Ableworld prioritises safety over sales

Ableworld franchise

Ableworld

Your Online and Local Mobility Shop

The leading retailers in the mobility and home care sector

Published on

Ableworld has been discussing the need for retailers to be responsible amidst rising mobility scooter accidents.

Following the release of shocking figures from the Department of Transport on the number of reported mobility scooter accidents and increasing calls for tighter regulations, Ableworld has been calling on its competitors to trade responsibly.

The figures show that in 2017, there were 260 reported accidents that involved mobility scooters, which was a 17% rise on the previous year. Even more worryingly, fatalities rose by 75% in 2016, indicating a serious need for sellers of mobility vehicles to be more mindful of who they sell to. There have been calls for the government to introduce a standard assessment to check the safety of potential owners of scooters, and Ableworld has been backing the movement for more responsible retailing.

The mobility aids franchise has pledged that it will continue its commitment to responsible trading, providing advice and assessments for customers purchasing potentially risky products including mobility scooters, riser recliner chairs and wheelchairs.

Senior Marketing Manager, Michelle Mossford, explained why ethical retailing is so important.
“The wrong product sold over the internet or in-store without a proper assessment could lead to added complications to a person’s condition. For this reason, some of our products are only available for purchase after an assessment has been made either in the home or in one of our stores.”

Mossford added that this means the company occasionally loses business to ‘less responsible’ retailers who will sell to anyone without an assessment, but she stressed that the company would rather this happen than enable people to be a danger to themselves or others with its products.

Ableworld has a ‘demonstration checklist’ before purchase and provides a copy of the Highway Code and Scooter Proficiency Sessions to help customers build their confidence in a safe environment before hitting the streets.

All staff at Ableworld stores are trained for six weeks on topics including the scooter assessment so they’re able to accurately assess if customers are suitable for a particular product, as well as offering advice during and after purchase.

Mossford said that the training is vital to retail staff’s role in the business.
“The one thing that is instilled in all staff is that each customer’s needs will vary, even if they have the same health condition, so some things can only be found out by talking and listening to each individual. Staff are not signed off until all topics have been covered and they have demonstrated that they have a full understanding of all subjects.”

Did you enjoy this article? Please rate this article
Be the first to rate this article
These franchises may interest you
Agency Express franchise

Agency Express

Agency Express is the UK’s largest provider of professional estate agency board services.

Read more ›
Minimum investment
£12,500
Van Based
Request
information
Fireaway Pizza franchise

Fireaway Pizza

For 6 consecutive years, Fireaway has been delivering delicious fast fired pizzas that combine traditional Italian methods of preparation with [...]

Read more ›
Minimum investment
£175,000 +VAT
Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Pub
Request
information
Brokerplan Academy franchise

Brokerplan Academy

We give you all the tools and training you need to launch your new business and career in finance!

Read more ›
Minimum investment
£14,995
Finance
Request
information
Aspray franchise

Aspray

Bringing the best service to policyholders nationwide.

Read more ›
Minimum investment
£17,000
Business & B2B Services
Request
information
These articles may interest you

What awaits you at Franchise Expo Paris 2024

Decades of Evolution: Franchise Expo Paris Reflecting Market [...]


FRANCHISING EVENTS

Celebrating the best of the best in British franchising

The Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) is thrilled to announce the latest [...]


FRANCHISING EVENTS

The Future is Halal: Emerging Franchise Opportunities in the UK Halal Market

Embracing a Growing Market  In a world that’s becoming [...]


TOP FRANCHISES

8 Steps for Opening a Car Repair Garage

Transport is part of our daily lives. We drive to work, take the [...]


STARTING A FRANCHISE

Mastering How to Finance a Franchise with No Money

Franchising is often a more affordable way of becoming an [...]


FINANCING A FRANCHISE

0 Comments

Post a comment

Characters remaining: 250