Trading Standards - Consumer Rights: Aggressive Sales Practices

11th April 2025

This month we are running a new Confident Consumer campaign to increase awareness of consumer rights and ensure consumers know where to find trusted information and how to report issues.

Each edition of the bulletin during April will include information about a different subject related to consumer rights.

This week, the focus is on aggressive sales practices.
According to a recent survey we carried out, almost half of Scots (46%) have experienced an aggressive or misleading sales transaction.

Examples of Aggressive Sales Practices
A trader refusing to leave your home when asked until you agree to purchase a product/service, or asking you to sign a waiver to allow them to stay in your home longer than anticipated.

A salesperson trying to scare you by saying your health or the safety or your property may be at risk if you don't purchase the product they are offering.

A salesperson repeatedly contacting you and hassling you to try and convince you to buy something

A trader trying to guilt you into purchasing something, for example by saying their job will be at risk if you don't
What to do if you have experienced these practices.

If you believe that a trader has used aggressive tactics to pressure you into purchasing a product or signing a contract, you may be entitled to receive a refund or to cancel the contract. If the purchase was made over 90 days ago, you may be entitled to receive a discount.

If you are unsure about your consumer rights or if you want to check whether you may be entitled to a refund/discount, or what to do next, contact Advice Direct Scotland. Their free consumer service is available from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday by calling 0808 164 6000. You can also report traders to Trading Standards by calling this number or by visiting https://scamwatch.scot

You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for information and advice about your rights: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/about-us/contact-us/

Find out more about your rights
Advice Direct Scotland Knowledge Centre: https://consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/
Citizens Advice Scotland: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer/changed-your-mind/if-you-were-misled-or-pressured-into-buying-something-you-didnt-want/