The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be cautious if approached by a door-to-door sales offer. APX Alarm Security Solutions and a variety of magazine sales solicitations are known to be active in the Upstate New York area. Both have a mountain of complaints with the BBB and may not be licensed as required in New York State. Over 1,500 complaints have been processed about APX Alarm alone in the past 36 months, with nearly 700 in the past 12 months. A majority of their complaints are regarding dishonest sales practices and contract issues.
APX Alarm Security Solutions, Inc. has a D+ rating with the BBB in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the company is headquartered. Consumers should be aware that this company and others often solicit for business door-to-door this time of year, said David Polino, Better Business Bureau President. `Many door-to-door security system sales involve multi-year contracts and hidden fees that can cost hundreds of dollars. We urge consumers to resist any high pressure sales tactics from sales in any industry, and close their door if they’re not interested.`
APX Alarm may not be licensed in New York State which requires sales people to carry identification cards, an employee picture, employee number and New York State License number. `If they don’t have these ID cards, homeowners should contact the local police,` said Tim Creenan, CEO of Amherst Alarm. `Companies going door-to-door do not want consumers to `think about it` and try to install the system the same day of an order. Even if they do install a system, consumers still have the right to cancel within 3 business days,` Creenan added. The federal law known as the `cooling off rule` applies to items purchased for over $25.00 at home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Consumers must cancel contracts in writing within 3 business days.
The Better Business Bureau also warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews have been spotted in local communities with high school and college-age employees who are trying to earn money over the summer. Over 1,100 complaints have been filed with the BBB in the last 12 months with more than 50 companies selling magazines door-to-door.
Representative might explain they are working to raise money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip, they’re trying to get their lives back on track or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq. `Because of the sales person’s age, consumers fall victim and believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch,` said Polino. `Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took consumers checks and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics. Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers who require long hours, and often have their wages withheld unless they sell something.`
Consumers should use caution before agreeing to any door-to-door offer. If contacted by a door-to door salesperson, the BBB recommends these basic guidelines:
*If you’re not interested, say good-bye and feel free to shut your door.
*Ask the salesperson for his or her name, and the name, address and telephone number of the company.
*Contact the BBB for a Reliability Report on the company before doing business.
*Ask to receive a written copy of the sales terms.
*Listen carefully and don’t be afraid to interrupt and ask questions.
*Make checks payable to the company, not to an individual.
*Do not pay in cash.
*Ask to see the salesperson’s Peddler’s License. If he will not present it, cease all business transactions and notify the police.
Consumers considering a home security system are encouraged to do their homework . The BBB offers the following advice:
*Some companies will offer a `free` alarm system. While the equipment and installation may be free (make sure this is in writing), there is a monthly monitoring fee. When you compare costs, make sure you compare all the costs.
*Find out about local building codes and regulations regarding burglar alarms (including costs for false alarms).
*Check out the company that will be monitoring your system. Ask if it is the same company you are signing a contract with. If not, make sure you obtain the name, address and phone number of this company and check their BBB report.
*Consider advantages and disadvantages of each system and decide which will be best for your particular situation.
*Does the company call you first before notifying the police?
*Does the company have a security patrol car that will check out the alarm and if necessary call the police?
*How soon after the alarm sounds will you be notified?
*What happens if the alarm company is unable to reach you when the alarm is sounding? Is the alarm reset? Are the police called? Are alternate numbers called?
*Ask for procedures in writing, so you can anticipate how you can best handle the situation.
*Deal only with reputable firms and check out the company at BBB’s website, www.bbb.org.
*Don’t be pressured into buying something you don’t want or need. A reputable company will let you check out the offer and compare bids from several installers.
*Make sure it includes all promises made by the sales person. If the promises are not in the contract, don’t sign it!
*Study the contract carefully. Confirm information such as:
*Installation price, monthly price, and length of the contract (most contracts are for at least two years). Make sure that any free or discount offers have been added into the written contract.
*Your time frame for canceling the contract. Make sure you have at least the 3 days required by law.
*If you are planning on moving ask what happens with your contract, and get that information in writing.
*After your purchase, make sure you check the system routinely to be sure it is in working order.
*Visit the National Burglar Fire Alarm Association at www.alarm.org for guidelines and tips to know before making a purchase .
*If you are having problems with your alarm, make sure you document dates, times, who you talked with, who came out and what was fixed.
Consumers can contact the BBB online or by phone for information on companies before doing business. The Better Business Bureau serving all of Upstate New York can be reached at 800.828.5000 or by going to www.bbb.org.
“