Chapman's licence

Chapmen are those persons who seek to buy personal and household goods such as precious metals, antique furniture, crockery and jewellery. They may go from door to door or set up in a hotel.

The Office of Fair Trading is responsible for licensing such persons so that only those who are fit and proper come knocking on your door.

If you receive a visit from anyone claiming to be interested in purchasing any items you should ask to see their licence. This will be in the form of an A4 laminated licence with the Government crest. The licence will be signed by a senior officer of the Office of Fair Trading. You should make a note of the name of the chapman as shown on the licence.

If you have any doubts, don’t let the person into your home and contact the Office of Fair Trading.

It is a criminal offence for anyone to operate as a chapman without a licence.