Unsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales) in Australia

By Ahmed Alsaedi, Founding Editor

Source: Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010), ss 69–85 — Unsolicited Consumer Agreements

Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards

Australian Federal Law

What is this right?

If a salesperson knocks on your door or calls you out of the blue, the resulting agreement is an unsolicited consumer agreement — and the ACL builds in protections you don't get with normal in-store purchases.

10-business-day cooling-off period: you can cancel for any reason, no penalty. The clock starts when you receive the agreement document.
Permitted hours: door-to-door salespeople may only visit between 9 am and 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am and 5 pm on Saturdays. No Sundays or public holidays.
Identification: the salesperson must show ID, state the purpose of the visit, and tell you about your right to cancel.
Written agreement: they must give you a written copy clearly explaining the cooling-off period and the cancellation method.
Minimum value: the regime applies where the agreement is worth more than $100.

These rules also apply to telemarketing and to sales made anywhere other than the seller's own premises.

When does it apply?

A salesperson contacted you without your invitation — either in person (at your home, workplace, or in public) or by telephone.
You entered into an agreement to buy goods or services worth more than $100.
Does not apply if you specifically invited the salesperson to your home (e.g., you called a tradesperson for a quote).

What to Do If You Want to Cancel a Door-to-Door or Telemarketing Agreement in Australia

If you want to cancel, notify the supplier in writing within 10 business days.
Return any goods you received — the supplier must collect them at their own expense.
The supplier must refund any payments within 15 business days of receiving your cancellation notice.
If a salesperson visits outside permitted hours or won’t leave when asked, report them to the ACCC.

What should you NOT do?

Don’t feel pressured to sign immediately — you have the right to take time and cancel later.
Don’t pay upfront if you’re unsure — the supplier cannot demand payment or supply goods during the cooling-off period (with some exceptions).
Don’t ignore a “Do Not Knock” sticker if you have one — salespeople who ignore it may be committing an offence under state law.

State Law

Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your state — you'll see how state law differs from Australian federal law.

6 states available

Common Questions

When does unsolicited consumer agreements (door-to-door sales) apply?

A salesperson contacted you without your invitation — either in person (at your home, workplace, or in public) or by telephone.You entered into an agreement to buy goods or services worth more than $100.Does not apply if you specifically invited the salesperson to your home (e.g., you called a tradesperson for a quote).

What should I do if I signed a door-to-door sales agreement in Australia and want to cancel it?

If you want to cancel, notify the supplier in writing within 10 business days.Return any goods you received — the supplier must collect them at their own expense.The supplier must refund any payments within 15 business days of receiving your cancellation notice.If a salesperson visits outside permitted hours or won’t leave when asked, report them to the ACCC.

What mistakes should I avoid with unsolicited consumer agreements (door-to-door sales)?

Don’t feel pressured to sign immediately — you have the right to take time and cancel later.Don’t pay upfront if you’re unsure — the supplier cannot demand payment or supply goods during the cooling-off period (with some exceptions).Don’t ignore a “Do Not Knock” sticker if you have one — salespeople who ignore it may be committing an offence under state law.

Unsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales) in other states

Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.