Buying on your doorstep

Your rights

Doorstep (or door-to-door) selling is when someone comes to your home or work to sell goods (e.g. double glazing) or services (e.g. gardening). You may have asked for the appointment with the seller or they may come uninvited (known as cold calling).

We advise you to be wary and know your rights when buying goods or services from doorstep sellers. There are some people who use this method to prey on vulnerable residents - this is called doorstep crime.

In most cases if you agree to buy anything costing over £35 from a trader at your door, the law gives you a 7 day cooling off period to change your mind.  The trader must give you a written cancellation notice if you agree to have any work done.  Failure to give this notice is a crime.

if you are thinking about buying goods or services, ask a friend or relative for a recommendation or find a recommended trader online. We also advise that you get several different quotes when buying services.

If you feel pressured to buy by a doorstep seller please report it to the consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

Deterring doorstep sellers

If you would prefer doorstep sellers not to visit your home, you can print our notice (PDF, 69k) and display it in your window. Please share with your friends, relatives and neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable.

The notice contains a warning to those traders who ignore it, and those who do not leave your property, that they may be committing a criminal offence.