Peacock
return, rather glumly, to a subject that seems to recur with depressing regularity; I happened
across one of those consumer protection programmes on TV the other day. Their chosen victim was a company selling riser/recliner armchairs to older people in their own homes. They showed films from hidden cameras which exposed the worst aspects of the “pressure selling” techniques being used by their salesmen. It appeared that these men were selling riser/recliner armchairs for well over £2000 when similar products were on the market for between £600 and £800. I found it particularly interesting as I know personally
the “industry” experts who appeared on the programme and I also know that they are scrupulously honest and diligent in their work. I can promise you that the vast majority of businesses in this industry are just as trustworthy. It is this aspect that upsets me the most. Bad news, it
is said, travels fast and the actions of these sales people can only damage us all.
in the UK. In recent years he held the post of Marketing Manager for Mobility which also involved supporting and working with the BHTA. He has now retired and is looking
forward to finding the time to perform useful tasks in the industry, playing drums in a blues band, travelling and most important, being silly with his grandchildren.
Ability Needs Magazine So please, do not become cynical and suspicious.
There are lots of simple steps that you can take to avoid these cowboys. If you, or anyone in your family is considering the purchase of any mobility or healthcare product there are a variety of actions that you can take to ensure that you can make informed and sensibly priced decisions. There is, for example, a network of Disabled Living
Centres (DLC s) all around the country where qualified therapists have a range of products on display and the ability to advise you of those which best suit your needs and your pocket. These good folk do not sell anything, they are only there to advise. I must add here that there are not as many of these centres as there once were and they do need funding….Messrs Cameron, Clegg and Miliband please note. I could not resist that opportunity! Furthermore the folks here at Ability Needs can happily
provide you with a comprehensive list of solid, honest businesses all around the country who will not behave in such an unfortunate manner. Whether you are able to visit a showroom or need someone to come to you, you deserve and can have expert advice without unseemly pressure. Finally, you should always check
that the company involved are members of the BHTA. I have mentioned this before on many occasions, but BHTA members are bound by a Code of Practice which is authorized by the Office of Fair Trading. This code of practice ensures that if any businesses fail to meet the required levels of behavior they can be held responsible. Please take care when you or your
loved ones are about to spend your money. It is not as dangerous as it might appear if you use a little common sense first. Thanks. If you have any questions on
any aspect of mobility products, please write to us at Ability Needs, 7 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, KA7 1JL or by email to
eddiepeacock@btinternet.com
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