Southern Queensland residents alerted to bitumen layers
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 19 2009
2009 >>

The Office of Fair Trading is warning southern Queensland residents to beware of dodgy door-to-door bitumen layers following reports of traders providing substandard service in the Blackbutt area.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said traders had been approaching households offering discounted bitumen driveways.

"The Office of Fair Trading has received information that a trader has been targeting residents in the Blackbutt area, offering to lay bitumen which we believe is of a poor standard," Mr Lawlor said.

“As these types of traders tend to move from one area to the next, they may also be operating in surrounding regions.

“While we have yet to receive any specific complaints, we have gathered intelligence which suggests there may be traders offering a substandard product.

“We have alerted police to the activity of this trader.

“We encourage anyone who has information about these traders to contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.

"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 said consumers should be aware there is a 10 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 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
• offer a 10 day cooling-off period in the sale of goods and services 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.

Last changed: Nov 19 2009 at 10:20 AM