Saskatchewan consumer affairs warn of door-to-door sellers after incident

The logo for Saskatchewan's Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA). (Source: fcaa.gov.sk.ca/)

Saskatchewan’s consumer protection agency is warning residents of unlicensed door-to-door sellers after an incident in a rural community.

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) says an incident recently occurred in the Rosetown area involving an unlicensed door-to-door seller offering paving services.

“Saskatchewan residents are reminded to only deal with door-to-door sellers licensed by the FCAA,” the agency said in a news release.

If residents should choose to utilize door-to-door sellers, the FCAA says you should keep these tips in mind:

• Ask to see a copy of their license and verify the listing on FCAA411
• Read the contract (and fine print) carefully
• Ask questions if you don’t understand something
• Do not feel pressured into an immediate purchase
• Keep down payments to a minimum
• Never hand over a blank cheque
• Avoid paying in cash or agreeing to service without documentation

Check the seller’s rating and customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau directory or call 1-888-352-7601.

The FCAA also reminds consumers of their rights concerning door-to-door sales.

• All contracts must be in writing unless the sale is less than $100
• All direct sales contracts must include a statement of cancellation rights
• All consumers have 10 days to cancel a contract without needing to provide a reason
• If a contract is cancelled, the vendor must refund all money received under the contract within 15 days of the cancellation

More information can be found on the FCAA website.