Door-to-door sales

What is door-to-door sales?

Door-to-door sales mean trading at the consumer’s home or elsewhere outside the trader’s business premises.

The agreement can be made at the initiative of either the trader or the consumer.

Examples of door-to-door sales:

• The trader comes to the consumer’s door to sell goods or services, and the contract is made in the consumer’s home.
• The trader approaches the consumer in person on the street to offer goods and the contract is concluded immediately after this, for example on the trader’s premises, by telephone or by e-mail
• Parties organised in private homes, where the trader sells homeware, clothes or similar.
• An introductory visit or trip organised by the trader to a destination where the consumer is invited to purchase goods or services.

The following examples are not regarded as door-to-door sales:

• a sale where the total price of the product(s) is less than EUR 30.
• a visit paid to the consumer’s home by the trader only to examine the site or take measurements if no contract is concluded on this visit.
• regular bus services offered by the trader, for example from the city centre to the trader’s shop.

Checklist – How to avoid problems in door-to-door sales

1. You decide!
   • Remember that you have the right to decide who enters your home. Refuse the trader’s visit if they do not identify themselves reliably.
2. No obligation to buy
   • You can always say “no.”
   • Even if the trader has spent a lot of time presenting their product, you can ask for time to compare products before making a decision.
3. Read the contract terms carefully
   • Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement. You can also negotiate the terms.
   • If the agreement concerns a service, it may include a clause allowing you to request that the service begins before the 14-day withdrawal period ends. The trader may also propose this separately.
     • If you agree to start the service immediately, you also agree that you lose your right of withdrawal once the service has been fully performed.
     • Before requesting a quick start, consider whether it is necessary. Can the service wait so that you retain your right to cancel within 14 days? Accepting an immediate start may mean you cannot change your mind later.
4. Do not pay before receiving the product
   • Agree to pay only after you have received the product.
5. Check the documents before concluding the agreement
   • Make sure you receive written information on paper or another durable medium, such as:
     • The main characteristics of the goods or services
     • The total price including taxes and any delivery or other costs
     • The conditions of the right of withdrawal and instructions on how to use it
     • A withdrawal form
   • Ensure you receive an order confirmation after the purchase.