Some San Diego County consumers say they were left feeling misled after signing contracts during in-home sales presentations.<\/p>\n
While the complaints involved different products and services, they shared several common factors. Each consumer was a senior citizen, the salesperson visited their home, the contract was signed on a digital device, and the consumer said they never received a copy of the agreement at the time of the sale.<\/p>\n
Most sales are completed without any problems. However, after receiving several similar complaints, NBC 7 Responds reviewed the situations to help consumers protect themselves and their older loved ones.<\/p>\n
One warning sign to watch for is language suggesting you have been “selected” to receive a product or service or that you must answer questions to see whether you “qualify.”<\/p>\n
Two consumers who contacted NBC 7 Responds said that wording led them to believe they were enrolling in a program sponsored by their local government. They later realized they had signed a commercial contract agreeing to pay thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n
Another concern involved how the contracts were presented.<\/p>\n
In each complaint, consumers said they were not given a paper copy of the contract. Instead, they were handed a phone or tablet and directed where to sign or initial. They said the screens were difficult to read and they did not have enough time to review the entire agreement.<\/p>\n
In two cases, consumers said their email addresses were entered incorrectly, preventing them from receiving a digital copy of the contract in time to cancel.<\/p>\n
Here are some tips to consider before signing any agreement during an in-home sales visit:<\/p>\n
Do not sign anything until you have had enough time to read it.<\/p>\n
Ask the salesperson to leave a paper copy or email you the paperwork so you can review it before making a decision.<\/p>\n
Do not feel pressured by claims that the price is only available that day. Reputable companies should be willing to return if you need more time.<\/p>\n
Door-to-door sales rules<\/p>\n
There are local laws that people selling goods and services door-to-door must follow.<\/p>\n
In most cases, non-profit and religious organizations do not have to apply for permits or pay fees to go door-to-door. And in many cases, students selling items for school fundraisers are exempt as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Click on the links below to read the full municipal code for your city.<\/p>\n
Carlsbad<\/a><\/p>\n Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (9:00 pm during daylight saving)<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n Chula Vista<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors are required to obtain a business license, as well as register with the Chief of Police and obtain an ID card<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n City of San Diego<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors are required to register with the San Diego Police Department and obtain an ID card which must be displayed \u201con the front of their person\u201d<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least \u00bd inch in height.)<\/p>\n Solicitors must immediately and peacefully leave when requested to do so<\/p>\n Allowed between 9:00 am – 8:00 pm<\/p>\n Coronado<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a permit from the city<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n Del Mar<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors are required to show you a photo ID card if you ask, and a current letter issued and signed by the City of Del Mar<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n El Cajon<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors are required to be licensed by the city<\/p>\n Encinitas<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a permit from the city<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)<\/p>\n Allowed between 9:00 am – 6:00 pm<\/p>\n Escondido<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a Business License permit from the city<\/p>\n Imperial Beach<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a license from the city, and carry the ID card issued to them<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n La Mesa<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a license from the city<\/p>\n Allowed between 9:00 am – 8:00 pm<\/p>\n Lemon Grove<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a permit and ID card from the city<\/p>\n Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen<\/p>\n Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)<\/p>\n National City<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must carry:<\/p>\n A copy of a current business tax license<\/p>\n A letter of identification from the employer authorizing the solicitor to represent the employer<\/p>\n A photo ID<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n Must leave immediately if requested to do so<\/p>\n Oceanside<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a license and ID card from the city<\/p>\n Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n Poway<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a permit and ID card from the city<\/p>\n Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen<\/p>\n Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)<\/p>\n San Marcos<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a permit and ID card from the city<\/p>\n Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen<\/p>\n Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)<\/p>\n Santee<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a business license and permit from the city<\/p>\n Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen<\/p>\n Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n Solana Beach<\/a><\/p>\n Solicitors must obtain a business license and ID card from the city<\/p>\n Not allowed if a sign such as \u201cno solicitors\u201d is posted<\/p>\n