Age Concern New Zealand: Cold calling

November 4, 2011

Age Concern New Zealand: Cold calling

Age Concern New Zealand urges older people to think carefully before inviting salespeople into their homes.

This call follows reports of pushy door to door salespeople targeting post-operative older people.

One 81-year-old woman, who recently spent nine days in hospital following a hip operation, was visited by a man selling massage devices. He reportedly dismissed the medications she was taking and proceeded to draw a diagram of the circulatory system on a notepad.

When the woman began to question the salesman he became aggressive, slamming doors and storming out of the house.

Age Concern has been informed a number of older people have had similar experiences with a company selling massage devices. Friends of this woman report having felt coerced into buying massage equipment at $1600, which they have found to be ineffective.

Age Concern New Zealand National President Liz Baxendine is concerned by this situation.

“It is unclear how this company obtained these personal details - perhaps they have access to a database of people who have recently had operations. Had this woman been less assertive she may have felt coerced into buying this product.”

She offers the following advice for dealing with pushy salespeople.

“You are under no obligation to invite a salesperson into your home, however if you do invite somebody in, make sure you ask for a business card or some form of identification.

“It is also important to not to sign anything until you have read the contract’s fine print. It is right to be wary should a salesperson rush you into signing a contract.”

It is also a good idea to have a door-chain fitted and consider a personal safety alarm, she says.

The Door to Door Sales Act provides a seven day period during which a contract can be cancelled. More information can be found by visiting the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ website http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/

ENDS