IrelandAn aggressive salesperson pressured me into signing a contract at my door. Can I cancel?
If an aggressive salesperson pressured you into a contract in Ireland, the contract may be voidable under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, which bans aggressive commercial practices.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Protection Act 2007 makes it illegal for traders to use aggressive commercial practices when dealing with consumers. If such pressure leads you to enter a contract, the law gives you important protections.
An 'aggressive commercial practice' is one that significantly impairs or is likely to significantly impair your freedom of choice through harassment, coercion, or undue influence. This includes physical force, threats, persistent conduct, or exploiting a vulnerable situation.
If you entered a contract because of such pressure, the contract is considered 'voidable' — meaning you can cancel it and get your money back, provided you act promptly and follow the correct steps.
The law applies to all consumer contracts made in Ireland, including door-to-door sales, online purchases, and in-store agreements where high-pressure tactics were used.
Statutory TextA commercial practice shall be regarded as aggressive if, in its factual context, taking account of all its features and circumstances, it significantly impairs or is likely to significantly impair the average consumer's freedom of choice or conduct with regard to a product.
— Consumer Protection Act 2007, s. 53 — Aggressive commercial practices
What to Do
Contact the trader in writing (email or letter) stating you are cancelling the contract due to aggressive sales tactics and request a full refund.
Keep copies of all communications, recordings (if legally obtained), and notes on what happened — including dates, times, and names.
If the trader refuses, contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at ccpc.ie or call 0818 07 4040.
You may also seek redress through the Small Claims Procedure (for claims up to €2,000) or the Circuit Court (up to €15,000).
Sources
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: 2026-06-08.