Moorland Mobility have settled into their new shop in The Maltings in Uttoxeter. I popped in to get an update on the sales scam that the Council warned people about.
Following recent publicity about pressure sales tactics aimed at elderly and vulnerable people there have been a rise in the number of calls for help made to our local, reputable mobility product specialists, Moorland Mobility. Malcolm, Terry and Gina of Moorland Mobility share the Council’s concern that older and vulnerable people are falling prey to the sharp practices of some operators selling mobility aids.
Terry said: “We stock a number of options on our mobility items, with a large number of different scooters and wheelchairs. These are important items in people’s lives and it is important they choose the option that suits them best.”
Correct Fitting is important
Gina, a specialist advisor for Moorland Mobility, advises: “Not only have some people paid over the odds, which is distressing, it is also concerning that the equipment may not be correctly fitted to the user. A lot of equipment, from walking sticks to mobility scooters, come in different sizes or have adjustable settings. These may need checking and adjusting.”
Moorland Mobility is offering a free check on any equipment that is brought into either their showroom in Leekbrook, or the new shop in The Maltings in Uttoxeter. For those unable to visit in person Moorland Mobility can make service and safety checks on goods in the home. This home service is, they stress, by appointment only and their normal published prices apply.
If you know of someone who recently purchased mobility equipment from a ‘doorstep salesmen’, please urge them to have it checked by specialists like Moorland Mobility.
Seek Advice and ask for a contract
Staffordshire County Council has issued a warning, advising people not to feel pressurised into making a commitment to purchase equipment before seeking advice. Purchasers of mobility products should be aware of laws that, in most cases, give consumers seven days to cancel contracts entered into in the home. However, contracts have not always been clearly offered when they should have been and older and vulnerable people have been confused and disorientated by the sales experience. Without a contract the purchaser does not have cancellation rights.
For more information on the Council’s advice visit http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/news/Staffordshire+issues+further+warning+to+Mobility+Aid+Buyers.htm