Help! Did something really stupid :(

[funschooler5]

I've never bought anything from a door-to-door salesman before (other than Girl Scout cookies). Well, yesterday, somebody came to the door selling some all-purpose cleaner. He was very nice, and funny (I have had some pretty creepy, aggressive characters try to sell me stuff door-to-door and this guy was nothing like that). He cleaned a spot on my front porch. It was pouring down rain outside and I felt bad for him. So I wrote him a check.

 

DH was livid. He looked up the company online and found out that this company has several complaints about it. Things like check-washing scams, and even robbery and drugs. I did my own research today, and there were some people that had good experiences with the company, but it looks like it's about 50/50. From what I've read, experiences vary according to the salesperson you deal with. Some of them are just not honest.

 

Anyway, I'm wondering what I should do now. I don't really want to stop payment on my check before anything happens, because what if this guy is legit? What I want to know is what to do if my check does go to my bank with $500 or $1000 written on it. I check my account online daily, so if that does happen, I will see it right away and call the bank. But will I have to cover that amount?

 

I just feel soooo stupid. I don't usually buy stuff from people. I do have trouble hanging up on phone salesman, and shutting the door in people's faces, so I usually listen to their pitch and politely say no. I know that some people are dishonest, but some are just trying to make a living. Ugh, I wish I could go back in time and not answer the door. :(

[Dandelion]

If you haven't already, I would call the bank and just explain to them that you have a concern and ask what they can do (perhaps they can put temporary monitoring on your account or they can note something on their end that Check #1234 shouldn't be clearing for more than $50 or whatever the amount is).

 

Hope it turns out that your sales guy was one of the "good guys"!

[fivetails]

Isn't there some law that gives you the right to cancel a door-to-door type of sale within a few days or something?

[Starr]

I would go to the bank and cancel the check. If they didn't leave you any info to cancel the order then you know they are trouble. All real companies will let you cancel or return unopened. Don't feel dumb, it's learning.

[milovany]

Isn't there some law that gives you the right to cancel a door-to-door type of sale within a few days or something?

 

YES, this should very much be the case. Did you get a receipt? If so the policy should be printed on the back. You should be able to cancel this from what I understand (I do direct sales -- Uppercase Living -- and this law also applies to home parties).

[Jkodman]

Don't feel bad I did the exact same thing and I never buy door to door. Is it some lavender or green apple cleaning stuff? He cleaned scratch marks on my van. I still can't believe I bought it. My dh wasn't too happy either. I think I remember you had 3 days to cancel order.

[funschooler5]

Don't feel bad I did the exact same thing and I never buy door to door. Is it some lavender or green apple cleaning stuff? He cleaned scratch marks on my van. I still can't believe I bought it. My dh wasn't too happy either. I think I remember you had 3 days to cancel order.

 

Yes, that's it! I got the green apple. Did you cancel your order?

 

Thanks everyone, I called my bank, and they just said to watch to see if the amount on my check was different when it clears. Hopefully, the bank will make a note that I did call ahead of time. Now I'm going to see if I can cancel the order through the company.