Door-to-door sales schemes are continuing to cost Washington residents significant money, according to new Better Business Bureau data that highlights a rise in
Door-to-door sales schemes are continuing to cost Washington residents significant money, according to new Better Business Bureau data that highlights a rise in reports of misleading and high-pressure tactics.
Washington customers have reported to the BBB more than 150 instances of door-to-door salespeople deliberately misleading and tricking people into signing a contract or handing over money, resulting in nearly $1 million in losses over the last two years.
While the BBB said all age groups are affected, the majority of people who reported losing money were 65 or older.
Cameron Nakashima of the Better Business Bureau said the BBB has also received reports of aggressive sales tactics and pressure to sign contracts that mislead customers, even as many legitimate services are offered by door-to-door salespeople.
A file image of the front door of a home. (KOMO)These situations often begin with a knock at the door and a pitch that the salesperson is already working nearby or noticed a problem with a roof, chimney, driveway, or another part of the home, BBB said.
What starts as a small offer can quickly escalate into an urgent-sounding and expensive project.
In other cases, including pest control, consumers have told the BBB they believed they were only signing up for services that day, without realizing they were being locked into a year of services that could be costly to get out of.
The BBB said a key issue is that consumers are making binding agreements on the spot, sometimes signing contracts presented on a door-to-door salesperson’s iPad without reading or having a real opportunity to review the terms first.
The BBB recommends residents avoid making immediate decisions when a salesperson shows up unexpectedly. Instead, consumers should ask for the salesperson’s name, company information, contractor license, and a written description of the work, then verify the information after the person leaves.
The BBB also advises against letting an unexpected visitor diagnose a costly problem and begin work the same day. Consumers should get another opinion and compare written estimates from businesses they researched themselves. The BBB said its get-a-quote tool can help people request several quotes at once from trusted businesses near them.
Before signing anything, the BBB recommends asking directly, “What exactly am I signing?” If the contract is presented on a phone or tablet, consumers should request the complete agreement by email, PDF, or paper and review the total price, contract length, recurring charges, and any cancellation fees.
More consumer tips are available at BBB.org.
