Unsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales) in New South Wales
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
What is this right?
If a salesperson comes to your door or calls you without you asking, any agreement you make is an unsolicited consumer agreement with special protections:
- 10-business-day cooling-off period: You can cancel the agreement within 10 business days for any reason, without penalty. The cooling-off period 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. They cannot visit on Sundays or public holidays.
- Identification: The salesperson must show you their ID, tell you the purpose of the visit, and inform you of your right to cancel.
- Written agreement: The seller must give you a written copy of the agreement that clearly explains the cooling-off period and how to cancel.
- Minimum value: The agreement must be worth more than $100 for these protections to apply.
These rules also apply to telemarketing sales and sales made at places other than the seller’s 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.
How New South Wales differs from federal law
Unsolicited consumer agreements (door-to-door and telemarketing sales) are regulated under Part 3-2, Division 2 of the ACL. NSW Fair Trading enforces these provisions in NSW.
- A dealer who visits your home or contacts you by phone without your invitation must leave immediately if you ask them to (ACL, s 73). Failure to do so is an offence.
- Unsolicited sales agreements must be in writing, and the consumer has a 10-business-day cooling-off period during which they can cancel without penalty (ACL, s 82).
- Door-to-door sales in NSW are prohibited before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM on weekdays, and before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Door-to-door sales are prohibited on Sundays and public holidays (ACL, s 73(2)).
- NSW Fair Trading has taken action against aggressive door-to-door sales practices, particularly in energy retail, telecommunications, and charity collections.
Additional Steps in New South Wales
To cancel an unsolicited agreement, notify the supplier in writing within the cooling-off period. Report aggressive or non-compliant door-to-door sellers to NSW Fair Trading (13 32 20). If a seller refuses to leave your property, you can contact NSW Police.
Relevant Law: Australian Consumer Law (Cth), Part 3-2, Div 2, ss 69-95; Fair Trading Act 1987 (NSW)
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.
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