The Minister for Consumer Protection, Nick McKim today announced the release of a free ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker that aims to dramatically reduce the number of unwanted visits from sales people.
Mr McKim said many people object to being interrupted at home by unsolicited sales people, and will welcome this initiative by Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading.
“If you have a Do Not Knock sticker clearly displayed on the front of your house, and a salesperson subsequently knocks on your door, you should complain about their conduct,” Mr McKim said.
“Record as much information as you can about the salesperson and then send a letter of complaint to the company employing them, as well as writing to Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading.
“Templates for both of these letters are available on the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading website to assist.”
Mr McKim said Consumer Affairs would assess the information provided to determine if a breach of the direct selling provisions of the Australian Consumer Law had occurred and, if appropriate, will initiate enforcement action.
Mr McKim said that the Tasmanian initiative complements a national campaign recently launched by the Consumer Action Law Centre who are distributing thousands of similar stickers nationally and lobbying government to amend the laws relating to unsolicited door to door selling.
Do Not Knock stickers are available free of charge at all Service Tasmania outlets or by phoning 1300 654 499.
Sample template letters of complaint are available on the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading website at www.consumer.tas.gov.au