Toowoomba Residents Warned About Dodgy Door to Door Painter
Published Friday, 09 May, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine is warning Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley residents to beware of a dubious roof painter operating in the area.
“The Office of Fair Trading has received a complaint regarding a door-to-door roof painter who offered his services to paint the roof of a Toowoomba home owner,” Mr Shine said.
“The painter performed work to the value of $2,800, however he provided no receipt, guarantee or warranty for the work.
“The trader insisted on cash only and did not offer a cooling off period, which consumers are entitled to receive under fair trading laws covering door-to-door sales.
“These jobs often have to be fixed by a competent trader, leaving the consumer to pay twice for the same job.”
Mr Shine said the trader appeared to be persistent and is likely to approach elderly people who may need work done around the home.
“If people are approached by this shonky trader they should take down their details and report them to the Office of Fair Trading,” he said.
The complaint to the Office of Fair Trading suggested the contractor works alone, drives a white Toyota Hilux utility with NSW number plates and may be living in the Laidley area.
“If you are approached by a door-to-door tradesperson, ask to see the worker's identification,” Mr Shine said.
"Don't rush into purchasing anything, even if the trader says the offer is for a limited time only. Take your time and shop around.
“Make sure you don't pay by cash or pay for anything up front, not even for materials.
“Request a receipt with a name and address on it and also ask for a written warranty and contract. If you don't want to purchase from a door-to-door seller, inform them firmly that you are not interested.”
Mr Shine said there are laws to protect Queenslanders against intimidating tactics and unsolicited approaches employed by some roving door-to-door tradespeople.
Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, door-to-door salespeople must:
• produce an identity card with the dealer’s full name and address
• only contact customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited
• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price with the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75
• offer a 10 day cooling-off period in the sale of goods and services valued at more than $75. During this time no payment, including deposits, can be accepted or work can commenced.
"Traders caught breaching the Act face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.”
If you have any concerns or suspicions about a door-to-door trader visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or contact the Toowoomba Office of Fair Trading on 4637 6028.
Media contact: Troy Davies, 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
“The Office of Fair Trading has received a complaint regarding a door-to-door roof painter who offered his services to paint the roof of a Toowoomba home owner,” Mr Shine said.
“The painter performed work to the value of $2,800, however he provided no receipt, guarantee or warranty for the work.
“The trader insisted on cash only and did not offer a cooling off period, which consumers are entitled to receive under fair trading laws covering door-to-door sales.
“These jobs often have to be fixed by a competent trader, leaving the consumer to pay twice for the same job.”
Mr Shine said the trader appeared to be persistent and is likely to approach elderly people who may need work done around the home.
“If people are approached by this shonky trader they should take down their details and report them to the Office of Fair Trading,” he said.
The complaint to the Office of Fair Trading suggested the contractor works alone, drives a white Toyota Hilux utility with NSW number plates and may be living in the Laidley area.
“If you are approached by a door-to-door tradesperson, ask to see the worker's identification,” Mr Shine said.
"Don't rush into purchasing anything, even if the trader says the offer is for a limited time only. Take your time and shop around.
“Make sure you don't pay by cash or pay for anything up front, not even for materials.
“Request a receipt with a name and address on it and also ask for a written warranty and contract. If you don't want to purchase from a door-to-door seller, inform them firmly that you are not interested.”
Mr Shine said there are laws to protect Queenslanders against intimidating tactics and unsolicited approaches employed by some roving door-to-door tradespeople.
Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, door-to-door salespeople must:
• produce an identity card with the dealer’s full name and address
• only contact customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited
• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price with the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75
• offer a 10 day cooling-off period in the sale of goods and services valued at more than $75. During this time no payment, including deposits, can be accepted or work can commenced.
"Traders caught breaching the Act face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.”
If you have any concerns or suspicions about a door-to-door trader visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or contact the Toowoomba Office of Fair Trading on 4637 6028.
Media contact: Troy Davies, 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273