Released on September 28, 2015
Consumers are advised to be cautious when it comes to unsolicited contract work for driveways. If a contractor comes to your door with an unsolicited offer to pave, patch or apply a protective treatment to your driveway, ask for a direct seller’s license number. Door-to-door salespersons are required to be licensed under The Direct Sellers Act.
You can confirm a contractor’s license is valid at www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/fcaa411/.
Red flags:
- The price sounds too good to be true.
- High pressure sales—if the sales representative pressures you to “act now or lose out on a limited time offer.”
- The salesperson requires you to pay a substantial down payment before providing any services.
Protect yourself:
- Check the validity of the licence number on FCAA411.
- Get everything in writing and create a formal contract with clear expectations of the work to be done and the timeframe that the work has to be completed in.
- Do not hand over a blank cheque.
If you have been contacted by unlicensed door-to-door salespersons offering to make driveway repairs, please contact the Consumer Protection Division at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca or toll free at 1-877-880-5550.
For more tips about contractors, please see our guide at www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/contractors2015.
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For more information, contact:
Noel Busse
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4160
Email: noel.busse3@gov.sk.ca