80yr dad signed for 6k windows....

simpywimpy

My dad had a visit from Safestyle and has signed up to have his windows (2 front bays) replaced for just under £6000. He's given his credit card details for £1000 deposit PLUS £60 fee for the surveyor to come and measure them on monday!

I've managed to talk him out of it - more so because Ive had mine done by a different company for £2200 (we have identical houses) which he'd forgotten about bless him.

Because he has signed in his own home and didnt call them in the first place, can he cancel legally? Can we stop the payment from the card?

I'm worried sick. He's so easily talked into things and this is the second time Safestyle have tried this. The first time I asked them to leave and yet they are back trying again.

simpywimpy

I intend to phone Safestyle in the morning and complain but I'm panic stricken now that he's just lost £1000. Not a small amount for an 80yr old pensioner.

esuhl

I *think* that any sales done in someone's own home have a cooling off period (which was introduced precisely because manipulative salesmen would target elderly/vulnerable people).

http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/policy/policy-pressitem.cfm/newsid/67

Looking at the above article, it sounds like there's a seven day cooling-off period.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

simpywimpy

Thanks so much. I was frantic knowing he's handed over his card details. The salesman left without the order at first but then came back again

Payless_2

Safestyle "reps" were around here a couple of weeks ago. I saw and heard them taking the mick out of the people who had answered the door to them when I was cleaning my windows :mad:

The two of them only looked about 16 and weren't the sort of people I'd like in my home.

[Deleted User]

Hi, sorry to hear about this.

1) Don't panic
2) Call Consumer Direct 0845 40 40 506 for free advice.
3) Sounds like your Dad was not given cancellation rights (does not matter if he invited them into his home or not). This is a potential criminal offence - Consumer Direct can advise.
4) Can only claim under section 75 for breach of contact or misrepresentation - again CD can advise.
5) If your Dad is prone to cold callers download the MSE "no cold callers" sign and display at the door - if anyone calls without legitimate reason then this could be an offence under CPR's.

Good luck.

super-cute

Safestyle sales members are not the best, they often come over very pushy.

When I had a new door measured up and priced, they pushed me very hard to make a payment and agree to work there and then, which in the end I felt I would do.

I paid a £400 deposit by cheque and a booking was made.

However, soon as he left, I called him on his mobile, stating I did not want the work carried out.
He didn't really like it and after requesting he return my cheque, he said he would get rid of it safely, I contacted my bank and placed a 'STOP' on it.


You have a cooling off period, of 14 days from the date of the agreement being signed.

They will often try and get out of this by saying this is not the case, do not accept this.

If you have any problems with them, advise them you will involve Trading Standards, and then do contact them if you still are not given a refund.

No work has commenced, no loses to the firm, a £1000 payment can not be held by the company.
You are entitled a refund !

AsknAnswer2

Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008