Now that the warm weather has returned, the flyers left on my door and door-to-door sales people have come out of the woodwork.  The BBB regularly reminds consumers to do their homework before deciding to do business with any company, whether you’re going to them, or they’re coming to your door.  This time we’d like to offer some tips to the businesses that are coming to the doors of consumers in Utah.

• If you are going door-to-door in Utah it is very likely that you’ll be required to have a business license in each community.  Check with the city to see what licensing or registration is required.  Find out if there are limitations such as time-frames when you can go door-to-door, what “no soliciting” means (most cities have laws that you should not knock on that door!) if it is on the door and make sure you have an accurate map so you know what community you are walking in.

• Have some form of identification from the company you work for that you can show the consumer. 

• Don’t be offended if the person doesn’t open the door or if they tell you they aren’t interested.  I’m sure you’ve been told that not everyone will want to hear your pitch.

• If the customer says that they only have a certain amount of time to talk to you, please respect their schedule.  Arrange to come back if you can’t make your presentation in that short amount of time.

• Don’t pressure any consumer.  Treat the person as you would want to be treated.  If the consumer says no, don’t push them to accept the offer.  That’s when complaints are filed that sales people are pushy.  ‘No’ means ‘go away!’

• Tell the truth.  Only make claims that are true and can be substantiated.  The consumer should ask you to write down any claims not in the contract and initial those claims, so be honest.

• If you don’t feel good about what you’re telling the consumer, find another job.  Don’t say something you know isn’t true or verifiable.

Each year we receive hundreds of complaints from consumers who feel that they were pressured into signing a contract.  Make sure that you are not the sales person who gets that complaint against them.