Beware of door-to-door sales people in St. Marys; how to handle the situation
ST. MARYS (KSNT) - The St. Marys Police Department is asking its residents to remain vigilant as door-to-door sellers have been reported in the area.
St. Marys Police Chief Derek Cid says in a press release there have been multiple reports of door-to-door sellers in the area. The city currently does not have an ordinance that prohibits door-to-door selling, and it does not require permits.
Also, there is no state law prohibiting door-to-door sales, according to the Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach's website. The Kansas Consumer Protection Act has created some rules that those participating in door-to-door sales must follow. Below is a list of those rules:
- High-pressure sales pitches or creating intimidating situations are prohibited.
- They must also provide two copies of cancellation forms and a copy of the contract or receipt at the time of sale.
- A salesperson must verbally inform customers of their cancellation rights at the time of sale. It must state that Kansas law guarantees three days to cancel any purchase of $25 or more made at their home, often referred to as the “Cooling-Off Rule.”
- The contract or receipt must be dated, show the seller's name and address in large, legible font, and explain the buyer's right to cancel.
- The contract or receipt must be in the same language as the sales presentation.
- Companies are then required to refund the customer’s money within 10 days of receiving notification of cancellation.
- Under the Cooling-Off Rule, it is also against Kansas law for the salespersons or the company to cash your check after three days.
- Seller is also prohibited from selling if they are on the Kansas Attorney General Door-to-Door Sales Injunction list
- Violation of these can result in a report of the seller to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office or a potential SMPD criminal report.
To file a complaint about a solicitor with the attorney general's office, click here.
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