Unsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales) in Victoria
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 Victoria differs from federal law
Unsolicited consumer agreements (door-to-door and telemarketing sales) are regulated under the ACL, enforced in Victoria by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- A dealer who visits without invitation must leave immediately if asked. The 10-business-day cooling-off period applies to unsolicited agreements.
- Prohibited calling hours apply: no door-to-door sales before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM on weekdays, before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM on Saturdays, and none on Sundays or public holidays.
- CAV has taken particular enforcement action against unsolicited energy retail sales practices in Victoria, where aggressive door-to-door selling by energy retailers was a significant problem. This led to the Victorian Government banning door-to-door energy sales.
- Victoria's ban on door-to-door energy sales (from 31 January 2020) prohibits energy retailers from engaging in unsolicited selling at residential premises. This ban is unique to Victoria and goes beyond the ACL requirements.
Additional Steps in Victoria
Cancel unsolicited agreements in writing within the cooling-off period. Report aggressive or non-compliant door-to-door sellers to CAV (1300 558 181). Report energy door-to-door sales to the Essential Services Commission (esc.vic.gov.au). If a seller refuses to leave, contact Victoria Police.
Relevant Law: Australian Consumer Law (Cth), Part 3-2, Div 2; Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic); Energy Retail Code of Practice (Vic); General Exemption Order (energy door-to-door ban)
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.
- New South WalesUnsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales)
- QueenslandUnsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales)
- Western AustraliaUnsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales)
- South AustraliaUnsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales)
- TasmaniaUnsolicited Consumer Agreements (Door-to-Door Sales)