You can see him out the front window. He brazenly makes his way toward your door. A thousand thoughts rush through your head. Should you run and hide? Should you ask the kids to start screaming? Will you be able to make him go away? It's the infamous door-to-door salesman.
Whether promoting new windows, selling security systems or marketing lawn care, door-to-door salespeople are a fact of life. Sooner or later, one will likely end up on your front steps. It's a good idea to decide now how you will handle the encounter when it comes. J.D. Roth, writer for GetRichSlowly.com, adopted a rule of thumb that has served me well: I never buy anything if I did not initiate the transaction. He cautions that well-trained salespeople are taught ways to persuade and force you to feel a need and urgency to purchase their product. Being prepared ahead of time can save you from financial regrets later on.
First of all, remember door-to-door salespeople are people trying to make a living, just like you. That said, they're at your home uninvited. You should be polite, but you should also be firm. If you're not interested, give a courteous but definite No, thank you, and shut the door. Roth quips, I've done this many times before, and though I sometimes feel guilty for about 30 seconds, it soon passes. You may feel rude, but you are saving yourself, and the salesperson, time and effort.
If you decide you're interested in the product, proceed carefully. The New York State Consumer Protection Board asserts that legitimate salespeople will identify themselves immediately and have photo identification in sight. Vigilantly check the credentials of any salesperson, keeping in mind that this is a stranger.
After listening to the presentation and deciding to sign up for their services, make sure to get everything in writing: the price, warranty information and conditions. Thank the salesperson for their time, and tell them you'll get back to them. Don't let yourself be swayed by buy-it-now discounts or offers.
According to the Better Business Bureau, a dishonest seller will try to get you to sign up immediately and perhaps try to intimidate you. A reputable seller will give you time to think through the deal and make an appointment to return at a later date. If they really care about their customers and really want your business, they will take you when you're ready.
What if, after signing up, you realize you really don't need monthly tree pruning and want to cancel? Don't worry. The Federal Trade Commission saw the importance of creating an out if consumers have buyers remorse after an encounter with a door-to-door salesperson. Under FTC rules, you have until midnight of the third business day after the sale to cancel any purchase. Salespeople are required to give you a cancellation sheet with your original contract. It must be mailed or delivered to the company within the three-day limit. Because this is a time-sensitive issue, you may want to send the letter by certified mail. You don't have to give any reason for cancelling; you have the right to change your mind.
Year in and year out, salespeople will show up at your door. You may be grateful for the products they bring into your life, or you may wish they would all end up in Siberia. Either way, by being prepared for their visits, you can save yourself time, money and anxiety.