High demand for Consumer NZ’s "Do Not Knock" stickers

Consumer NZ has distributed nearly 100,000 “Do Not Knock” stickers since the launch of its campaign to fight back against dodgy door-to-door sellers.The “Do Not Knock” campaign was launched on 3 November 2014. Free “Do Not Knock” stickers have been distributed as part of the campaign.

Chief executive Sue Chetwin said the stickers had proved so popular it was now printing more to meet demand.

“We launched this campaign because of the serious complaints we get about the hard-sell and exploitative sales tactics used by door-to-door traders. Our ‘Do Not Knock’ stickers have given people a simple way to tell these traders they’re not welcome,” Ms Chetwin said.

Since the launch, Consumer has heard from more people who have had bad experiences with door-to-door traders.

“The most concerning cases involve elderly people who have been pressured to buy products – including extremely heavy vacuum cleaners – they don’t need and are unable to use,” Ms Chetwin said.

Requests for “Do Not Knock” stickers have come from individuals around the country as well as from budgeting services and community organisations including those working in areas where there have been problems with mobile clothing trucks.

Consumer is encouraging people who don’t want door-to-door sellers to knock to put a sticker on their letterbox, front gate or front door. If a door-to-door seller ignores the sticker, they’re likely to be trespassing, Ms Chetwin said.

Consumer has also called for changes to the Fair Trading Act to make it an offence for sellers to ignore a “Do Not Knock” sign, following similar law changes in Australia.

A recent Consumer NZ survey found 70 percent of its members disliked door-to-door salespeople and wanted them to stop calling.

“Do Not Knock” stickers
“Do Not Knock” stickers are available from Consumer NZ. Anyone who wants a sticker can send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Do Not Knock, Consumer NZ, Private Bag 6996, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.

Consumer is also distributing “Do Not Knock” stickers through Citizens Advice Bureau, Resene Colorshops and other organisations that want to support the campaign. More details of the campaign can be found at www.consumer.org.nz

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