Can a stair lift salesperson sign me up at my Ottawa door?
Can a stair lift salesperson sign me up at my Ottawa door?
Yes, a stair lift salesperson can come to your door and make a sale there. Stair lifts are not on Ontario's list of products banned from door-to-door sales, which covers items like furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters.
That said, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 gives you specific rights when a sale is made in person somewhere other than the supplier's business premises, such as your home. Any agreement over $50 made that way is a direct agreement. It must be in writing and a copy must be delivered to you. Once you have that written copy, you have 10 days to cancel without giving any reason. If you do not receive a written copy that meets the Act's requirements, that cancellation window extends to up to one year.
One rule applies to any consumer agreement that includes an estimate, not only a direct agreement: the supplier cannot charge you more than 10 per cent over the estimate. Keep your copy of any written estimate or agreement.
A few practical points the Ontario government's guide for seniors raises. Ask the salesperson for photo ID and the full name of the person and the business. If you ask them to leave, they must leave right away. Government agencies, utilities and regulators do not send salespeople to your door. You are not required to sign anything on the spot. If you want to cancel in writing after signing, keep a copy of whatever you send. If work has already started when you try to cancel, speak with a lawyer about your options.
If you are concerned about a dishonest contractor, the Ontario guide for seniors recommends asking for three references and checking them. Fraud can be reported to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Contractors who do stair lift work are listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory and can be reached through the request form on this page.
Before you commit to any agreement, ask the salesperson to give you the full itemized price in writing, including installation, so you have a clear figure to compare.
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Accessibility IQ -- Built from the Ontario Building Code, Ontario regulations and City of Ottawa sources and real construction experience. Answers are for informational purposes only and are not a professional assessment.
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