CONTRACTS CONCLUDED AWAY FROM BUSINESS PREMISES

It is paradox that consumers are most vulnerable to the sharp practice of high pressure selling in their own homes. To simply say “No, I do not want to buy what you are selling, now please f*** off!” seems rude and aggressive, but is sometimes the only way to get rid of a salesman who refuses to take notice of any of the social conventions that point to the consumer’s lack of interest. Kindness in welcoming guests and strangers can be the fulcrum to lever a contract for goods or services which was never intended by the consumer. In an effort to curb such deviant selling techniques consumers are given rights under

• the Consumer Credit Act 1974; or
• the Consumer Protection (Cancellation of Contracts Concluded away Business Premises) Regulations 1987

to change their minds after making certain contracts away business premises. The consumer’s rights of cancellation under the 1974 Act and under the 1987 Regulations are mutually exclusive so that where a consumer has rights to cancel a contract under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 then it is inappropriate to consider the 1987 Regulations

• Cancellation rights under the Consumer Credit Act 1974
• Cancellation rights under the Consumer Protection (Cancellation of Contracts Concluded away Business Premises) Regulations 1987