Minister warns on door-to-door sales

Press, 2 April 1985, Page 30

Minister warns on door-to-door sales

PA Rotorua Door-to-door encyclopaedia salesmen should not exploit and abuse any parent’s desire to improve a child’s education, the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Shields, has said. “Expensive encyclopaedia sets are of very dubious worth in any family home,” she told the Direct Selling Association conference in Rotorua. “They are beautiful and comprehensive. They are not always readable, and they commonly cost in excess of slooo,' where $2OO spent on a selection of general reference books would be a far more useful resource.” Mrs Shields said the desire to ensure one’s children had the best possible education was a powerful emo-

tional force. “It is a motivation which may be readily exploited and abused. “I do not suggest that anyone here uses or advocates such tactics, but I do want you to know that I set myself firmly against them.” Protection given to the consumer by the Door to Door Sales Act was not as comprehensive as it could be, and she would examine ways to improve it. “Those companies involved in direct selling who are responsible in their approach need have no fear about any changes in the legislation. “It is a minority who show disregard for acceptable standards of conduct and are out to line their pockets, irrespective of dis-

tress, inconvenience, and damage it may cause.” Mrs Shields said she would also consider a problem that had arisen with cheques and bankcard numbers being used to pay for mail-order goods. An excessive delay might mean a consumer wanted to cancel for non-delivery, but trying to retrieve any amount paid was difficult as it involved a third party — the bank or credit agency. As Minister of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Shields said, she was not trying to create and lay claim to vast tracts of new and all-empowering consumer legislation. Priorities would include replacing the present Consumer Information Act and the passing of effective and coherent product safety legislation.