Direct Selling Association

Setting the Standard for Business in the Home

consumer guide...

Protecting the consumer

The DSA's Codes of Practice, which are binding on its Member Companies, are consumer guides that govern the way in which goods and services are presented and sold to retail customers. They forms the basis of the DSA's ongoing consumer protection policy.

Key Points To Remember

Check identity of sales people
All good direct selling personnel carry literature about their company’s products. This should contain the name, address and phone number of the company – so you can check the caller is
bona fide.

Signing documents
DO NOT sign any order forms until you are absolutely sure of the identity of the sales person and the company.

Orders and payment for goods
DO NOT hand over cash unless you are completely satisfied about the identity and credentials of the sales person.
MAKE SURE you receive a printed receipt showing the name and address of the company who is supplying the goods.

Order cancellation rights
Unless you want the earliest possible delivery of a product made specially to your personal requirements, good companies offer a reasonable period during which you can cancel your order. ALWAYS CHECK that any order form you sign contains your cancellation rights.

Verbal assurances
BEWARE of verbal promises about special prices and terms of delivery. Check that special terms are printed in the company's literature.

Guarantees
CHECK that the product you are offered is covered by a guarantee.

Look for the DSA logo
CHECK whether the order form and literature, shown to you by a direct seller, carries the DSA logo. This is indicates that the company is a DSA member.
 

Representing the rights of the consumer

'The aim of all good Direct Selling businesses should be to offer their retail customers a level of confidence and satisfaction that equals that offered by the best retail stores.'

This was the objective of the DSA when it was founded in 1965, and still is today.

The DSA Code of Practice is administered by an independent code administrator whose judgments are binding on all DSA member companies and who pre-vetts applications for membership to the DSA, as well as carrying out random code compliance audits on all the DSA member companies.

The Code of Practice

• Requires fair selling methods
• Gives consumers order cancellation rights that exceed those demanded by the law
• Provides consumers with a proper record of any transaction
• Respects the rights and privacy of a consumer
• Demands openness in disclosing the identity of a Company and a Direct Seller
 

Consumer FAQs
 

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7497 1234    Fax: +44 (0)20 7497 3144    Email: info@dsa.org.uk
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