What to Know Before You Open the Door: BBB’s Guide to Door-to-Door Sales
With warmer temperatures comes the return of door-to-door sales. From solar panels and alarm systems to landscaping services, asphalt paving, roofing contractors, and even charitable causes, solicitors are once again making their rounds in neighborhoods across East Texas. Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas (BBB) reminds consumers to stay alert and make informed decisions when approached at their front door.
Recent consumer reports show that home improvement and door-to-door sales scams continue to be among the most commonly reported, particularly during spring and summer months when activity increases. Scammers often take advantage of urgency, weather-related damage, or limited-time offers to pressure consumers into quick decisions.
“Many legitimate companies use door-to-door sales to grow their customer base,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “However, some individuals use this approach to take advantage of others. It’s important to watch for red flags like high-pressure tactics, lack of company identification, and requests for upfront or cash-only payments.”
“Many legitimate companies use door to door sales to grow their customer base,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas said. “However, there are some individuals who use this approach to take advantage of others. It’s important to watch out for red flags like high-pressure tactics, absence of company branding, and requests for cash-only payments, as these could be signs of dishonest intentions.”
Door-to-door sales activity typically continues through the end of September. If a solicitor visits your home, BBB recommends the following:
Do your research. Visit bbb.org to review the company’s BBB Business Profile to find out more about their marketplace performance. Consider customer reviews, complaint history, and overall company history. If you are unable to find information about the company, it may be best to look elsewhere. Remember, always look for the BBB seal. It’s the Sign of a Better BusinessSM.
Consider local companies. Supporting local companies not only strengthens the local economy, but also makes it easier to follow up in case of warranty issues or other needs.
Read and understand contracts before signing. Get everything in writing, including any verbal promises. Contracts should clearly state start and completion dates, and there should be no blank spaces when you sign.
Pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer valuable consumer protections. Avoid paying in full until the job is complete, and never pay in cash.
Know your rights under the “Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule.” The Federal Trade Commission gives consumers three days to cancel purchases over $25 made at home or outside a seller’s usual place of business. The rule doesn’t apply to all types of purchases—such as insurance or farm equipment—so review your rights carefully. A seller must issue a refund within 10 days of receiving your cancellation notice.
Get multiple bids. Getting several proposals from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project gives you a better idea of what reasonable price is. Homeowners should discuss bids in detail with each contractor and ask questions about variations in pricing. Keep in mind, the lowest-priced contractor may not be the best deal. Go to https://www.bbb.org/get-a-quote to get a bid from a business you can trust.
Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics. Reputable businesses will allow you time to think through a decision and won’t discourage you from doing your own research. If someone insists you act now or won’t provide written details, it may be best to walk away.
Be Safe. Never let a stranger into your home. If a solicitor refuses to leave or you feel unsafe, call the police immediately.
Check local Regulations. Some cities require permits for door-to-door solicitation or may enforce rules regarding “No Soliciting” signs. Visit your city’s official website to learn about local requirements.
Go to BBB.org to look up online marketplace business profiles, file a complaint, or write a customer review. Visit BBB Scam Tracker to research and bad behavior.
ABOUT BBB®: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2025, people turned to BBB more than 250 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million businesses and Charity Reports on about 25,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. BBB Central East Texas opened their Tyler office in 1985 and serves 19 counties in East Texas.