If you live in Australia, you’ve most likely experienced a knock at the door from a door-to-door salesperson, charity worker, or appointment setter. This usually happens during dinner time. Or if you’re a shift worker, when you’re just about to try to get some sleep after a long night shift.
If you’d prefer not to receive these visits, a good solution is putting a ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker on your door or fence post. It’s like a polite but firm “thanks, but no thanks” sign for your door, and makes it clear that you don’t want to be bothered by uninvited visitors. They’re also a great idea for elderly residents or anyone who feels uneasy with strangers knocking.
In terms of their legality, under Australian consumer law, anyone engaging in door-to-door sales is required to respect your request not to be contacted. Ignoring a ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker or sign could result in consequences for the sales company involved. This can include fines of up to $50,000.
Where to Get A Free ‘Do Not Knock’ Sticker or Sign
Depending on where you live in Australia, there are a few options:
- Order a Free Sticker Online:
- South Australian Consumer and Business Services provide free ‘Do Not Knock’ Stickers. You can place your order on their website, via the online order form
- Queensland Government’s Fair Trading website also have an online order form
- The Government of Western Australia provide free stickers and requests can be made via phone or email.
- Print Your Own:
- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) offers a printable ‘Do Not Knock’ sign that you can download and print from their website
You can also pick up a free sticker at a selection of libraries and community centres around Australia.
A list of locations is available on the Consumer Action website here: https://donotknock.consumeraction.org.au/take-action/get-the-sticker-2/
