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Can I cancel a contract someone sold me at my door?

Consumer rights

Can I cancel a contract someone sold me at my door?

Door-to-door and uninvited direct sales often have cooling-off rights — check Consumer Protection for the current rules and time limits.

If a salesperson came to your home uninvited, you may have stronger cancellation rights than for a normal shop purchase. New Zealand law sets cooling-off periods for many uninvited direct sales — the exact rules depend on the type of contract and when it was signed.

Do not feel rushed to decide at the door. Ask for everything in writing, including total price, ongoing payments, and how to cancel. If you change your mind within the cooling-off window, follow the written cancellation steps on Consumer Protection’s guides.

Pressure tactics are a red flag. If you feel unsafe, close the door and contact the Commerce Commission or Consumer Protection. Educational only — check official pages for current time limits.

Educational signposting only from the Resilience Programme. Not legal, financial, or medical advice. Updated 2026-07-10.

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