The federal government, as well as many states, have specific laws to protect you from bad experiences when buying through the mail or from door-to-door salespeople.
Mail Order Sales
The
Federal Trade Commission ("
FTC") requires mail order companies to deliver goods within 30 days or within any earlier time period the mail order company has promised. If the mail order company can't meet the deadline, they must tell you and give you the opportunity to cancel the order.
Federal law prohibits companies from mailing you goods you didn't order. The law gives you the right to keep any goods sent to you by mail that you didn't order, without having to pay for the goods.
Door-to-Door Sales
The Federal Trade Commission has a "cooling off rule" that gives you the right to cancel any contract you make with a door-to-door salesperson within three business days. You're entitled to a refund of any money you already paid on the contract, and the seller must take back any goods already sold. The seller is also required to let you know of your right to cancel the contract, and the three-day time period doesn't start until the seller gives you that notice.
You can file a complaint by calling the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)or filling out the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Complaint Form online.
State Consumer Protections
Many states have similar consumer protection laws that protect you from over-aggressive or unscrupulous door-to-door salespeople. For more information, check with the Attorney General's office in your state.