Doorstep Selling

Fiona Bruce MP supports campaign on doorstep selling

In order to help protect vulnerable people in their homes Fiona Bruce MP is supporting the Office of Fair Trading’s Summer Doorstep Selling campaign, empowering local residents to deal with untoward doorstep sellers. 

Research conducted on behalf of the Office of Fair Trading highlights the elderly as being particularly at risk of doorstep selling scams. One in five people over the age of 70 who were interviewed admitted to not being confident in deciding whether to employ a tradesperson and a fifth of those questioned couldn’t see through pressure sales tactics such as having to pay cash in advance or having to make a quick decision to get a good deal.^[1]

Fiona Bruce MP says: “While, of course, by no means all doorstep sellers are dishonest, unlawful traders can be unscrupulous and use a range of persuasive tactics to sell seemingly irresistible offers to unsuspecting and often vulnerable people in their homes.  I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches.  No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision. I have been delivering cards for constituents to put in their window discouraging cold callers and giving advice on dealing with doorstep sellers and hope to deliver a number more across the constituency over the coming weeks. Any resident wanting such a card should contact my office on 01260 274044.”

The OFT offers the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

Ten Top Tips

Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep

Many people who sell things on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.

1. Don’t sign on the spot

Don’t feel pressured to agree on the spot- if you are interested in what they are selling, you can ask them to come back at another time that is more convenient for you, maybe when you have someone else with you or you’ve shopped around.

2. Check the trader’s identity

Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine. Don’t use the number on their card. Check if the trader is a member of a reputable trade body, like the Direct Selling Association, whose members should ensure their salespeople sell responsibly.

3. Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home

Don't get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling techniques. Don’t be hurried into a decision even if there is a discount. The discount might be on a price that is too high in the first place.

4. Always shop around for the best price

Check with other companies offering the same product first. Make sure the price and product is right for you.

5. Read the small print

Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights. It’s best to ask salespeople to call back so you can do this in your own time – don’t be rushed into signing before you feel ready.

6. Double check the facts

Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction – including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing, such as the guarantees or warranties. Only agree to make a purchase once you’re entirely satisfied that the transaction is acceptable.

7. Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion

Take the time to talk to someone you trust – for example your family, a friend or carer – before you sign anything.

8. Don’t hand over a cash deposit

Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this (even if they need materials). Never agree to go with a trader to the bank to take money out.

9. Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away

If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.

10. Trust your instincts

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

And finally ... it’s OK to say no

Remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. If you feel pressured for any reason ask the person to leave.

If in doubt, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06

---

[1] SPA Future Thinking Doorstep Selling Research 2011 – 670 face-to-face interviews were conducted with respondents aged 70+.  Locations were spread across Great Britain.  Interviewing was conducted from 25^th – 30^th November 2011.

Alsager Station Mural

Fiona Bruce MP visits Alsager Station’s commemorative mural

The Friends of Alsager Station invited Fiona Bruce MP to visit the new mural at the Station to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee year containing scenes of Alsager life through the ages including Milton Gardens, the market and The Mere. It also depicts the changing life of the Station itself with a beautiful sepia picture of an old steam engine contrasting the brightly coloured modern day train that now operates on the line.

Fiona Bruce said “Alsager Station improves every time I am there. This is down to the sustained and committed work of the Friends of Alsager Station and the addition of this mural this year adds yet another element of local colour to the station, making it a most inviting point to start a journey and a particularly welcoming entrance to Alsager for visitors.”

The Friends of Alsager Station have already cultivated extensive elements of the banks along the line to the nearside of the town and are planning to extend work on the far side.

Sunday Trading Hours

Fiona Bruce MP raises local concerns about Sunday Trading Hours in Parliament

On Tuesday 18^th September Fiona Bruce MP spoke out in Parliament against any change in the law governing Sunday Trading. Following the temporary extension of Sunday Trading Hours during the Olympic and Paralympic period, Fiona Bruce MP requested assurance from the Minister responsible that this extension will not be treated as a ‘test period’ for permanent changes in the law.

Fiona Bruce MP said:

“When the temporary change in the law was introduced in April, the Government gave clear assurance that this was not a trial for a permanent change in the law. I was therefore deeply concerned by reports in the press which called for MPs to make this temporary change permanent and, as a result, took the first available opportunity to voice my concerns in Parliament.

I believe designated rest periods are crucial for our health and wellbeing as well as for our relationships with family and friends. After speaking to retailers in Cheshire it became clear that this was the view of many of my Constituents too. I will continue to vigorously oppose any change in the law.”

Sandbach Pub named CAMRA Champion Pub of Cheshire

Fiona Bruce MP congratulates the CAMRA Champion Pub of Cheshire

Fiona Bruce MP visited The Lower Chequers Inn on the cobbles of Sandbach this weekend to congratulate its owners, James Mason and Elizabeth Cooke, on being named CAMRA Champion Pub of Cheshire.

Fiona Bruce said “The Lower Chequers is a lovely pub in a beautiful spot in town and its award is thoroughly deserved, I’m so pleased I was able to visit and congratulate James and Elizabeth and their staff on their success.”

Elizabeth and James said “We are thrilled, for such a small pub, to have gone from difficult circumstances only two and a half years ago to Cheshire Pub of the Year is fantastic.  It is like a lifetime achievement in only two and a half years. We had a fantastic weekend with the events in the town and the sunshine topping it off.  It was lovely that Fiona was able to pop in and brilliant that she was so interested in what we do. We are a traditional pub, we don’t serve shots or play loud music, it’s a place where people can come and have a drink and chat together.”

The Lower Chequers is in the oldest building in Sandbach and is a very traditional family pub with dogs and children welcome.

Sandbach Today

Fiona Bruce MP attends Sandbach Today

Fiona Bruce MP attended Sandbach Today, this year organised by Sandbach Partnership, led by Dot Flint, and said:

“Once again Sandbach Today showcased the strength and depth of community groups in Sandbach.  It was a privilege to jointly open the event with Deputy Mayor Mike Benson and thanks all those involved for their enduring hard work and commitment throughout the year.”

Fiona continued:

“I was particularly impressed this year at how the number of new groups are developing – Sandbach Today this year saw the launch of a new group ‘Friends of Sandbach Station’ and the innovative ideas put forward for people to consider e.g. ‘Friends of Elworth Park’ for improving the park facilities there were exciting to see. It was also great fun to see the flower, fruit and vegetables grown by the ‘Sandbach Allotment’ Society’ – including some potential prize winners!”

Congleton Museum celebrates its volunteers

Fiona Bruce MP delighted at Middlewich Incinerator decision

On hearing today that the application for the Covanta Incinerator at Middlewich has been rejected Fiona Bruce MP said

“This is absolutely the right decision and a vindication of all the hard work which so many local people have put in to argue and fight against this proposal.  The Middlewich community has done itself proud in standing together, fighting and winning, against an American multi-national. I am delighted – especially as this is the first really big battle it has been my privilege to fight for constituents as their MP– both locally and within Parliament. I also wish to pay tribute to CHAIN who worked tirelessly in this campaign and their efforts will have done much to achieve this result.”