Colportage, or door-to-door or street sales, can occur unexpectedly. Consumers in Rijswijk are protected by a statutory cooling-off period of 14 days to withdraw from the purchase without reason.
What does colportage entail?
Colportage concerns sales that take place outside the seller's shop or business premises, without the consumer having requested it themselves. This includes:
- Door-to-door sales (such as for energy contracts, vacuum cleaners or magazines)
- Sales in public places such as streets
- Sales during organised excursions
- Unexpected home visits following a telephone conversation
14-day cooling-off period
For colportage in Rijswijk, you are entitled to a cooling-off period of 14 days. Within this period, you can cancel the purchase or agreement free of charge. This period starts upon receipt of the product or upon entering into a service agreement.
Mandatory information from the seller
A seller is obliged to provide clear information immediately about:
- Who they are and where their business is located
- The characteristics of the offered product or service
- The total costs, including any extras
- Your right to withdraw within 14 days
Prohibited practices
Certain practices are not permitted in colportage, such as:
- Exerting pressure or aggressive behaviour
- Refusing to leave upon request
- Intimidating behaviour or threats
- Targeting sales at vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with disabilities
Refusing colportage in Rijswijk
With a 'no colportage' sticker on your letterbox in Rijswijk, you can indicate that you do not wish to receive door-to-door sellers. Companies must respect this and may not approach you.
Frequently asked questions about colportage
How do I make use of the 14-day cooling-off period?
Within 14 days after receipt of the product or conclusion of a service agreement, you can cancel the purchase without giving a reason. Send a written notice (for example via e-mail) to the seller and return the product if you already have it. Keep proof of dispatch. The seller must refund your payment within 14 days after your cancellation.
What to do if a seller does not leave?
If a seller refuses to leave your home in Rijswijk, they are breaking the law. Ask them politely but firmly to leave. If they still refuse, contact the police (112 in case of threat, otherwise the general number). Note the seller's name and company for a complaint to the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM).
Does the cooling-off period also apply to telephone sales?
Yes, if the consumer did not initiate contact themselves, telephone sales fall under colportage. You then have a right to a 14-day cooling-off period. The seller must confirm this in writing. Request an e-mail confirmation and check whether your right of withdrawal is clearly stated.
What if I was not informed about my right of withdrawal?
If the seller does not correctly inform you about your right of withdrawal, the cooling-off period is extended to a maximum of 12 months after the standard period of 14 days. You can still cancel the agreement. Keep proof that the information was missing, such as a contract without withdrawal conditions.
What to do if I suspect fraud by a colporteur?
Report it to the police in Rijswijk as soon as possible and notify the ACM via their website. Collect all relevant evidence, such as contracts, payment receipts, names and photos of the product. Contact the seller for a solution and consider legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
Is a 'no colportage' sticker binding in Rijswijk?
Yes, a 'no colportage' sticker on your letterbox is legally binding. Companies may not approach you for door-to-door sales. If it happens anyway, report it to the ACM. Note: the sticker does not automatically apply to charities or political organisations, unless you specify otherwise.