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Ever bought stuff at home from someone who's called at the door?
Agreed to
change your
phone company at the door
then thought better of it? When you buy goods away from a
business building (e.g. a shop) you have bought via direct
selling.…
 What is direct selling?
Direct
selling is a method of selling products and services to consumer
by using
face-to-face contact.
It doesn’t rely on mail shots, product advertising or selling
within a shop. Independent salespeople call on consumers, often
in their homes to show and demonstrate products and get orders.
The order is then either delivered directly to the consumer or
through the salesperson.
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How is direct selling
done?
Person to
person is either when a catalogue is left with the customer and
then the order collected later, or when the product is
demonstrated in the home. Party Plan selling is where the
salesperson demonstrates products to a group of customers,
normally within a party atmosphere.
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What
products are sold by direct selling?
All sorts of
products are sold by direct selling from cosmetics to vacuum
cleaners.
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Who are the DSA?
The DSA or
Direct Selling Association is an organisation that direct
selling companies can belong to but they must follow the DSA’s
code of
practice.
The DSA was founded in 1965 and is still committed to
protect
consumers
by making sure direct selling is carried out in a good way.
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·
It requires
the company to use
fair selling
methods
·
Gives
consumers
rights to cancel
their orders
·
Provides
consumers with a
proper record
of any transaction.
·
Respects the
rights and
privacy
of a consumer
·
Demands the
seller tells their
identity
openly
For more
detailed information see the
DSA website.
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If you have
a complaint against a Direct Selling company that is a member of
the DSA for something they have done which you believe to be
unethical, illegal or a possible violation of the
Code of Practice
then the DSA recommends you try sort it out with the company
first and if you have no joy then complain in writing to the DSA
directly. Contact DSA.
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So Remember
· Always
ask for the salesperson to show I.D.
· Do
not pay in cash until you are 100% happy and have been given a proper
receipt.
· Beware
of verbal promises on prices and delivery. Check that terms are
clearly written in the company’s literature.
· Remember
that you have 14 days to cancel your order made with a DSA
member and get back any money you’ve paid.
· Ask
for company literature. The salesperson should carry information
about their products, proper order forms and receipts. The
literature should contain the company’s name, address, and
telephone number. Also look for the DSA logo.
· Do
not sign any order forms or contracts until you are 100% sure.
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