Door-to-door sales barred

MUSCAT, JAN 13 - Sales representatives and vendors have henceforth been barred from engaging in door-to-door sales, which implies they can no longer visit homes to promote their goods/ services, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has said. The new PACP resolution bars sales representatives from visiting homes and residential units from promoting goods/ services without consumers’ permission. An ‘administrative’ fine of not less than RO 200 and not more than RO 1,000 will be imposed on violators, as per resolution no. 10/2019. The decision follows a series of complaints from the people about vendors knocking on their doors to sell goods, including electronic appliances. The decision was widely welcomed on social media, with many saying such vendors were annoying. “It is a good decision. It should apply to companies that randomly call people to offer their services as well as electric goods,” said a social media activist. “Why not bar beggars, who knock on the doors during our afternoon naps,” asked Salim, another activist. Many companies engage in door-to-door selling. “Such companies have no office and they want to contact with consumers so that they can avoid after-sales service,” said an official. Said bin Khmais al Kaabi, Chairman of PACP, had issued a decision in 2015, barring the sale of electrical/ electronic devices in non-commercial establishments. According to the decision, such products should be displayed at a place designated for sale after obtaining permits from the authorities concerned.