If you've been a customer of ours for a while, you might remember when we stocked a wide range of small daily living aids: grabbers, cutlery, kitchen helpers and so on. You might have noticed we don't promote those any more. We'd like to be honest about why.
Amazon simply does it better for small aids
For small aids, you can usually buy them cheaper and faster online. Amazon can often get them to you the next day. If we order them in, it can take a couple of weeks. That isn't a good deal for you, and it isn't viable for us to carry the stock.
If you'd really rather not buy from Amazon, we can still order small aids in for you. Just be aware it'll take a little longer.
The bigger things are a different story
Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, rollators, riser recliners and stairlifts are a different matter. These aren't things to buy with one click.
To choose well, you need to talk to someone who knows the products. What will you be using it for? Where will you be going? How will you store it or get it in the car? And wherever possible, you need to try it. Even rollators come in so many variations of height, weight, width, brakes and seats that the only way to know what fits you is to try a few.
That's what a local dealer is for. We'll listen, advise, and let you try things out. Please call ahead on 01789 339738 so we can check what's in the showroom, or arrange a demonstration model if needed.
Buying a rollator online: what you don't get
Buying a rollator from Amazon might save you a few pounds. But it arrives in a box, and then it's up to you to unpack it, put it together and set the handles to the right height.
In our experience, most people don't get the height right. Some aren't sure how to put it together, and some simply aren't able to. When you buy from a dealer, we set it up for you, make sure it suits you, and show you how to use it, including how to put the brakes on and lock them. You know you're safe from the moment you start using it.
When you buy online, the set-up is your responsibility. If it isn't set up right and something goes wrong, the seller won't take responsibility for it. When a dealer sets it up, the dealer is responsible for getting it right.
The wrong height can cause backache
We've had customers come in saying their rollator was giving them backache. Usually the height has been changed, or it was never set to the height that suits them. You can see why: they're hunched over it instead of walking into the rollator.
One gentleman came in with exactly this problem. Once Tracy set his rollator to the right height and showed him how to use it, he said: "Oh. The pain's gone."
Set up at the right height, and with someone showing you how to use it properly, a rollator can help your posture and your walking.
Great for small things, not for your mobility
Amazon is brilliant for small things, like table aids or a RADAR key. But a rollator is there to help your mobility, so you need to be shown how to use it properly. Online sellers can't do that. It's the same with mobility scooters bought online: you can't try them first, and sending one back is quite a palaver.
If you have any problems with something you've bought from Active Mobility, we'll help in any way we can, so your mobility doesn't get in the way of your life.
Please support your local dealer
We know it happens: someone comes in, takes the time to get advice and try everything, then goes home and buys it online. We understand that everyone wants a good price. But that advice, those trials and the aftercare you'll need later all depend on local dealers being there.
When you buy from us, you don't just get a product. You get it set up properly, someone to call if something goes wrong, and servicing and repairs from people who know your equipment.
So for the small bits, go ahead and save money online. For the things that really matter to your independence, talk to us. We'll help you find the right fit.
