The Greater Sudbury Police Service and the City of Greater Sudbury By-law office continue to receive calls about aggressive door-to-door salespersons, or salespersons not showing / possessing proper credentials which identify their company or confirm that they have a permit allowing them to canvass the Greater Sudbury area.
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Recent complaints refer to salespersons asking to assess water quality or check the status of the furnace / air conditioner, with the intentions of changing parts and / or getting homeowners to agree to a long-term rental agreement which ends up being costly over time. Others are offering the installation of home security systems.
Too often, the elderly and other vulnerable adults are targeted therefore their caregivers should remind them of the potential of becoming a victim. Everyone is well within their rights to refuse entry to door-to-door salesperson, and to tell them to leave the property immediately. If they fail to leave, they can be charged with trespassing.
Residents are reminded to be vigilant with people going door-to-door offering any type of service or sales. When any salesperson attends your residence uninvited, always ask for credentials of the company and identification from the salesperson. Be mindful that some of them will look professional and are very convincing. Unless you have called for a specific service provider, feel free to tell the individuals you are not interested in the services they are offering. You are also encouraged to call police when you observe suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.
Additional information:
Sales people have to have a photo ID license from the City to conduct door-to-door sales of any product or service.
Licensed door-to-door salespeople are required to obtain a Police Clearance to conduct business and cannot be operating before 8 am or after 9 pm.
Ask salespeople for their full company name, location and phone number. Ask them to leave a copy of the sales contract and any other product or warranty information for you to review carefully on your own – do not feel pressured to agree to a service or to sign any document until you get the opportunity to discuss it with someone you trust.
If you find someone conducting door-to-door sales without a license, call 3-1-1 and ask for the By-law Department or the Licensing Officer.
If you are not interested in hearing a sales presentation or purchasing an item, request that the salesperson leave your property and ask them to record your address on their “do not solicit” list. If the salesperson refuses to leave your property, call the police immediately.
The fine for conviction of the offence of conducting door-to-door sales without a license can be up to a maximum of $5,000 (By-law 2004-350).