Unsolicited trading (door-to-door and telemarketing)
While it is now less common for salespeople to physically go from door to door selling goods and services, unsolicited selling has not disappeared. Instead, telephone sales have become a common way for businesses to approach consumers directly.
Consumers may receive calls offering a wide range of goods and services, such as telecommunications or energy plans, insurance, subscriptions, home services or other products. These calls may come from the business itself or from a salesperson or call centre acting on its behalf.
Like door-to-door sales, telephone sales can sometimes involve high-pressure sales techniques or encourage consumers to make a decision quickly. It is important to remember that consumers have rights when they are contacted unexpectedly by a salesperson, including protections under the Australian Consumer Law that apply to certain unsolicited consumer agreements.
These forms of unsolicited trading are covered by part 3-2 of the Australian Consumer Law.
The following fact sheets provide tips and advice on your rights when considering dealing with door to door traders or telemarketers.
If you wish to exercise your right to cancel an unsolicited consumer agreement, print the attached ‘Cancellation Notice’ and forward the completed form to the trader. Don't forget to keep a copy in a safe place.
NT Consumer Affairs provides Do Not Knock stickers that consumers can display prominently on or near the entrance to their home. The stickers are designed to clearly tell salespeople that unsolicited sales visits are not welcome. They can be particularly useful for people who do not want to deal with unexpected sales approaches or feel pressured into discussing or purchasing goods and services at their door.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, salespeople making unsolicited approaches must respect a clear request to leave a property and must not return for a specified period. Displaying a Do Not Knock sticker provides a clear indication that unsolicited salespeople are not invited to approach the household. Consumers who believe a salesperson has ignored a Do Not Knock notice or has used inappropriate or high-pressure sales tactics can contact NT Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319 for information and advice.
Download the Do Not Knock sticker graphics here or call NT Consumer Affairs and we can mail out a sticker to you.