As the weather warms up householders often start thinking about getting their homes ready for some outdoor entertaining with a new paint job or general tidy up.
This is also the time of year that travelling salespeople start approaching householders and businesses. There has been a report of advertising for roof painting being placed around Bunbury, so Consumer Protection is reminding all consumers to be aware of their rights.
Consumer Protection Commissioner David Hillyard said anyone considering expensive work for projects such as roof painting should shop around for quotes and use reputable local tradespeople.
“Travelling salespeople often use high pressure tactics to make their deal and can charge exorbitant rates for sometimes sub-standard work,” he said.
“We urge consumers to be aware of their right to a cooling off period when they receive an uninvited approach from a tradesperson.
“Consumer laws require uninvited door to door ‘itinerant’ traders to provide a copy of the agreement and they must allow a 10 business day cooling off period for jobs worth more than $100, during which time they are not allowed to accept any payments or carry out any work.
“Even if consumers have invited a tradesperson to their home to provide a quote, the cooling off period still applies.
“And if consumers do agree to have work done, we recommend they use a credit card to pay as there is the possibility of getting a chargeback if the work is not completed.”
To report any suspicious activities by travelling salespeople, call Consumer Protection on 1300 304 054 or email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au. Information including descriptions of the offenders, vehicle registration numbers and business names will assist in investigating the matter.
Consumers should also ask to see a painter’s registration before agreeing to have major painting work carried out at their property. You can check if a registration is required and whether a painter is registered on the Building Commission website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/paintersearch.
