Say no to uninvited sales people

Up and down the country the better weather often sees people going door-to-door offering to do work on buildings, paths, driveways and gardens – but Orkney Islands Council’s trading standards department is reminding householders that doorstep calls from uninvited sales people probably won’t result in great bargains.

In many cases they lead to complaints about high-pressure selling of over-priced and poor quality goods or services – which are very often not needed, wanted, or planned.

For anyone looking to get work done on, or around, their property, trading standards advice is:

• Ask friends and family if they can recommend a good contractor.
• Compare prices from more than one trader.
• Consider how easy it would be to contact the trader if things go wrong.
• Make sure you have a written contract, detailing the work to be done and the price.

If in any doubt as to a trader’s sales practices contact trading standards on 873535 or e-mail trading.standards@orkney.gov.uk