Energy supplier, mobile operator, insurance… No matter what service or product it offers, a company can engage in canvassing to try to attract new customers. This practice is also known as commercial prospecting. It can take several forms:

This last method is the most widespread in France. It is also the one that bothers the French the most. In 2018, cold calling was considered “annoying” by 9 out of 10 French people, as reported by a UFC-Que Choisir survey.

Beyond ringing your phone at any time of the day or night, the professionals on the phone sometimes use aggressive commercial methods.

In the slideshow below, discover some signs that should alert you to these legally sanctioned practices.

A commercial practice may be considered aggressive without it even resulting in a contract. “It can only be an invitation to talks or an offer. The offer must be understood in the sense of solicitation of a consumer to conclude a contract”, specifies the site of the Ministry of the Economy.

If a professional is found guilty of this kind of practice, here is what he risks:

If you have been the victim of a business practice that resulted in the signing of a contract, do not worry. This is considered “null and void”.