Door-to-door sales is a common selling technique used for many years in and out of the security industry.  Wikipedia defines door-to-door as: a sales technique in which a salesperson walks from the door of one house to the door of another trying to sell a product or service to the general public. A variant of this involves cold calling first, when another sales representative attempts to gain an agreement that a salesperson should visit. Door-to-door selling is usually conducted in the afternoon hours, when the majority of people are at home.

While the OBFAA does not condone nor prohibit door-to-door sales in general, there are some misleading and unprofessional techniques recently being used to complete a quick sale and every homeowner should be aware of these tactics.  Much of the increase in door-to-door sales is due to ‘summer programs’ where salesman are trained in the wintertime and dispersed throughout the country in the summertime.  The OBFAA has received multiple complaints from concerned homeowners who have been approached by a door-to-door salesman, so we have defined the top 3 tips we can offer to you: 

1) Don’t ever open the door if you do not feel safe.  Your safety is more important than any product or service being offered and it should not be compromised by opening the door to a stranger or letting them into your home.

2) Beware of the ‘pushy’ sales process.  A door-to-door salesman is usually smooth talking and will attempt to provoke some emotion early in the conversation.  Perhaps he/she might discuss the recent burglaries in the area, or how the number of robberies and personal attacks has increased in the area.  This is a ‘scare’ tactic so you feel insufficient in home protection.  You begin thinking to yourself, “I never knew I needed a home alarm system but if crime has increased then we should get one today before it’s too late.”  The fast-talking salesman will begin applying pressure throughout the conversation and will tell you that it needs to be installed TODAY.  Why?  Because typically the company has an alarm installer ready to install your system and he is waiting just a few blocks away.  Once the contract is signed, the waiting installer performs the alarm system installation and the entire process is complete before you really have time to review your needs or discuss with friends and/or family.  Note: always ask to see a technician’s valid electrical license.

3) If you currently have a home alarm system, be aware that you are a ‘target’ for door-to-door salesman.  Why?  Because you already understand the value in protecting your home and family.  Some dishonest salesman will tell you they are with ‘ABC company’ (using your current security company’s name) which he/she sees from the sign and stickers at your front door.  Other times the salesman will make dishonest statements such as informing you that your security company went out of business when in fact it has not.  This is clearly a scam and signing a new long-term contract while you still have your existing service leaves you with possibly two long-term binding contracts for the same service. 

What steps do we recommend to prevent yourself from becoming a victim?

• Take the necessary time to make a decision about owning a home alarm system; the process does not need to be completed in one day. 
• Research and inquire at different alarm companies in the area, or ask friends and neighbors who have an alarm system to share their experience.
• To receive feedback from licensed alarm companies, you can utilize the Better Business Bureau (BBB) anytime at www.bbb.org
• You can also utilize the OBFAA for feedback or general information.