Australia’s Federal Court has found that clear “Do Not Knock” signs on resident’s premises constitute a clear request for salespeople to leave and that failure to do so is unlawful.
The decision clarifies Australia Consumer Law, establishing that consumers do not need to meet a salesperson face-to-face to ask them to leave.
The news comes as the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission winds up a raft of five separate actions against door-to-door sales companies.
The Hon Bruce Billson MP, Minister for Small Business, commented:
The message is clear that if door-to-door salespeople fail to observe the rights of residents they will be held responsible.
Consumers have the right to reside in their home without being bothered by door-to-door sales people if they wish.
Door-to-door sales are a legitimate form of enterprise but like all business activities they must operate within the law.
Justice Middleton gave the decision against AGL South Australia Pty Ltd and its marketing company, CPM Australia Pty Ltd.
In May 2013, the Federal judge also ordered by consent that AGL Sales Pty Ltd and AGL South Australia Pty Ltd pay combined penalties of $1.555 million for other illegal selling practices, including making false representations to consumers. CPM was also ordered to pay $200,000 for its role in the conduct.