The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its latest Indigenous education film ‘Door to Door Sales’ to encourage consumers to use their rights when a salesperson knocks at their door.
“Like many Australians, Indigenous consumers may not be aware that the Australian Consumer Law protects them when sales people come knocking,” ACCC Northern Territory Regional Director Derek Farrell said.
“The film highlights that a salesperson must leave immediately when asked, they can’t pressure householders to sign contracts and if consumers do make a purchase, they have a ten day cooling off period. Consumers must also be given clear and accurate information about the offer and its price.”
“The ACCC also urges consumers to be especially careful about signing up to long-term deductions from their bank account, salary or benefits which may be more expensive than they first realised.”
The ACCC has recently taken court action against businesses that fail to comply with their obligations under the unsolicited selling provisions of the Australian Consumer Law. Last week, the Federal Court ordered AGL to pay $1.5 million for illegal door-to-door sales practices. AGL’s marketing company, CPM Australia, was ordered to pay $200,000.
In addition, the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement policy gives enforcement priority to consumer protection issues impacting on Indigenous consumers.
“This film reminds businesses that if they engage in door to door sales, they must adhere to strict obligations. The ACCC will continue to take action where appropriate to protect consumers, particularly those that are vulnerable,” Mr Farrell said.
The film is part of a pilot consumer protection initiative aimed at equipping Indigenous residents of remote communities with the information they need to use their rights. It will feature on the ‘ACCC – Your Rights Mob Tiwi Islands’ Facebook Page, a forum for consumers to report issues and interact directly with ACCC staff.
‘Door to Door Sales’ is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD-Me93vjnY.
Visit the ‘ACCC – Your Rights Mob Tiwi Islands’ Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ACCCTiwi
The Compliance and Enforcement policy is available at http://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/australian-competition-consumer-commission/compliance-enforcement-policy
The ACCC has produced a ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker to help consumers avoid unwanted door-to-door selling.
For further information, call the ACCC’s Indigenous Infoline on 1300 302 143.