We’ve had great response to the sticker so far, with hundreds of requests for stickers and feedback from people Australia wide telling us about their experiences with door to door sales.

One of the most common questions we get is whether or not the sticker applies to unwanted callers who aren’t salespeople—such as religious organisations, charities, and political candidates.

Consumer Action’s  Do Not Knock sticker is squarely aimed at unsolicited salespeople—with good reason.  As a legal practice, we get complaints from Victorian consumers about door-to-door salespeople using high-pressure tactics to get people to buy products they don’t want, don’t need, and can’t afford. We’ve also heard of cases where people have been deliberately misled, and even unwittingly signed up to high cost financing to pay for the product. Unfortunately there are some unscrupulous salespeople out there who target new Australians or people with limited English, signing them up for contracts without fully explaining the details, costs and cooling-off rights.

There is a real need in the community for some help in preventing unwanted salespeople—and that’s why we created the Do Not Knock sticker.

Of course, there is nothing to stop you from designing your own sticker or sign that asks other potential callers to stay away. Our view is that anyone who ignores such a sign would be trespassing, because the implied legal right to access your property is taken away by such a sign. You can read more in the Legal Section of the website.

Some consumers have told us they’ve done exactly that, to great effect. You could even do as one person suggested and make a sign that says:

 Sales people please note unsolicited door knocking here is UNLAWFUL. Friends and family are always welcomed.