Information Bulletin
12 May 2005
Don't Get Pressurised by Doorstep Sellers
Shetland Islands Council’s Trading Standards Service is again warning people in Shetland to be on their guard when faced with doorstep sellers.
Don’t be afraid to say no - and remember, you do not have to give reasons. A crafty salesman will find an answer to every reason you give, and the longer he can keep you in conversation the greater the likelihood of you saying yes.
Never be afraid to ask a sales person to leave. If they refuse to leave dial 999 and ask for the police.
To deter doorstep sellers you may wish to put a sign in a window near the door such as ‘Doorstep sellers are not welcome’ (these are available from the Trading Standards Service). This may be effective for both first time and regular callers, as it is a clear indication that they would be wasting their time.
Think Twice booklets, containing general consumer and safety advice for senior consumers, are also available from the Trading Standards Service.
David Marsh, Trading Standards Service Manager for Shetland Islands Council, says: “Remember, it’s your home and you don’t have to let sales people in if you don’t want to. Think very carefully before agreeing to buy something on your doorstep – if you didn’t think you needed it before the salesman called, why do you need to buy it from him now?”
If you need advice on any consumer issue, you can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau on 01595 694696, or Trading Standards on 01595 744800.
Internet users can also find consumer advice and information on the Council’s website at www.shetland.gov.uk/tradingstandards.
NOTES
The Trading Standards Service can be contacted at the Council's Grantfield offices - e-mail trading.standards@sic.shetland.gov.uk, phone 01595 744800 or fax 01595 695887.
David Marsh, Shetland Islands Council's Trading Standards Service Manager, is available for interview if required - please contact trading.standards@sic.shetland.gov.uk or call 01595 744800.