Rogue Health/Mobility Aids Sellers  

There are many products on the market these days designed to help people with their mobility, from scooters to stairlifts.  They can make it easier to get around and give people back their independence.  But with so many products and companies to choose from it can be difficult to know what the best option is. Thousands of calls are made to consumer advice agencies year about problem mobility aid purchases.  Many of the complaints focus on high pressure sales, poor advice, unsuitable products and overcharging.

It’s not just door to door salespeople that use high pressure sales tactics to get people to spend money on products they don’t necessarily need or want.  Some shops have sales staff that also try to pressure you into buying their products.  They try to put you in a position where you feel you can’t say no.  With the sale of mobility aids they are targeting the more vulnerable members of our community.  If you or a family member are considering buying any of these kind of products, it is worth getting advice before you buy.'

Mobility aids such as scooters and stairlifts are expensive items. Consumers should make sure they are buying the right aid. Impartial advice on what is best for you is available over the telephone from duty occupational therapy staff based in your local Social Services offices. Once you know what’s best for you then shop around for the best deal.'

Sales people may try to make you feel that if you don’t buy a particular item now you will lose out; offer you a massive discount on an original high price; try to build up your commitment to the product so that you can’t say no later on; use expert opinions to influence your decision or use personal information they gain from you to persuade you to agree that you are interested in the product.

Many complainants feel that they had been conned into spending over thousands of pounds on products. They feel pressurised by a salesman into paying a deposit for the goods and agree to delivery. When they attempt to cancel the order they are treated with great disrespect and ignored by the company. 

To avoid extra expense and disappointment:

• Ask friends and family for recommendations of companies or traders before you buy.
• Contact Social Services - they may even be able to supply you with the same equipment at little or no cost to yourself.
• Shop around and if it’s a large purchase consider getting several quotes.  Don’t just accept the deal offered by a pushy salesperson.
• Try to have a friend or relative with you for support and to witness any verbal claims that are made.
• Make sure you get everything in writing, including any special deals or discounts.
• Don’t sign on the spot – always read any contract carefully.
• If you’re being asked to sign a credit agreement, think about getting someone else to check the details before you sign.
• Don’t buy on impulse even if you’re given a ‘once in a lifetime offer’
• Insist on seeing the product in use before committing yourself.
• Check out any expert endorsements or claims.
• Be assertive!  If you don’t want to buy, refuse firmly.
• If a product costs over £100, using a credit card may give you extra protection if the goods are faulty or not as described.
• Make sure you are physically able to use the item.  For example, if you are considering a scooter, is your eyesight good enough to use it safely?

If you encounter a problem with rogue health/mobility sellers...

Tell your local Trading Standards Service and tell us - it may help us to stop them and protect other people.