OFT campaign highlights better protection for consumers buying in the home.

(From Government News Network)

] OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING 1 October 2008 OFT campaign highlights better protection for consumers buying in the home

The OFT is launching a new awareness campaign to inform consumers that from today (1 October 2008) if they buy from salespeople who visit them in their own homes, they will have seven days to cancel the agreement.

The Doorstep Selling Regulations cover all salespeople who visit consumers in their homes to sell any goods and services such as conservatories, double glazing, orthopaedic furniture and utility contracts.

The law has always provided a one week cooling off period when buying from salespeople whose visit has not been sought out by the homeowner. However, changes to the regulations mean that provided the transaction is for more than GBP35, consumers will now have a seven day period in which to cancel any agreement they enter into, regardless of whether they initiated the visit or not.

The new regulations also mean that doorstep sellers are required to inform customers in writing of their right to cancel.

The OFT's adverts will feature number 7 house signs from addresses across the UK to remind consumers of the seven day cancellation period, and will appear in local newspapers throughout October. In addition, leaflets will also be sent to vulnerable consumers in East of England, the Midlands, Scotland and Wales, as these areas have been identified as having the highest levels of doorstep selling.