In-home window sales and your right to cancel in Iowa
A lot of windows are sold in a two-hour presentation at the kitchen table, with a discount that expires when the salesperson leaves. Iowa law gives you time to think it over, even if you invited them.
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What counts as a door-to-door sale
Under Iowa Code 555A.1, a door-to-door sale is a consumer sale of $25 or more where the seller personally solicits the sale and you agree to buy somewhere other than the seller's place of business. That includes a sale made after you invited the seller to your home. So a window contract you sign at home after an in-home consultation is usually covered, whether the salesperson knocked or you booked the visit.
Three business days to cancel
- You may cancel a door-to-door sale without penalty within three business days of the transaction (Iowa Code 555A.3). Business days do not count weekends or public holidays.
- The seller must give you two copies of a Notice of Cancellation with the contract, fill in the date you can cancel by, and tell you out loud about your right to cancel (Iowa Code 555A.4).
- A contract may not include a waiver of your right to cancel (Iowa Code 555A.4).
- After a valid cancellation, the seller must return your payments within ten business days (Iowa Code 555A.4).
Send the cancellation in writing, keep a copy, and use a method that shows the date, such as certified mail or an email with a reply.
The federal rule too
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule also gives you until midnight of the third business day to cancel many sales made at your home for $25 or more. The FTC warns that home repair scammers may knock on your door after a storm and pressure you to act quickly.
How to handle the presentation
- Ask for the price of the exact windows in writing, with the brand and the U-factor. Then say you will decide later.
- A "today only" discount is a sales tool. A real price is still available tomorrow.
- Get a second written quote for the same windows and installation method.
- Check the company's Iowa contractor registration before you sign. You can look up any contractor's registration on the Iowa Labor Portal public search at laborportal.iwd.iowa.gov.
Questions Des Moines homeowners ask
Does the three-day rule apply if I asked them to come over?
Iowa's definition of a door-to-door sale includes sales made in response to or following an invitation by the buyer, as long as you agree to buy somewhere other than the seller's place of business. There are narrow exceptions, such as a real emergency where you waive the right in your own handwriting.
What if they did not give me a Notice of Cancellation?
Iowa Code 555A requires the seller to give you the notice and tell you about your right to cancel. If they did not, put your cancellation in writing anyway and contact the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.