Craftmatic UK Ltd fined for aggressive selling practices

Craftmatic UK Ltd, seller of adjustable beds and motability scooters, was today fined a total of £250 at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

In a case brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, Craftmatic UK Ltd was convicted of engaging in an aggressive commercial practice under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

This case arose following a complaint to the Trading Standards Service. The complainants, a couple in their 70’s, received an unsolicited telephone call from Craftmatic UK Ltd. Following this initial telephone call they agreed to be visited in their home by a representative of the company. The elderly couple alleged that they were subject to high-pressure selling practices and ended up buying a Craftmatic adjustable bed that they could not afford and did not want.

The couple informed the salesperson that they could not afford the Craftmatic bed upon learning that it would cost several thousand pounds. Despite this, the salesperson continued with his sales presentation and remained in the complainant’s home for two hours.

The complainants both suffer from a number of health problems. When the salesperson was made aware of these health problems he claimed that the Craftmatic bed would alleviate their ailments and bring them many health benefits.

Reluctantly, the complainants eventually agreed to purchase the bed as they had been convinced that it would assist them with their various health problems.

The couple eventually received a refund after the matter had been reported to the Trading Standards Service.

Sharon Muldoon of the Trading Standards Service said: “It is evident that these complainants were vulnerable consumers. Craftmatic took advantage of their vulnerability and used their health problems to pursue the sale in an unscrupulous manner. The actions of the company caused great distress to the complainants.

“It is our view that the sales practices used by Craftmatic were aggressive and unfair. Such high pressure selling practices take advantage of the most vulnerable consumers. The Trading Standards Service will take robust enforcement action against any trader found to be engaging in aggressive selling practices.”

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of aggressive selling should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 62 62/ 028 9025 3900 or log on to http://www.consumerline.org Consumerline is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's consumer advice helpline.

Notes to editors:

1. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Regulations 2008 prohibits unfair commercial practices and, in particular those which constitute misleading actions, misleading omissions and aggressive commercial practices. The Regulations are enforceable through the civil and criminal courts. Breach of the law is an offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
2. Craftmatic UK Ltd based in Oxfordshire, have previously given written undertakings to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that not only will they comply with the relevant basic legal requirements but they will sell their products in a fair manner that surpasses those basic requirements.
3. Craftmatic UK Ltd went into liquidation in May 2010.
4. All media enquiries to DETI Press Office: Tel 028 9052 9604 or e-mail pressoffice@detini.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.