From today, anyone who buys goods or services in their own home from salespeople will receive extra protection - even if that person was invited into your home.
The new 'Doorstep Selling Regulations' mean that provided the transaction is for more than £35, consumers have a seven day period in which to cancel any agreement they enter into, regardless of whether they initiated the visit or not.
Previously, consumers were provided with a one week 'cooling off' period only when buying from 'cold-calling' salespeople.
The new regulations cover things like the selling of domestic energy, double-glazing, disability aids, conservatories, domestic appliances and some credit agreements.
Citizens Advice consumer affairs policy officer, Susan Marks, said "We are delighted that at long last, people finally have the clear cancellation rights we said were needed. For far too long doorstep selling has been an area in which unfair trading practices have thrived. We hope these new rights will help end public confusion and put a stop to dodgy doorstep sales across a wide range of goods and services, particularly those that exploit vulnerable elderly and disabled consumers.
"We would also urge anyone having problems to get advice immediately from their local Citizens' Advice Bureau. Your cancellation rights should be made clear in your paperwork, so if you can't see them, get advice straight away."
The launch of the new regulations will coincide with a publicity campaign from the Office of Fair Trading during October.
Click here to visit the Consumer Direct website for a full explanation of your rights including how to cancel an agreement under the new regulations.
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