The situation of Philippe (1) undoubtedly resembles that of others. Having come in good faith on Saturday April 27, 2024 to the Niort fair to learn about photovoltaic panels, he found himself having signed a contract worth several thousand euros without realizing it, he explains.
“As soon as we entered the hall, we were immediately attacked by three people. They drowned us in a lot of information, it lasted more than an hour”, he remembers. After this difficult discussion, under the speakers, the couple ends up signing what they believe to be a commitment to bring in a technician to assess the feasibility of installing solar panels.
“We are shocked, traumatized, we can’t sleep anymore”
“The technician came by. He did a quick tour and then he sat down and asked us for 30% down. » It was there that the couple discovered that they had signed a purchase order. “But the technician refused to leave without the check, and asked us for 40% if we broke the contract. » They finally gave in after three hours of discussions. “We are shocked, traumatized, we can’t sleep anymore. We had to contact the bank, we don’t have that amount! »
“The advantage of fairs is to see professionals and to learn and compare. But you don’t have to sign anything: if you’re interested, you have to ask for a quote at home.”, warns Francis Mathieu, president of UFC-Que Choisir of Deux-Sèvres. The association was invited by the organizers, “to advise and also to send a message to exhibitors”explains Arnaud Wignolle, general director of Puzzle Center, the organizer of the fair (2).
No withdrawal
“Several stands had not put up a sign to warn customers. This allowed us to cancel a few files”says the president of the UFC, explaining that the association, contacted directly, was able to resolve some cases by serving as an intermediary with companies, sometimes by threatening to refer the matter to the DGCCRF, the fraud repression agency. “On the spot, we can settle it amicably, but eight or ten days later, it’s no use”, estimates Francis Mathieu. The Consumer Code is clear: at fairs, the consumer has no right of withdrawal, unlike door-to-door canvassing.
The fair took place from April 27 to May 1, 2024.
© (Photo NR, Baptiste Decharme)
“It’s not an obvious subject”, recognizes the director of Puzzle Center. The organization, in addition to having installed the UFC-Que Choisir opposite the entrance to be visible, has put in place a “charter of good conduct” for the companies present. This specifies in particular that exhibitors cannot overflow their locations, nor challenge customers or solicit solicitors in the aisles.
Findings and threats
“We set up rounds of security services, who draw up reports of infractions, with the threat of closing the stand or not inviting the exhibitor to other events. » Several letters to this effect must be sent, specifies Arnaud Wignolle. “It’s long-term work, but we can’t refuse exhibitors without objective criteria either, that would be a refusal to sell. »
The UFC gives some advice to avoid being fooled: favor local companies, “which are within reach”. If in doubt, contact the chamber of trades or professional unions to verify the sincerity of the companies. And above all, do not sign anything at a fair.
(1) Assumed first name.
(2) Puzzle Center is a subsidiary of the La Nouvelle République group.
