04/10/2011

Unfair sales practices are targeted at ‘elderly and vulnerable consumers’, according to a market study by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) into the sales of mobility aids. The practices are particularly prevalent in door-step sales.

The study, which covered wheelchairs, scooters, stair lifts, bath aids, hoists, adjustable beds and specialist seating found that more than 4,000 complaints about mobility aids sales have been made to in each of the last three years, even though it appears that experiences are often under-reported.

Although, only a small minority of firms engage in unfair sales practices, the harm to ‘consumers’ is potentially high. ‘Consumers’ can end up paying very high prices or buy products inappropriate to their needs partly because the decision to buy a particular product is based on limited information.

‘Think twice before buying’ and ‘shop around’ is advice given by the OFT in its campaign to help consumers deal with high-pressure sales tactics on the doorstep. More information about the campaign is available at www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/consumer-protection/campaign11-12/doorstep/

Actual prices or price ranges should be disclosed according to the OFT, who are currently taking action against two national firms, one suspected of unfair sales practices on the doorstep. The action is taken in partnership with Trading Standards Service. More information about the study is available at: www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/markets-work/current/mobility-aids/