Recent findings published in a report by the OFT into doorstep traders of Mobility Aids show that the elderly and other vulnerable consumers are being made the target of unfair sales practices and in some cases have purchased goods from companies which fail to arrive.
The investigation into thousands of complaints from consumers who had bought products such as Mobility Scooters and Stair Lifts from sales people on their doorstep showed that some people had been scammed into paying over 50%* more for the same product found on the High Street or online.
Andrea Dipple, Managing Director of co-operative Xest said that “It is disgusting how the most vulnerable members of our society are being taken advantage of by these unlawful sales practises. As a result of this report I hope we will begin to see more of these illegal traders being prosecuted by Trading Standards. It is important that we work to protect the image of the Mobility Aid Industry and to ensure that vulnerable people feel confident that they are buying from a trust worthy source“.
Andrea believes that there are a number of things consumers should always consider before purchasing from a Mobility Aid specialist. “Is this company a brand that they recognise and feel they can trust? Are they confident that they will receive a full refund if they wish too under a money back guarantee? Most importantly is this company a recognised member of the British Healthcare Trades Association?
*Source: ‘Mobility aids – The Office of Fair Trading’: oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/
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Notes to the Editors:
For more information, images and product samples please contact:
Lisa Axworthy
Marcus Forsey
About co-operative Xest
Co-operative Xest is a co-operative business; they can be trusted to do the right thing by customers, as customers ultimately own the business.
Co-operative Xest has a mission, they want to:
• Enable customers to live independent, dignified, more fulfilled and enriched lives.
• Change the way people shop for clever products that make life easier.
Co-operative Xest has pledged to do the following:
• Offer a 12 month buy and try guarantee.
• Provide clear and full information about their products including customer benefits.
• Use pictures that show you what the products are like in every day life.
• Provide products that offer great value for money.
• Keep the cost of delivery to a minimum.
• Provide rapid service.
The Southern Co-operative, the parent company of co-operative Xest, is an independent co-operative society founded in 1873, with over 3,000 employees, 70,000 members and over 150 outlets primarily in food retailing.
As a mutual business we believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Co-operative Xest offer a discreet easy living range with no compromise on design and quality.
