6/2/2011
Philadelphia, PA – June 2, 2011 – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) receives thousands of complaints each year from consumers who have unknowingly purchased multi-year magazine subscriptions. The BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer.
Oftentimes, the door knocking presentations are so slick that consumers aren’t even aware that they have bought several magazine subscriptions until they receive the bill. Complaints against door-to-door crews selling magazine subscriptions also allege that sales representatives took their check and the magazines never arrived. Some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.
In 2011, the BBB has already received 662 complaints about door-to-door magazine sellers and dealers, a number that’s well on its way to toping last year’s nearly 1,200 complaints. These high pressure sellers use tactics that can have anyone falling victim. It is not uncommon for the door-to-door solicitation to be complete with a story that tugs at your heart strings. Comments such as “Our organization was founded to give kids like me summer jobs so we can stay off the streets and avoid gangs and drugs. Can you help us by buying our product?” Or, “I’m selling magazine subscriptions to earn a college scholarship. For each magazine I sell, the group I work for provides scholarship funds for my education” are not uncommon and often not true.
Before making a decision, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises you to consider the following: The National Consumers League estimates that 50,000 children nationwide are involved in traveling sales crews selling consumer items door-to-door and on city street corners. The youth groups are transported hundreds of miles from their homes, often across state lines. Unfortunately, many of these young people are victims. The League has consistently ranked “traveling crews” among the worst jobs available for youth and indicates that they can also constitute a dangerous environment.
BBB files reflect that the organizers of these crews may falsely present themselves as charitable and civic-minded groups. In such cases the organizer is the victimizer. In fact, many are for-profit operations that take advantage of their young and vulnerable “workers.” The youths are taught to use high-pressure appeals and basically live out of vans and hotels. The organizer also may keep your “donation” or “subscription money” and not pass it along to any charity, community group or publisher. Further, these young people often make little or no money in wages despite the help-wanted advertisements luring them with claims of “big money” and “fun and travel.”
Employing the young plays on your sympathy. It may also violate state wage and employment laws. Various news media have reported abusive treatment of young sales crews. Minors report having been sexually harassed and physically assaulted; some have been left stranded with no means of transportation home. In addition, the young people are typically expected to work long hours with little rest and it is not uncommon for them to be exposed to illegal drugs or underage drinking. Parents often discover too late the perils to which their children have been exposed.
“Certainly, there are many worthwhile and legitimate youth fundraisers. And yes, they may come knocking,” said Edward Johnson, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “However, the next time a youth sales crew appears on your doorstep, it may be wise not to assume that they represent a local school or youth group. Ask for the name of the organization and other details. You may also want to inquire about the welfare of the young worker.”
This summer, the BBB recommends the following on how to handle door-to-door solicitations, no matter the product or service being sold:
Listen carefully and be aware of high pressure sales tactics. Some unscrupulous door-to-door sellers will put pressure on you to close the deal at that moment, and even make special offers to entice you.
Verify the individual and the company. If you are interested in buying from a door-to-door seller, get everything in writing including price, warranty and all conditions. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to him or her. Ask for a business card and contact information. Look the company up yourself and check to verify this person is an employee. Also, take the time to check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.dc-easternpa.bbb.org.
Know your rights. The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives the customer three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in their home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Along with a receipt, salespeople should also include a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement. By law, the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.
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