The National Consumers League (NCL), with the support of an unrestricted educational grant from the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF), has created new educational materials to help consumers distinguish reputable door-to-door sales and charitable sales from dishonest companies. According to the nation’s oldest consumer organization, consumers are being preyed upon by companies operating traveling sales crews, and the public is often in danger from these strangers peddling in their neighborhoods. 

Click below to access PDF copies of the brochures:

Is This Job Right for You?

When a Door-to-Door Salesperson Comes Knocking

Salespeople in traveling sales crews have been arrested for committing serious crimes such as rape or murder, as well as stealing from their customers. More commonly, consumers make the following complaints about traveling sales crews: non-delivery of products or services, non-receipt of refunds when requested, incomplete receipts that make canceling orders or refunds impossible, overpriced goods, with products such as magazine subscriptions running at double or triple what a consumer would pay directly through the publisher. 

Many dishonest companies capitalize on the positive reputations of established door-to-door sales companies and the generous response of consumers in supporting charities. Salespeople may seem charming and friendly, offering a compelling sales pitch, or requesting support for a program to help keep kids off of drugs or to teach them about entrepreneurship. They may press residents to help them win a trip or prizes. These companies are traveling sales crews, because they quickly sweep in and out of neighborhoods. The companies recruit children, teenagers and young adults to sell products such as magazine subscriptions, cleaning supplies, and candy. They often falsely claim to support programs to help kids or raise money for charity, a religious institution, hospital, or local school.

NCL advises consumers to check that the company or charity is legitimate and do the following, before responding to their sales pitch. Be sure the seller:

• has a solicitor’s permit, if one is required in the city. Most non-reputable companies do not possess a local permit to sell.
• provides literature, which has the company or charity’s street address and other contact information.
• presents identification that shows the salesperson is affiliated with or a representative of the company, charity, or school.
• sets an appointment for another time to discuss their product, which will give you time to research the company or charity by contacting your Better Business Bureau or Attorney General’s office to see if there are complaints against the company/charity.  

“If you suspect a salesperson works in a traveling sales crew, don’t let them into your house and don’t buy,” advises Adkins.  “Call your local police with the name of the company and what is being sold.” 

If you believe you have been scammed, report it to your local police department. You also have the right to cancel an order of more than $25 up to three business days after making a purchase.