The Indian guy knocked my front door looked rather serious, contrary to the smiling face we expect from a sales person.

‘I am here to check, whether you are getting the 17% energy discount from AGL. Who are you with? ‘He said in a rough voice, complemented with an Indian accent and Indian English.

His ways and manners rather reminded me of a police officer. He refused to leave, eventhough I told him that I am not interested in any of his deals .He  was getting more and more aggressive and acted as if I have no choice but to change my energy provider to one that he suggests .

Australians are encountering more and more of these rogue energy sales men on a daily basis. Most of the time they employ misleading pressure sales tactics. The Ombudsman’s office received more than 10,700 complaints in 2010-11 about ”transfer” concerns, or switching suppliers. There were another 2624 marketing complaints – 1649 concerning ”misleading marketing” and 449 over ”pressure sales”.

As a consumer the law avail you certain rights in this matter.

The Australian Consumer Law contains a number of legal rights for you as a consumer when dealing with sales people at your door, including:Direct Response Marketing

Door to door sales people cannot visit you on Sundays or public holidays; before 9am or after 6pm on weekdays and before 9am or after 5pm on Saturdays.

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By law, a door to door sales person must tell you their name, the contact details of the business they represent and why they are at your door.

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If you ask a door to door sales person to leave they must go immediately and not return for 30 days.

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http://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/consumer-rights-and-support/complaints

http://www.yourchoice.vic.gov.au/search

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There are a few not so legal ways to handle a situation like this .Pouring real hot water on their faces as if you haven’t noticed their presence is one commonly employed tactic . But remember, this act of stupidity could put you on the wrong side of the law.