The Office of Fair Trading has launched a consumer awareness campaign following unfair sales practices being identified - especially for those buying mobility aids.
Take this quick quiz to see if you know the facts: http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/scams/Quickquiz1.pdf
Advice to consumers buying on the doorstep
The Office of Fair Trading has launched a doorstep selling consumer awareness campaign. This has specific emphasis on mobility aids to empower consumers against unfair sales practices. They are running this campaign in partnership with consumer groups and charities. The campaign aims to provide consumers with practical tips and informs them of their rights including the following:- Think twice before you buy and if you are made to feel under pressure to make a purchase, have the confidence to say no.
- Be wary of time-limited or exclusive offers that need to be signed on the spot - this can be a high pressure sales tactic.
- Double check the facts. Do you fully understand the costs and know whether it includes extras like installation, on-going serving charges or warranties?
- Always shop around to compare products and prices.
- Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
- If you spend more than £35 with a trader on the doorstep, you usually have seven days in which to cancel (subject to certain conditions). If in doubt, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk.
Why are the Office of Fair Trading worried about mobility aid selling?
The office of fair trading identified that the mobility aids sector may not be working well for consumers in early 2010. Whilst the mobility aid is often a vital necessity for the consumer, the Office of Fair Trading found unfair sales practices targeted at elderly or vulberable consumers. They had received more than 4000 complaints in respect of mobility aids sales to Consumer Direct for each of the last three years.So, they completed a market study to review the following mobility aids: wheelchairs, scooters, stair lifts, bath aids, hoists, adjustable beds and specialist seating.
They found that a small minority of firms were engaging in unfiar sales practices, whether high pressure or misleading practices. They also identified that this type of experience was often under reported.
The Office of Fair Trading's report also identified other areas of concern including:
- Evidence that around half of consumers are not shopping around so could be paying too much for mobility aids. The Office of Fair Trading found there can be a wide disparity in the price of identical products, for example the price of one brand and model of scooter varied by £3,000. Around half of trader websites and advertising material that were checked did not quote any prices.
- The public sector's fragmented purchasing structure and some buying patterns can make it difficult to procure the best value wheelchairs.
http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/105-11#.UTkVqFeuR8E
The Office of Fair Trading are continuing to review these issues. But do you know how to identify market prices?
If you know exactly what it is that you require, then it is worth shopping around. However, if you are sure what the issues are, but not necessarily the solution, then it is worth speaking to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to obtain further information. This could avoid an expensive mistake. It can also ensure that you have clear guidance as to what the options are for your equipment purchase - as well as a number of possible suppliers.