Say No to Door knockers!

Winter generally means home owners get a reprieve from the barrage of Door to Door marketer’s aka Door knockers, that interrupt evenings with offers to replace Hot Water Tanks, sell cheaper energy or provide Free Alarm Systems.

So should you buy from somebody that knocks on your door at dusk…unannounced?  The answer of course is NO!  Be aware that the Door knockers are persistent and insistent. They are a force to be reckoned with. The perfect candidate for a door knocker is a homeowner that is trusting of strangers and willing to let them in the door.  They are trained to keep pushing until you say no at least 9 times! And while they are busier in the summer months, even in winter you can find them in neighborhoods all across the GTA.

Some are not salespeople at all. They’re just impersonators trying to find out about any existing alarm system you have. They may ask to come inside to inspect your home. What they’re really doing is casing it for a possible burglary.

Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau regarding Doorknockers.

1. Don’t let a stranger in your home. No matter how persistent or nice they may seem, don’t let the salesperson through the door. Thieves are known to pose as salesmen to case a house they may be planning to burglarize.  You can never be sure who this person is, and whether they are even representing a company.

2. Ask the salesperson for written material about the company and let him or her know you are going research the company before making a purchase. Check the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org. and do a google search about complaints and service history.

3. Never show or give a copy of your alarm contract, statement, or energy bill to a doorknocker.

4. If you decide to make a purchase, (which we highly discourage) ask for a dated cancellation form and a dated receipt. Note: The Consumer Act In Ontario allows for a “Cooling-Off” period.  The law gives buyers a 10-business-day period to cancel a purchase.

Home PROTECTION PLUS ® does not recommend letting any door to door solicitor into you’re your home. Be wary of opening the door to strangers, and teach your children about when it is safe to open doors.  If you are interested in a new service we recommend you research companies first and then contact the chosen companies to schedule an appointment for a professional to visit your home.

Remember the golden rule. “If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is”. Do not be pressured into signing any contracts etc with the promise of great savings. If the offering is legitimate, it will still be available AFTER you have time to think about it and investigate.

Exercise great caution at all times.