Mobility Shopping: Online vs In-Store
We all know how easy it is to search online, find a shop and place an order for delivery. In the last few years this has almost become the norm, allowing online services to expand and draw in more customers. I know I’ve caught myself spending a few pennies on a new wardrobe… but how much do we end up sending back?
That material feels awful… That isn’t the colour I thought it would be… It doesn’t look how I hoped it would…
You might think I am still talking about clothes, but in fact this also applies to mobility aids.
‘Buyer Beware’ is a Latin term used to encourage people to be more self-aware and having all information to hand ahead of making a decision on a purchase. Although ordering from the web is simple, we sure have heard some nightmare situations that I want to help prevent by telling you why online shopping is not safe or satisfying for mobility products. This can be anything from a mobility scooter, electric wheelchair, walking aid or any living aids!
When looking for answers, an online shop will provide very little information, preventing you from understanding what would suit you best. What product meets your needs? The sole purpose of these websites is to make a profit, send a product and not have any involvement, or after-care for their customers. We find solely online sellers, do not have anyone’s best interest at heart, and considering how important these products are to people’s lives, this is not a good ethic to have. Unfortunately to increase their visibility, companies operating online can pay for memberships to be ‘recommended’ and have their brand shown across various platforms with very few legitimate reviews. Bricks and mortar businesses are built with ‘word of mouth’ - their reputation is formed by the happiness of their customers and trust is a key element of this.
Along with promoting cheaper, sometimes unheard-of models, products for sale may not be legal. UK laws prohibit certain mobility scooters, yet online sellers may mislead their customers into buying an illegal two seated mobility scooter, or ones that have been adapted to go more than 8mph. Although there are regulations and e-commerce laws, it doesn’t prevent those able to put up a website work around these to sell an illegal product. This is why it is so important to read terms and conditions of any website you plan to purchase from – but that is a whole other conversation.
There is a lack of transparency, support or basic customer service when buying online. You could be purchasing from a faceless company, that could be operating from an unknown location. This puts your product at risk of becoming lost or damaged in the process of shipping. With little contact information, you may be left in frustrating situations without knowing where to go or what to do.
Online retailers rarely offer a servicing or repair aftercare
Retailers online rarely offer a servicing or repair aftercare for their customers, and the seller may request you send the whole product back and wait half a year to be told there is nothing they can do. I would suggest this is to lead to more sales, as new products are pushed instead, but surely people aren’t that evil? We can help with most mobility scooter repairs or mobility services, just give us a call!
We know how important it is to maintain your product, whether that it is a mobility scooter, electric wheelchair or even a walking aid. This is why we offer servicing and repairs on-site for our customers, and our team are always available to assist with any questions, if you are facing an issue. It is important to us that you are able to live your life with quality and we aim to provide you with the right product to do so.
Try before you buy
So before searching mobility shop online, why not visit us? We not only offer the time and advice to promote a pleasant shopping experience, but we always strive to provide long term support. Come in and see the range of products face to face for a true size scale, feel the material and test out how comfortable they are before you buy.
Our showroom to far for you to visit? Let us come to you! We offer free home demonstrations for our mobility range to eliminate obstacles preventing you from being certain on what you want. We are not only here to serve, we are here to help, whenever you need it.
From beginning to end, you are guaranteed a better customer experience throughout your journey and after, in-store. Our experts will be here to help you fully understand a product and why it is or isn’t ideal for you, support you in any information you require before making this decision, and make sure the product you choose will be prepped and built ahead of us delivering it so that you don’t have to follow any instructions and waste no time using your new mobility aid.
So don’t forget Buyer Beware! And that Cavendish Health Care & Mobility are here to help.
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