An alert from the Better Business Bureau, they want people to be aware of aggressive door-to-door sales pitches. They expect a spike in door-to-door magazine sales here in Wichita.
“Bureaus in other states are starting to see this happen, and I think it's just a matter of time before we see it in a few weeks in our area,” said Robbie Namee of the Better Business Bureau.
“They play on your guilt. They play on your emotions as if they're not even hearing you say I'm not interested.”
The BBB offer tips to handle the situation. First they say stand strong.
“If you're not ready to buy, don't buy. Be firm. It's your money and you are in control of it and your information,” says Namee.
Namee says shut the door if they ignore your refusal. Second, they say verify the individual and the company.
“Maybe you only order one magazine and all of a sudden you're getting ten. It happens so just be very cautious of that.”
Her third tip is to know your rights. The BBB says they must have a door to door license to sell magazines to you in Wichita.
However the City of Wichita says that's not true. A person selling merchandise that will be delivered at a later date is not required to have a city license. The city says door to door sales people often get confused with street vendors, but the two fall under different rules.
“Just make sure you understand what you're signing up for, where your information's going, your check, and who you're buying from,” says Namee.
There is a three day cooling off rule which gives customers time to cancel purchases over $25 made in their home. Sales people should give you a receipt along with a completed cancellation form. By law the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of notice.
