Sale of mattresses door-to-door

Posted on February 23 2014

Derbyshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service have received numerous complaints from members of the public regarding the sale of mattresses door-to-door.

The sellers usually arrive in a van and knock at your door to offer mattresses for sale at cheap prices. In one instance, the seller has stated the stock is surplus as a result of a cancelled order.

Trading Standards advise householders to exercise caution when faced with the sale of these goods in this manner. There is an allegation that the mattresses may not be new, but second-hand and packaged to look like new. In addition, there may be concerns as to the safety of the products.

As a consumer you are entitled to a 7-day ‘cooling-off’ period when buying goods over £35 at the door. The seller must provide paperwork informing you of this and details of their company name and address.

Legitimate retailers of these goods do not generally sell door-to-door and Trading Standards advise householders not to buy in this way.

If you see people attempting to sell mattresses door-to-door in your area, please notify Citizen’s Advice Consumer Services on 08454 040506.