

If I need to talk about my situation, who can I call?

You can contact Anglicare Victoria’s financial counselling service. If you are on our list waiting for an appointment and are concerned that you need to act sooner, you can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 558 181 for further information and specific advice.