We all know it happens, but the real question is how to stop it. There are trade associations and consumer groups in the UK that do help, but …
Elderly and vulnerable people are being duped into handing over thousands of pounds for overpriced mobility aids by rogue traders.
Of course manufacturers also can and do play a role by being careful about which dealers and distributors they do business with. One of the issues today though is that the barriers for an unscrupulous dealer to buy product directly from Asia and then resell in the UK or other countries is much lower.
Theoretically the benefit of the above is that consumers should be getting products at competitive prices. Unfortunately all too often, as reported here, not only are the cost savings not being passed on but prices are extortionate. In addition there is a high risk of little to no after sales service. This blog has several examples of people trying to locate and shop around for mobility product spares.
This is a homcare and mobility industry issue in the UK as well as other countries and is obviously not being dealt with adequately. The industry (and associations) had better do a better job with this before the Government decides to “help”.
via BBC News – Mobility aid sales scam warning.
The various “associations” who are supposed to protect the consumer and industry know exactly who is involved.
The problem is, as a manufacturer or master distributor, do you really want to stop selling to these people and organisations when they may spend £40 – 60K a month with you in the present (or any other climate)?
Er, I don’t think so!
The homecare supply industry needs to be regulated just like the rest of the healthcare industry, until then, keep watching the news for more of these stories…
Chris,
I guess the attitude is, if I don’t sell to them, someone else will.
There is a well known association (I am not going to name them) in the UK that continues to amaze me in it’s inability to improve these questionable practices.
By the way there is now a new European organization selling second-hand scooters direct on the internet. The sites I visited in France, Germany and Holland did not even have a company name on them.
To your point on regulation – nobody wants to be regulated, but if the industry does not regulate itself, somebody else will.