What is the cooling-off period for doorstep/door-to-door sales?
How the answer differs across 9 jurisdictions
GermanyFull article Yes, you generally have a 14-day right to withdraw from a consumer contract signed at your home or doorstep, unless it falls under a legal exception.
IrelandFull article Yes, you can cancel a doorstep sales contract in Ireland within 14 days of signing it, with no reason required.
European UnionFull article Yes, you can cancel the contract within 14 days under EU law because it was made during an unsolicited visit to your home.
Yes, you can usually cancel a home improvement contract made during a doorstep visit within 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
US FederalFull article Yes, you can cancel a door-to-door sale within three business days under federal law. This right is enforced by the FTC and applies to purchases of $25 or more made at your home or workplace.
US-CaliforniaFull article Yes, you can cancel most contracts signed at your home in California within 3 business days under the Home Solicitation Sales Act.
US-New YorkFull article Yes, you can cancel most door-to-door sales in New York within three business days. The seller must give you a cancellation form and written notice of this right at the time of sale.
South KoreaFull article In South Korea, consumers have a 7-day cooling-off period for door-to-door sales, during which they can cancel the contract without penalty.
JapanFull article You can cancel a door-to-door sales contract in Japan within 8 days of receiving written notice of your cooling-off rights — no reason needed.
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GermanyCan I withdraw from a contract signed at my doorstep?IrelandCan I cancel a doorstep sales contract?European UnionAn aggressive salesperson pressured me into signing a contract at my door. Can I cancel?
UKCan I cancel a contract for home improvements made during a doorstep visit?US FederalCan I return a product bought through a door-to-door sale?US-CaliforniaCan I cancel a contract signed at my doorstep in California?US-New YorkCan I cancel a door-to-door sale within three days in New York?South KoreaWhat's the cooling-off period for door-to-door sales?JapanI was pressured into a door-to-door sales contract. How can I cancel?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.