How to avoid scam paving companies 101

Willy Loman, from Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman, is a well-known (fictional) door-to-door salesperson. There was a time when it was a common profession.

Nowadays, door-to-door sales still happen, but with less frequency. Sometimes, legitimately; other times, not.

Legitimate door-to-door sales

Sometimes, as in the case of Square One Paving, its legitimate. Square One, who laid the stamped asphalt in front of the Evergreen Plaza in Sooke, are an example of legitimate contractors who utilize door-to-door sales. Owners Gord and Jan Stewart get a lot of business by knocking on doors.

I go around and bang on doors when theres a reno going, or a new house being built, details Gord. I give them my brochure, I talk, and I get jobs.

Consumer Protection BC says that legitimate door-to-door sales people are regulated by the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. To be in compliance with any contract established in a door-to-door sale, the contract needs to include (among other things) the suppliers name, address and contact information, detailed description of the the goods and services, payment terms, and the consumers cancellation rights. Which, by the way, include a 10-day cancellation right.

Gord adds to this. As a professional contractor, Gords business is listed with the Better Business Bureau, he has brochures, a website, and references.

I have a portfolio, I bring my iPad with me, I show them all the local jobs around where they are, I use every tool I can possibly use.

He also advised to check for credentials, and ask for a business card.

Sketchy door-to-door sales

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How to avoid scam paving companies 101