Information for traders about our no cold calling sticker scheme
We work closely with West Midlands Police and partners to help reduce rogue trading, which is sometimes linked to distraction burglary. One way involves educating residents on how to deal confidently and decisively with cold calling doorstep traders.
We are committed to protecting Coventry residents from being exploited by rogue traders and feeling pressurised on their doorstep to make decisions that they may not otherwise make.
Coventry's no cold calling sticker pack
We are giving residents the ability to choose whether to receive uninvited sales calls from traders. Residents who do not want to receive such visits are invited to get a notice to display on their front door or window to show that they do not welcome cold callers. We expect traders to respect the wishes of householders. If they do not, it is possible that the trader commits a criminal offence.
Why are we concerned about doorstep selling?
We recognise that businesses need to market their goods and services in order to survive and, hopefully, make a profit and we do not object to this at all.
Doorstep selling causes us particular concern for several reasons. Unfortunately for legitimate businesses, doorstep selling is a favoured approach for many rogue traders. Coventry does attract rogue traders who cold call and can take thousands of pounds from their victims for poor quality, unfinished and often unnecessary work
Our experience has been that it is extremely difficult for even the most conscientious and honest of businesses to police what their salesmen say and do on the doorstep when alone. The temptation of greater commission or bonuses can encourage salesmen to stretch the truth and put unreasonable pressure on consumers.
We also find that a number of consumers, particularly the most vulnerable, are fearful when cold called by doorstep salesmen. For some, this can lead to them feeling pressurised into making a decision they wouldn't normally take, even though the salesman may not have set out to put pressure on or mislead anyone.
We do not encourage doorstep selling, but we are not trying to ban it - just to give people a choice on whether to receive doorstep sales calls.