BBB Warns Against More Sales That Exploit Missouri Victims

I don't know when it happened, but over the years my family got wary of door to door salespeople.  You probably have, too.  We have a little sign on the bottom of our door that discourages soliciting.  I mean, if a kid doesn't see it and wants to ask if I'll buy some of his Boy Scout popcorn, I won't chase him off my property.

But in general, if you're trying to come to my door and sell me somethin, I ain't buyin.  It's not that there aren't legit salespeople out there.  But it can be hard to tell the difference between someone legit and a scammer.  Luckily for us, the Better Business Bureau has sent out a notice to be careful this time of year.

How do I know if a salesperson is from a real company?

I get it, that nice young lady seems like she's just trying to work her way through college. And she might be. You can suss out of she's legit pretty easily, though. Just ask her a few questions, like : Do you have a Peddler's License? Do you have some ID?

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In  Missouri, and specifically in Sedalia, a door to door salesperson is required to have a Transient/Itinerant Merchant and Peddlers License".  If they don't have one, or they don't know what that is, red flag. Also, have a look around - do they have a unmarked vehicle or a company vehicle? Do they have a uniform or are they in plain clothes? Do they have a business card or a company ID? If they don't have any of those, or they balk at showing some ID... red flag two. Pull out your phone, and check their info with the Better Business Bureau Business Profile.

How can I stay safe when talking to a salesperson?

This is very simple. Don't let anyone into your home. Talk to them at the door and only at the door. If they won't go or keep trying to get in, just tell them you'll call the police. And no matter what they say, if you DO invite them into your home, you have the legal right to ask them to leave at any time.

How can I avoid being pressured into a sale?

It's not rude of you to say no. The scripts they work with are designed to keep you talking, and the longer you talk, the friendlier you get, and the ruder it feels to say no to someone. But a real salesperson knows no means no. Don't sign anything on the spot. It can be a sales tactic to say you have to sign now or miss out. If it does sound like a legit company or service you might need, you're allowed to research and follow up later. Get everything in writing.

You absolutely can cancel.

The Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule gives a customer three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in their home or away from the seller’s permanent business location.

You can read more about the "Cooling Off Period" here.  They're also required to send you a receipt within three days if they don't have one on the spot, and if you decide to cancel, they have ten days to refund you.

Be careful out there, guys!

Recieptingly yours,
Behka