There is a knock at the door, and when you answer it, you are face to face with a stranger who wants to inspect your water heater.
The door to door sales person has become a popular method for large companies to push rental water heaters or furnaces. This person can be pushy, ask to see utilities bills or tell you that your equipment venting isn’t up to code.
Before you let these people in your home, remember these tips:
1. You do not have to let them in your home. In fact, it is recommended that your don’t.
2. Don’t show them any utility bills.
3. Don’t sign anything without reading all the fine print – make sure you really know what you’re signing up for
4. You have a 20 day cooling off period for any item over $50 that you purchase in your home from a salesperson.
5. The venting on your water heater and furnace venting only has to be up to the code for when it was installed.
6. You have the right to ask them to leave your home.
7. Contact a professional you respect before signing anything. There may be better deals available from your local contractor.
8. Look at the monthly payment schedule – is there an annual price increase included? What happens at the end of the payment schedule? How much are you actually paying and what will you receive for that amount?
9. What is the cancellation policy? Are you subject to cancellation fees?
Door to door sales people may offer quick turn around and great low monthly prices, but the fine print may sour the deal. Make sure you know what you’re getting when you sign the bottom line.