Knock, Knock. Home Solicitation

Through the years, salespeople have knocked on many doors to sell everything from encyclopedias to home repair services, but the laws have changed. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• According to Florida law, individuals who engage in door-to-door solicitation activities that sell, lease or rent consumer goods or services with a purchase price more than $25 are required to have a home solicitation permit issued by the clerk of the court.
• Ask to see their home solicitation permit and a form of personal identification, as well as a business card with the telephone number and address of the company.
• A home solicitation occurs at a place other than the seller’s fixed location, such as your home. It must be unsolicited.
• Federal and state law provide consumers with a three-day-right-to-cancel, better known as a “cooling off period” for door-to-door sales. The buyer has until midnight of the third business day after the sale to cancel for a full refund.
• Don’t be persuaded by “limited time” offers, aggressive/scare tactics or deals that sound too good to be true. Take your time to research the product and the company before you buy.
• It’s a sales person’s job to try to sell you merchandise. Ask yourself if you really want or need the item being sold. Know your budget. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.
• Don’t feel obligated to make a purchase even if you invited the person into your home. Once you have made your decision about the sale ask them to leave. If they refuse to leave call the police.
• To deter home solicitors from knocking on your door, post a “no soliciting” sign on your property. Check with your homeowners association to find out what the rules are regarding home solicitations in your neighborhood.
• Be cautious of anyone coming to your home unsolicited, it could be a scam. Watch out for unmarked vehicles canvassing the neighborhood, contractors claiming to have leftover materials who say they can work for you at half the price, high pressure tactics or a refusal to give written estimates or contracts.