General Consumer Information:
As a consumer, you have options if you feel that the purchased goods or services were not to your satisfaction.
For an overview and more information, visit Service Alberta or File a Consumer Complaint.
Direct Sales (Door-to-Door Sales) Information:
A direct seller is a person who walks from the door of one house to the door of another to speak directly with residents. Direct sellers sell anything from magazines to home improvements. If a contract is signed in person, negotiated or concluded away from the seller’s usual place of business, it is considered a direct sale.
Generally, door-to-door activities are methods for:
- Direct sales of products and/or services (i.e. security systems, lawn aeration services);
- Fundraising for non-profits (i.e. health foundations, school groups);
- Marketing or promotion (i.e. churches, political candidates); or
- Gathering information (i.e. census).
In Alberta, most companies that sell products door-to-door must be licensed under the Consumer Protection Act and the Direct Selling Business Licensing Regulation.
Businesses that would like to send their representatives door-to-door require a pre-paid contractor or direct seller’s licence from the Government of Alberta. Once the Provincial approval is granted, the company's name will appear in a database with Service Alberta as a licensed direct seller.
A direct seller must obtain City approval prior to soliciting sales. This approval is in the form of a City issued ID card and must be displayed or produced when addressing a resident.
Direct seller permits are only valid for 6 months from when the permit is issued.
Note: Canvassing for non-profit organizations or persons under 18 collecting for fundraisers, youth sports etc.. do not require a City licence.
Direct Seller Expectations:
When a direct seller is engaging in door-to-door sales a direct seller must:
- Display both their company-issued ID card and their City-issued ID permit when first addressing a resident;
- Only engage residents between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.;
- Pass a residence if a “no soliciting sign” is visibly displayed; and
- Always be respectful.
Direct Sales Consumer Concerns:
Grande Prairie is a popular place for door-to-door businesses to solicit sales. Before you sign a contract or purchase any goods or services from a representative, do your research. Ask the representative to come back at another time or schedule an appointment to discuss the goods or services further.
Behaviour Concerns of a Direct Seller:
If you have concerns with the behaviour of a direct seller, we highly suggest contacting us as soon as possible so we can send an officer to your neighbourhood and address the concern immediately. When reporting please take note of the date, time, area, descriptive features of the direct seller, the name of the business they represent and if possible their name.
To report behaviour concerns please contact Business Licensing at 780-830-7428,
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or by email at blicensing@cityofgp.com.
After Hours - Please contact Enforcement Services at 780-830-5790. Officers are available to attend between 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) Monday to Sunday.
Contract or Sale Concerns:
If you have concerns with the contract or sale provided from a direct seller, contact Service Alberta, Consumer Contact Centre toll-free (in Alberta) at 1-877-427-4088 to discuss your concern or File a Consumer Complaint.
For more information dealing with direct sales or cancelling contracts view Service Alberta’s Dealing with Door-to-Door Sales Brochure.
Prohibited Practices:
Effective January 1, 2017, the Government of Alberta banned door-to-door sales of furnaces and related products and services including water heaters, air conditioners, windows and energy audits.
