Sales pressure
Vancouver Island’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning to Powell River residents about unscrupulous door-to-door vacuum and air purifier sales.
According to BBB, salespeople are using unethical tactics to sell vacuums and air purifiers to homeowners. Many of the complaints BBB has received contain the same elements: some salespeople are using aggressive, high-pressure sales tactics; some salespeople take advantage of the consumer’s age and vulnerable state of mind; consumers report problems with some of the vacuum cleaners and air purifiers they purchased; and some consumers allege they had difficulty cancelling their direct sales contracts.
Chris Mazzelli said a salesperson came to his home and spoke to his fiancé. The salesperson said he was taking a survey about air quality and if she participated, her name would be entered into a draw. “Sure enough, a couple of days later, they called and said we had won the prize,” Mazzelli said.
The salesperson arranged a time to come to their home when both Mazzelli and his fiancé would be home. The salesperson brought the prize, which turned out to be a slap chop, but they also had a vacuum and an air purifier. “They said this was just a demonstration and they don’t get paid unless they show us the product,” Mazzelli said. “Of course, your heart goes out to people, Christmas time is coming up, of course you want people to get paid. We checked out the demonstration.”
He and his fiancé almost said yes, Mazzelli said, but they researched the product and discovered they were available for thousands of dollars less.
The salesperson told Mazzelli that the company had sold over 70 units in three weeks in Powell River. “I’m thinking, those poor people, people on pensions, people are just totally getting scammed out of all this money,” Mazzelli said. “I think the community should be aware of these people coming and preying on older people with pensions and young families that can’t afford it.”
BBB has these tips for consumers to protect themselves from becoming a victim:
• If you are not interested in hearing a sales presentation or purchasing an item, request that the salesperson leave your property and record your address on their “do not solicit” list. If the salesperson refuses to leave, call the police immediately.
• If you are interested in the product or sales presentation, ask the salesperson if they have a solicitor’s licence and identification. Ask them for the full company name, location and phone number. Ask them to leave a copy of the direct sales contract and any other product or warranty information for you to review carefully on your own. Check out the company’s BBB business review before purchasing anything or signing a contract.
The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act gives consumers a number of rights in regard to direct sales contracts, including the right to cancel a contract within 10 days for any reason and the right to a refund from the supplier within 15 days if the contract is cancelled. Consumers must receive a copy of the contract at the time of signing or the contract is not binding. Consumers should never have to provide a deposit that is more than $100.
BBB reminds consumers that they should always cancel a contract in writing, by hand, email, fax or registered mail.
End funding cuts
City of Powell River councillors passed a motion addressing cuts to funding and supports for adults with developmental disabilities, which has resulted in the closure of group homes and mounting waiting lists for services. The motion urges the provincial government to end funding cuts, implement a moratorium on the closure of group homes and provide sufficient financial sources both to maintain this vital housing resource and address growing wait-lists.
Latecomer fees
Councillors passed a motion to impose latecomer charges on the owners of three parcels located on Bowness Avenue and Field Street that have benefited from extended utilities provided by a developer as part of a subdivision of property along Glacier Street and Bowness.
Smart meter moratorium
Councillors passed a motion to send a letter to the province advising that the city concurs with the resolution adopted at the UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) annual conference calling for a moratorium on the installation of smart meters until the major issues which have been identified are independently assessed and acceptable alternatives are made available to consumers at no extra cost.
Permissive taxes
Council adopted three permissive tax exemption bylaws that provide a total of $236,663 in property tax exemptions in 2012 for a variety of service clubs and charitable organizations.
Tax exemption
Council approved the revitalization tax exemption application from Catalyst Paper Corporation for major industry lands and improvements in 2012.
Boat launch
Council passed a motion to purchase and install 47.4 metres of topper style floats and an additional access gangway for the north harbour boat ramp at a cost not to exceed $61,533, to be funded from the north harbour reserve account.
Emergency services
Council voted to support the idea of establishing a regional emergency management service and consented to the adoption of the Powell River Regional District emergency preparedness regional services establishment amendment bylaw, which includes the city in the regional district’s emergency preparedness service.
New school project
Council passed a motion to approve letters of commitment from School District 47 Board of Education regarding outstanding works and servicing and statutory right-of-way requirements associated with a building permit for the construction of Westview Elementary School. The school district is responsible for offsite works and expenses associated with installing two crosswalks on Joyce Avenue at Massett and Nootka streets, as well as completing improvements to the sidewalks on Massett between Joyce and Selkirk Avenue.
Sweeper award
Council voted to award a contract to Cubex Ltd. for $195,871 to replace a street sweeper with a Schwarze A700 Nissan model. Funding for the purchase comes from the 2011 capital budget.
Award of merit
Gale Alsgard, branch president of St. John Ambulance in Powell River, and Glen McCallum, officer in charge of the volunteer brigade, presented an award of merit from the national, provincial and Powell River office to Brett Martin. Alsgard explained that Martin risked his life to save another. Although the victim’s life couldn’t be saved, “that is the greatest gift anyone can ever give. Tonight we are witnessing the making of a hero.”
