Clinton News Record, 2016-05-04, Page 11Wednesday, May 4, 2016 • News Record 11
Beware high pressure door-to-door sales agents
Every year when the
weather warms up, Huron
County Ontario Provincial
Police (OPP) sees an influx
in calls for service related to
suspicious door-to-door
sales agents. Whether it be
an "Energy Advisor"
requesting to see your hot
water tank or an out of town
paving crew that has some
"left -over" asphalt at a bar-
gain price, you need to be on
your game if you answer the
door.
Here are some tips to pro-
tect yourself when the next
door-to-door salesperson
shows up at your doorstep.
• Ask for identifica-
tion. Reputable companies
use photo ID. Don't let the
salesperson start their pitch
until you have seen photo
ID. Get the name of the
business and the name of
the salesperson. Search
online and complete Better
Business Bureau checks on
the company. If they don't
have identification with
them they are likely scam
artists.
• Get the info in writing. Ask
about the rental fees, installa-
tion, repair and extra service
charges. Review the warran-
ties and insist on getting the
details in writing. Keep copies
of this information. Get a
detailed written esti-
mate. Once you have a written
estimate, the supplier cannot
charge you more than 10%
above the quote unless you
ask them to do more work. A
contractor that fails to provide
paperwork such as estimates,
contracts, professional
licenses, permits and invoices
is quite likely a scammer.
• Don't sign on the
spot. If the salesperson
pressures you to sign on the
spot, don't. Shut the door
or insist that you need
additional time to read and
understand the agree-
ment. Reputable salespeo-
ple will carry brochures
about their products or ser-
vices. A "deal" is never only
good for that visit. Take
your time and do your
homework.
• Be wary of down pay-
ments. If a deposit is
required, keep it to a mini-
mum. Ten percent should
be adequate in most
cases. Never pay the full
amount of the contract
before the work is all done.
Remember, legitimate home
renovation companies have
enough credit to buy the
materials they need to com-
plete the job.
• Be wary of things that
seem too good to be true. Be
cautious of a price that is well
below the industry standard.
It could be a sign of lower -
quality work or you may see
higher charges later. Be care-
ful with suppliers that offer to
do the work without charging
tax or demanding to be paid
in cash. Sometimes this is a
sign of unprofessional work
and if you have a dispute over
terms of payment you may
find yourself unable to
enforce your agreement.
• Don't give out personal
information. There is a chance
the stranger at the door is
"fishing" for information that
could be used for illegitimate
purposes. Remember, they
are at your door trying to pro-
vide information about a
product, do not give up per-
sonal information about your-
self or your property.
• Understand the agree-
ment. How long does the
agreement last? Are there any
other costs other than the
monthly rental? Are there any
fees if you cancel the agree-
ment? Will the company
renew the rental agreement
without your prior written
consent?
• Know Your Consumer
Rights. The Ontario Con-
sumer Protection Act protects
people who enter into rental
contracts from door to door
salespeople. You are entitled
to a 10 day cooling off period
to change your mind and opt -
out of any contract you
sign. All charges within the
contract must be exactly as
they are stated. For example, a
company is not allowed to
add a surcharge that is not
noted unless it is a tax.
• You do not have to let a
salesperson inside your
home. You have every right to
ask anyone to leave your
property. If they do not leave,
call the police. An unwanted
person in your home or on
your property can be
removed, arrested if neces-
sary, and charged under the
Trespass to Property Act.
Please follow and share
these tips with family mem-
bers that may be vulnerable.
Remember, reputable sales
agents and companies com-
ply with the law. If you believe
the business or salesperson
made a false, misleading or
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS!
DEADLINES
Our Weekly Deadlines are as follows:
ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL
Friday @ 2:00 pm
Clinton
e
Nws Record
www.clintonnewsrecord.com
53 Albert St. S, Clinton
PH: 519-482-3443
POSTMEDIA
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm
CLOSED TUESDAYS
deceptive statement you may
have further remedies under
the Consumer Protection Act.
Further information can be
found at www.ontario.ca/
ConsumerServices.
If you encounter a suspicious
sales agent at your door please
use this information to keep
your money in your pocket.
Should you have any concems
or questions about a recent sus-
picious door-to-door sales
agent or transaction, you may
call Huron County OPP at
1-888-310-1122.
given .&w
9Ctal, .93i4thclag
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Clinton United Church, 105 Ontario St., Clinton
Luncheon open to all 11:30 a.m.
Open house to follow until 3:00 p.m.
More information call 519-525-8007
,i;i,A.C.entrai Huron
FACADE GRANT PROGRAM
The Municipality of Central Huron is pleased to announce their annual
Central Huron Facade Grant Program. The Program includes facade
improvements for properties in Central Huron that are assessed as
Commercial for taxation purposes. The Municipality has set aside
funds to assist property owners in the expansion or improvement of
the building facade or signage.
The proposed facade improvement must meet the specific property
criteria outlined in the "Facade Improvement Concept" and enhance
the "cosmetic" appeal of the structure from a streetscape viewpoint.
Deadline
Applications must be received by the undersigned by 4:00 p.m.
Friday, May 20, 2016. Questions or comments may be directed to the
Municipal office at 519-482-3997.
"Central Huron Facade Grant Program"
Attention: Brenda Maclsaac, Clerk
Municipality of Central Huron
P.O. Box 400, 23 Albert Street
Clinton, Ontario NOM 1 LO
info@centralhuron.com Fax: (519) 482-9183
The Municipality reserves the right to fund projects
as deemed appropriate.
www.centralhuron.com