Doorstep Sales Terms of Business
In many sectors, doorstep selling is a popular method for promoting and selling goods. In many cases, this form of selling is both convenient and effective for both traders and consumers.
The Doorstep Selling Terms of Business in this subfolder ensure that both traders and consumers are aware of their rights and obligations under the law, promoting successful, trouble-free transactions. Each version of the Doorstep Selling Terms of Business caters for a different type of transaction.
- General Doorstep Sale of Goods Terms of Business
- General Doorstep Sale of Services Terms of Business
- Doorstep Sale of Goods & Installation Services Terms of Business
- Doorstep Sale of Goods + Consumables Terms of Business
- Doorstep Sale of Goods + Perishables Terms of Business
- Doorstep Sale of Variable Priced Goods Terms of Business
- Doorstep Selling Regulations Information
Doorstep Sales Terms of Business is part of Business . Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Business for 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do customers have the right to cancel a doorstep sale?
Yes. For off-premises sales the consumer can cancel within 14 days without giving a reason and get a refund, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. The period generally runs from the day after delivery of goods. You must tell the customer about this right and how to use it, and provide a cancellation form. The doorstep terms in this sub-folder include the cancellation information you are required to give.
I sell to customers in their homes. What are my legal obligations?
Sales made in a consumer's home or away from your business premises are off-premises contracts under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. You must give the consumer set pre-contract information, including a right to cancel within 14 days, and provide a cancellation notice. Failing to give the required information is a criminal offence for off-premises sales. These doorstep selling terms are built to meet those duties.
What happens if I do not tell a doorstep customer about their cancellation rights?
Two things. First, the 14-day cancellation period is extended by up to 12 months, so the customer can cancel long after the sale. Second, for off-premises sales failing to give the required information is a criminal offence, not just a civil matter. So skipping the cancellation notice exposes you to both a long-running right to cancel and prosecution. The doorstep terms here are designed to give the information correctly the first time.
Can a customer who has asked for urgent work still cancel within 14 days?
They can still cancel, but if they asked you in writing to start urgent repair or maintenance within the cancellation period you can charge for work already done. For most other services begun at the consumer's express request during the period, you can recover a proportionate amount for what you have supplied if they then cancel. Made-to-order or clearly personalised goods are outside the cancellation right altogether. The doorstep terms address these situations.
Does the cancellation right apply to every doorstep sale?
Almost, but not the smallest ones. Off-premises contracts where the consumer pays 42 pounds or less are outside the information and cancellation rules, though the rules on extra charges, delivery and risk still apply. Certain goods, such as bespoke or clearly personalised items and perishable goods, are also excluded from the cancellation right. For a typical doorstep sale above that low-value line, the 14-day right applies and you must give the cancellation information.