You do have the right to cancel if you are mis-sold something you don't want. Although most phone companies use reliable sales techniques, some might mis-sell their services.
What is mis-selling?
A company is guilty of mis-selling if they:
- Give false or misleading information to get you to buy something.
- Ask you to sign a document 'for information', which actually authorises a transfer of services from one provider to another.
- Use unacceptable pressure to try to get you to sign up with them.
- Switch you to a different phone company without your knowledge or consent. It's called slamming.
Can I cancel my order?
As part of the Distance Selling Regulations or Consumer Contracts Regulations as they're now known, you have a right to cancel an order made at a distance. For example, an order made online or over the phone.
You normally have 14 days from the day your service starts to change your mind and leave your contract without incurring any early-cancellation charges. But if you are transferring calls or lines to or from BT, there's an industry-agreed process phone companies must follow. Your existing supplier should send you a letter to notify you of any pending transfer. This lets you cancel without charge up to shortly before the transfer is due to take place.