IRVING, Texas—ADT chief legal officer David Bleisch’s call last week for a ‘door-knocking code of ethics’ struck a chord with some who believe a code would be beneficial.

Jeremy Pixton, owner of Platinum Protection, one of the larger summer-model security companies called the idea “long overdue.”

“Ultimately every company in our industry has the same goal to satisfy our customers while protecting their homes and families. But unfortunately the door-to-door industry is riddled with stories about sales reps who don't share the same goal,” Pixton said. “Even though Platinum has focused on training our sales reps to sell ethically, adopting an industry-wide code of ethics can only help us achieve more, and we would love to help however we can.”

The NBFAA last April updated its code of ethics (find it here), which addresses sales presentations and employee training in a general way, but does not talk specifically about door-to-door sales. NBFAA president Mike Miller called Bleisch’s idea “a powerful suggestion.” He added: “the NBFAA would like to help where it can … to help bring a solution [to the problems associated with door-to-door sales] to the industry,” said Mike Miller, president of the NBFAA.

Miller said that enforcement of a code of ethics is not something within the purview of the NBFAA, but said another entity, such as a coalition of companies, may be able to address compliance with a code of ethics.

Bleish’s suggestion came about as the result of lawsuits that ADT has filed against several door-to-door salespeople who ADT says used deceptive sales tactics. See the full story here.  Monitronics, which is also suing several door-to-door sales people, also indicated its support for a code of ethics.  

Comments

e. wolfe says: (55 weeks ago) August 13th, 2009 - 08:36 am

Personally I don't trust anyone selling security systems door to door. Platinum Protection had the odasity to ring my bell at 8:30pm trying to hock their product - even with a Brinks Security sign clearly posted in the front yard and a "NO SOLICITORS" sign clearly posted on my front door. If I was even remotely considering swithcing to them - their sales ethics quickly changed my mind, and I have been telling everyone I know not to talk to them.

Eliza says: (57 weeks ago) July 30th, 2009 - 05:04 pm

In this day and age you can't tell me that each of these security companies don't have internal (their own) Code of Ethics. If they don't, they should - obviously. And if they do - it isn't helping, so of what use is a Code of Ethics approved by all these companies if they can't get their independent reps to abide by it?

Hans says: (57 weeks ago) July 30th, 2009 - 01:10 pm

Most of these companies from Utah, because that's where they come from will be coming again and again to states even in licensed areas and do alarms without licensing, They should be reported on every job done without permit, and generally most of the installations are done without permit. That's where they can be targeted and subject to higher fines. Let's go to work and start reporting them to AHJ.

Jim Bucciaglia says: (57 weeks ago) July 30th, 2009 - 12:51 pm

Jeremy Pixton must have taken the special class at the local collage about how to defer the focus. What will he say next year if there is a code of ethics for door-to-door sales and his company still has the most complaints? His company was one of the worst in our area (Reading PA.) this past May and June. Ask him why his company only targets states and areas without licensing?

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