Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers to be on guard when it comes to high-pressure sales tactics over the next few months.

There are many businesses that go door-to-door selling everything from cosmetic products to magazine subscriptions. In 2012, BBB received over 1,700 complaints against door-to-door sales companies nationwide. Most complaints alleged products were paid for but never delivered, or refunds were not received upon cancellation.

During the summer months, BBB routinely receives an increase in complaints from consumers against businesses that employ aggressive door-to-door selling techniques. Some examples of high pressure sales tactics include hostile and persuasive rebuttals to consumer concerns, deep discounts offered upon immediate payment and refusal to take “no” for an answer.

While many businesses utilize door-to-door marketing tactics, BBB has these tips for consumers to consider when getting that knock on your door:

Door-to-door sales people are required to:

• Advise you orally and in writing of your right to cancel the sale within three days
• Provide a contract in the same language that was used in the sales presentation

The contract or receipt must:

• State the date of sale, name and address of the merchant
• Provide a statement of your right to cancel which includes the address of where to send your cancellation notice

To cancel a door-to-door sale:

• To obtain a full refund, you must do this before midnight of the third business day after the sale

Don’t be pressured to take advantage of a time-sensitive offer. Take time to decide whether you’re sure you want the product.

Short-term home rentals are soaring in popularity amongst homeowners and out-of-towners. As the summer music festivals approach, and with the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays just around the corner, many homeowners may choose to offer their home as a short-term rental.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona has these helpful and important tips to follow if you’re planning to rent out your home.

• Decide who will manage the property. If you decide to manage the property yourself, make sure you live close enough and are capable of handling any emergency issues that arise. If you don’t live close, make sure you know someone who can help take care of your property and address any issues a guest may have.

• If you decide to use a management company, research the organization first at bbb.org. Get all fees involved with listing your property and booking your rental in writing. Request detailed descriptions, in writing, of all the additional services to be provided and how and when you can expect to receive payment. Also, consider whether or not the company has its own insurance policy to cover any damages caused by the tenant.

• Write up a contract. BBB advises having an attorney go over the details of the contract. The contract should include:

1. Check in and checkout times
2. Whether smoking or pets are permitted
3. Details of any security or damage deposits, whether they are refundable and under what circumstances
4. A cancellation and rate change policy
5. The maximum occupancy and any fees associated with exceeding the limit
6. Parking restrictions
7. The renter’s contact information

• Check state and city law. Various cities and states have their own rental and property laws. Check your city’s law on short-term rentals to make sure you’re not in violation.

• Research renters. Get the appropriate contact information for renters and check them out. Consider a Google search or use an online screening service.

• Check your insurance coverage. Ensure you have enough property or casualty insurance should anything go wrong. Also consider the costs of lost, stolen or damaged items and ensure your security deposit covers all the “what-ifs.”

• Consult your rental agreement. If you rent your home or apartment, your contract could prohibit subletting. Be sure to check with your landlord or HOA about short-term visitors.

For potential home renters, BBB warns to be on the lookout for phony ads on classified sites and other internet sources aimed at cheating consumers. In the past, scammers have copied property information and pictures, creating fake listings. They will accept all forms of payments to appear legitimate only to have the consumer find out the home was not for rent and their up-front payment is gone. Use reliable rental websites, with more safeguards in place, rather than free-listing classified websites.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning local businesses to beware of a yellow page directory invoice being faxed and mailed to area businesses.

BBB received several calls from local businesses who received faxes or mailers from multiple yellow page directory companies. The correspondence asks businesses to verify their company information.

The official-looking verification form shows the company’s basic contact information and touts the image of fingers flipping through the phone book. However, the verification form is not from any local yellow page phone directory but for a national online directory.

Businesses beware: the mailer is not a bill, but if you fill it out you may be contacted by someone who will try and collect money from you.

BBB Tips:

• Make sure to designate a single person within your business to handle such matters. The will be aware of any and all directory listings your company is placing and when they renew.
• If you have filled out this form, make sure you contact the company immediately to cancel.
• Be sure to read all small print on any form or contract you sign for your business.
• Many fraudulent or scam companies will use similar names or logos of known companies. Be sure you are dealing with the company you think you’re dealing with.