Reputable traders should also make it clear immediately if they are selling something. If you decide to buy what they are selling, they should also provide you with written information about cooling-off periods and your cancellation rights (see below for more).
If the trader is reputable, you shouldn't feel under any pressure to buy something and you shouldn't be expected to make a decision there and then. What's more, if you ask the trader to leave, they must do so.
If you buy something from your local high street shop, it pays to know your online shopping rights if something goes wrong with your purchase.
Thankfully, there are also regulations that protect you when you buy goods or services from a trader on the doorstep or in the home (yours or someone else's), at your place of work, or when you buy from a trader on an excursion they have arranged away from their business premises.
These regulations aim to protect anyone who may have entered into an agreement under pressure. Providing your purchase cost more than £35, under the regulations you have seven days to cancel the contract - this is known as the ‘cooling-off period'. This applies whether or not you invited a trader into your home.
The trader must advise you in writing that you can cancel the contract within this seven-day period. If they do not do this, the trader can't hold you to anything - even if you have paid a deposit. The written notice should also include a cancellation form.
If, once you've agreed to a buy something, you decide to cancel during this cooling-off period, you can either fill in the cancellation form or write to or email the trader. You must do this within the seven day period - the cancellation comes into force the day you send your letter or email, not the day the trader receives it.
You should also keep proof of the cancellation - so if you are sending a letter, it's a good idea to send it by recorded delivery and keep the delivery slip as well as a copy of your cancellation. If you send an email, keep a copy of the email.
As soon as you have cancelled the contract, the trader should return any money you've paid, including your deposit. Any credit-related agreement will also be cancelled.
Who to contact
And finally, if you have a complaint about a product or service, you can call contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
If you think that there are rogue traders are operating in your area, call your local police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111. And, if you have been a victim of a rogue trader, contact your local Trading Standards office - visit the Trading Standards website and use their postcode finder to find your nearest office.
