Consumer Advice

Safe Shopping

Direct selling is a great way to shop, however it is always a good idea to be careful and to keep the following points in mind.

Who are You Dealing With?
Are the Products Guaranteed and Can They be Returned?
Can you Cancel your Order?
What Can you do if you are Not Satisfied?

Who are You Dealing With?

It is important to know who you are dealing with, and to check the identity of salespersons. All good direct selling personnel carry literature about their organisation's products which should include the name, address and phone number of the organisation. Check whether the order form and literature, shown to you by a salesperson, carries the DSAA logo. This indicates that the organisation is a DSAA member and committed to high standards of ethical business practice.

Never sign any order forms until you are absolutely sure of the identity of the salesperson and the organisation. Always make sure you receive a printed receipt, showing the name and address of the organisation supplying the goods.

Don't pay for anything unless you are completely satisfied about the identity and credentials of the salesperson and the quality of the product.

Are the Products Guaranteed and Can They be Returned?

Different organisations will have different policies for returns, but a good salesperson will explain theirs before a sales transaction is complete, to make sure you know what applies before purchasing. It is also a good idea to check whether the product you are offered is covered by a guarantee and warranty.

Can you Cancel your Order?

Remember, unless you want the earliest possible delivery of a product made specially to your personal requirements, good organisations offer a reasonable period during which you can cancel your order. It is a good idea to always check that any order form you sign contains your cancellation rights. DSAA Members are required to offer an unconditional period of ten days for all purchases during which the order may be cancelled. You can be sure the member is aware and complies with the requirements of the Australian Consumer Law.

Beware of verbal promises about special prices and terms of delivery. Check that any special terms are printed in the literature handed to you at the point of sale.

What Can you do if you are Not Satisfied?

Don't forget, if you do have a problem and you are not satisfied with your shopping experience there is a reliable, impartial system in place for resolving issues with DSAA members. Find out more information about resolving issues.