Theraposture has begun a campaign to protect vulnerable consumers from misleading pricing and high-pressure sales techniques when purchasing adjustable beds.
The company’s latest educational campaign aims to help consumers avoid the many price-related pitfalls associated with purchasing adjustable beds from unethical suppliers.
“Unfortunately, many direct sellers employ inappropriate techniques to maximise profit with limited consideration of personal mobility needs,” said Liam Braddell, Theraposture sales director.
“Commonly this involves unclear, misleading or artificially-lowered prices with a view to enticing customers into booking a home visit.
“A commission-based salesman then delivers a high-pressured sales pitch determined to sell products in an opportunistic way, often at unrealistically-high prices.
“Theraposture firmly believes there is no reason why accurate guide prices cannot be given up front, even for bespoke items – hence its latest initiative to encourage clear pricing across the industry.”
Without genuine price transparency on the telephone, internet or within ads and literature, unscrupulous salesmen have the opportunity to manipulate figures to their advantage resulting in a poor deal for consumers
He added: “Without genuine price transparency on the telephone, internet or within ads and literature, unscrupulous salesmen have the opportunity to manipulate figures to their advantage resulting in a poor deal for consumers.
“Even when inflated costs are communicated during a visit, particular rogue traders will use a technique called ‘price conditioning’. This involves the trick of ‘phoning their boss’ to achieve a ‘that-day-only deal’. In addition, advertised prices may hide extras and not include reliable warranties or after-sales support.”
Ambiguous refund and return policies are also commonplace, especially if a product is deemed ‘bespoke’.
“All unethical sales techniques need to be irradiated so that the wellbeing, independence and safety of customers are protected – hence our fair selling campaign,” Braddell said.
“This has been an inherent problem for years – a systemic problem without empathy, care or integrity.
“Our fair selling campaign aims to empower consumers so they are aware of the many pitfalls of purchasing an assistive bed or rise and recliner chair.
“Without question we believe fair and appropriate selling must never waiver – that is why we adhere to the Trading Standards Institute-approved BHTA Code of Practice.
“We have now introduced a simple guide to risk-free purchasing which is now available on our website so consumers can avoid the many dangers associated with direct selling companies.
“We do hope our latest educational initiative changes market culture and re-educates society so that elderly and disabled people are not victimised anymore.”
