Submitted
by Lancashire Trading Standards Service
Residents
are alerted to concerns about a high pressure sales team
selling carpet cleaners.
The
company is contacting residents and offering to clean
carpets for free in return for comments on the cleaning
performance. However, once in the house to provide this
free service, the salesmen refuse to leave until they
have sold one of the cleaners. In one house they stayed
for over two hours until the sale was finally agreed.
They
are believed to be targeting elderly and vulnerable consumers
with hard line sales techniques.
Be
warned that if you or your neighbours deal with this company
you may end up paying £2000 for an unwanted vacuum
cleaner.
We
advise residents never to deal with cold callers.
Anyone
who does deal with a tradesman who cold-calls will have
a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed
to, or any purchases made over £35, although if
the trader has already begun to carry out any job when
you cancel, you may have to pay for the work carried out
so far.
Also
be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against
the consumer unless information about this right to cancel
is given in writing.
Please
refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service,
56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct
tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary
contact the police at once.
