Door-step cold callers (sometimes referred to as ‘Nottingham Knockers’) are opportunist sellers of a variety of goods. Sometimes they may be legitimate (they must have a Pedlar's Certificate), but too often they are individuals who claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, before trying to sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. Householders are advised to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from people offering supposedly one-off ‘buy it now’ low prices.
“Nottingham Knockers
work in groups across the country but they are not involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme and many do not possess Pedlar’s Certificates, which are issued by police and are necessary for salespeople to be legally allowed to sell door-to-door.
A polite but firm ‘No thank you’ should be your response - and if you are worried or are threatened, call 999.
Contact Citizens’ Advice for more information: 03454 04 05 06 or