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

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 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.

South Australia Law

How South Australia differs from federal law

Unsolicited consumer agreements (door-to-door sales and telemarketing) are regulated under the Australian Consumer Law. SA has a history of strong consumer protection in this area through the Fair Trading Act.

Door-to-door salespeople in SA can only visit between 9am and 6pm on weekdays, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. No door-to-door sales are permitted on Sundays or public holidays.
Consumers have a 10 business day cooling-off period for unsolicited consumer agreements worth more than $100. During this period, the consumer can cancel the agreement without penalty.
The salesperson must clearly identify themselves, state the purpose of the visit, and advise the consumer of their right to terminate the agreement. Failure to comply makes the agreement voidable.
CBS enforces these provisions in SA and has taken action against businesses conducting aggressive or misleading door-to-door sales, particularly in the energy retail sector.
SA consumers can display a "Do Not Knock" sticker — while not legally binding, businesses that ignore such stickers may attract enforcement attention from CBS.

Additional Steps in South Australia

To cancel an unsolicited agreement, provide written notice to the business within the 10 business day cooling-off period. Report aggressive or non-compliant salespeople to CBS (cbs.sa.gov.au or 131 882). Register on the Do Not Call Register (donotcall.gov.au) to reduce telemarketing.

Relevant Law: Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), Schedule 2, Part 3-2, Div 2; Fair Trading Act 1987 (SA); Do Not Call Register Act 2006 (Cth)

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.