Rockhampton residents cautioned on door-to-door bitumen layers
Posted by editor (editor) on May 28 2009
2009 >>

The Office of Fair Trading is warning Rockhampton residents to beware of door-to-door bitumen layers operating in the area.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said men may be approaching residents in the Rockhampton area offering discounted driveway repairs.

“A Gracemere consumer has alerted the Office of Fair Trading after being targeted by bitumen layers,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Fair trading inspectors intercepted a man in a red ute at a Rockhampton bitumen plant on Tuesday morning, but he drove away when they began to question him about his activities.

“These traders often tell consumers they are working on construction sites in the area and have left over material, and they offer to do the job for a low price.

“Typically these operators demand upfront payment then do a substandard job using watered down materials.

“Often the jobs have to be fixed by a qualified trader, leaving the consumer to pay twice for the same job.”

Mr Lawlor urged consumers in the Rockhampton area to be vigilant and not to engage the services of any door-to-door traders without doing the proper checks.

“These dishonest operators travel from one place to another looking for opportunities to deceive unsuspecting consumers,” he said.

Mr Lawlor said consumers should be aware there is a ten day cooling off period when purchasing products or services from door-to-door traders.

“During this cooling off period, traders cannot accept payment, including deposits, or commence work”, he said.

“If you are approached by a door-to-door trader, ask to see the worker’s identification.

“Don’t rush into any purchases, even if the trader says the offer is only available for a limited time. Take your time and shop around.

“Make sure you don’t pay by cash or pay for anything up front – not even for materials.

“Ask for a receipt with a name and address on it, and also ask for a written warranty and contract.

If you don’t want to purchase from a door-to-door seller, inform them firmly that you are not interested.”

Mr Lawlor said these laws are intended to protect Queenslanders against intimidating tactics and unsolicited approaches employed by some roving door-to-door tradespeople.

Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, door-to-door salespeople must:

• produce an identity card with the dealer’s full name and address
• only contact customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited
• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price with the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75
• provide a 10 day cooling-off period when the goods and services sold are valued at more than $75. During this time no payment, including deposits, can be accepted and no work can be commenced.

“Traders caught breaching the Act face fines of up to $54,000 for individuals and $270,000 for companies,” Mr Lawlor said.

If you have any concerns or suspicions about a door-to-door trader visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or contact the Office of Fair Trading on 131 304.

Minister's office: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 / Zoe Russell 3224 2002

Note to media: The Office of Fair Trading has a photo available of a man who Fair Trading inspectors believe may be able to assist them with their inquiries into itinerant bitumen laying activities. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of this man is encouraged to contact the Office of Fair Trading in Rockhampton on 4920 6608.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:57 PM