Spring 2004
Buyer's Beware
Often with warmer weather, comes a plague of
unexpected guests, pests and the ubiquitous door to
door canvassers and salespeople. Men, women, and
children hawking everything from candies to driveway
repairs, home improvements and security systems, will
be making the rounds.
Most of these door to door sales pitches are
legitimate. There are, however, many that are not.
Every year Police departments receive a number of
calls from residents who have paid or given deposits
for products or home improvements. The work and goods
they receive, if they get any at all, is often
substandard. The salesman or contractor is never to be
seen again.
The
City of Brockton has an Ordinance the forbids door to
door sales with out an appointment with the occupant
whether it's to a residence or business.
Solicitors and Canvassers are requires to have a
permit issued by the Brockton Police and must display
this permit with the attached picture visible at all
times. This permit must be renewed daily with the
police department.
Buyer Beware!! This rule applies more than ever in
dealing with door to door canvassers and sales people.
·
Ask for identification.
· Make
sure you are dealing with a legitimate company. Ask
for the companies address and phone number. Check in
a phone book to see if it exists.
· Ask
for references or names of two or more previous
customers and check with them.
· For
home improvements get estimates from other companies
or contractors.
· Do
not be rushed. Legitimate sales people will allow you
time to check their claims.
· Be
wary of people offering the 'free inspection'. They
may be checking out your home for a visit later, when
you're not there.
It
is unfortunate that unscrupulous operators have
polluted the market place, we urge everyone to do
their homework before parting with their hard earned
cash. If a deal sounds to good to be true, it probably
is.
Trust your instincts
If
you are the least bit suspicious or uncomfortable with
a deal DO NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT, DO NOT LEAVE A
DEPOSIT AND NEVER PAY IN ADVANCE. |
