Beware: Direct Sales Companies

Rebranding

Dirct Mobility Sales

The concept of rebranding is not exclusive to the mobility industry, but we find it particularly reprehensible that some unscrupulous direct sales companies are taking advantage of a section of society which is already suffering the vulnerability of old age, infirmity or both.

Rebranding is the practice some well-known companies have whereby they purchase an already established product, then 'rebrand' it with their own logo so that it cannot be instantly recognised by the inexperienced customer.

Having disguised the true identity of the product, the unscrupulous rebranders can charge what they like for it, as no direct comparisons on price can easily be made. For example the Pride Legend Classic 4, with a recommended retail price of £2200 has been rebranded by one unscrupulous company (a household name) with an rrp of £4999! Change the label. Crank up the retail price. Voila! More profit!

Direct Sales Operations

These companies employ a certain type of salesperson which we refer to as "Pit-Bulls" on a commission-only basis. This means that if they don't sell anything, they don't get paid. Consequently, as many of them have families to feed, they will pursue a sale like a Pit-Bull terrier worries its prey. They are easily recognisable by their refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer and their dogged and relentless pursuit of your signature on an order form, regardless of your protestations. Very often, despite their presence in your home, they don't pay any attention to the issues which should be paramount in your decision making process, ignoring questions such as "Will the scooter serve your needs properly?" and "Do you have somewhere appropriate to keep the scooter?"

In one sad case we heard about, a powerchair was delivered to an elderly gentleman who lived alone. The machine was man-handled into the living room by the delivery driver and remained there unused until the customer’s death. No one had thought to ask if the customer could lift it up or down the two steps to get it into or out of the house. For the sake of a plywood ramp which would have cost in the region of £30 to make, the hapless customer was left unable to use the powerchair which he had paid dearly for. The "Pit Bull" salesman obviously didn't care - he just wanted his commission.

If you have booked a Home Demonstration with our company, we ask that you have a list of questions ready for the Salesperson, and a friend, neighbour, or family member present to help with your buying decision. This will add to your confidence and it is always good to have a second opinion!

For more information on the kind of questions which you will need to address, see our page entitled 'Define Your Requirements' which is within the 'Buyer's Advice' Section of the Advice Centre on this site.