Willowbrook Recliner Chairs

Paul_Varjak

Trading Standards tell me that they have about 100 complaints from disgruntled Willowbrook customers. This, coupled with the fact that the investigation is being carried out by a Principal Trading Standards officer, shows the gravity of the allegations.

The Principal Trading Standards Officer is seeking written assurances that Willowbrook will not continue with their existing behaviour - this will cover their selling methods, incluing Willowbrook's failure to provide prices before a salesman calls at victims' homes. I hope it may also include a requirement that Willowbrook does not make false medical endorsements for its recliner chairs given the recent ASA adjudication in my favour.

I am writing to the orthopaedic surgeon who Willowbrook claims endorses its recliner chairs - and enclosing a copy of that ASA adjudication in my letter. I am hopeful that the surgeon will then co-operate with the Trading Standards investigation.

trumpton

Well done, Paul. It is great that you have persevered and brought this company to book. This sector of the market - beds, chairs, mobility aids etc aimed at the elderly - needs much greater regulation. It is rife with fraud and dishonesty imo.

Regular MSE'ers will be aware of an onging thread on here about Leeds bed companies. I am pleased that you have found a Trading Standards branch who are will to take serious action.

Paul_Varjak

Hi Trumpton

Trading Standards were on the case long before my complaint! I can tell you that Willowbrook is just the first of around 20 companies being investigated by Trading Standards for similar trading practices. I am not sure why Willowbrook is top of the list though.

There is new legislation that enables Trading Standards to bring such companies to task. These companies only exist because of high pressure sales tactics to sell over-priced products. If prospective purchasers had to be told the price 'up-front' they would not even bother calling out salesman of such companies so the companies would go out of business - and I would say "good riddance".

Paul_Varjak

Following my complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority over false endorsement claims of its recliner chairs by a Harley Street surgeon, Willowbrook is no longer claiming any such endorsement on its website! Victory I think!!

But Willowbrook have seem to have gone one step further and is no longer making any claims of medical endorsement for any of its products! The ASA adjudication covered only false medical claims for Willowbrook recliner chairs. The ruling made no mention of Willowbrook beds so Willowbrook could have carried on with claims of medical endorsement of its beds.

Perhaps my letter to the orthopaedic surgeon had some influence in Willowbrook's decision to remove ALL claims of medical endorsement?

The change to the Willowbrook website will not have any effect on Trading Standards' decision to take Willowbrook and its directors to court. These are for more serious matters than false advertising claims!

EDIT: 14 September 2009, Seems that I did not research the site fully. Willowbrook are still claiming their beds are endorsed by an orthopaedic surgeion.

Paul_Varjak

Here is a quote from the Willowbrook website:

One of our trained advisors will be pleased to demonstrate the infamous massage system in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME THEN READ IT HERE...

http://www.willowbrook.co.uk/recliners-massage-therapy-system.php

geordieracer

I have me own massage system at hom ein the form of an oesteopath as a partner... though i may invite one round to show me his little toy.

this was also something on watchdog the other day albeit a different company.

but nice one paul for getting on their case - toomany dodgy companiees like this around praying on the elders.

trisontana

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

Here is a quote from the Willowbrook website:

One of our trained advisors will be pleased to demonstrate the infamous massage system in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME THEN READ IT HERE...

http://www.willowbrook.co.uk/recliners-massage-therapy-system.php

So what is this "infamous massage system", a ladyboy from Thailand?

Paul_Varjak

geordieracer wrote: »

this was also something on watchdog the other day albeit a different company.

Thanks for that. Have now watched the programme. Interesting to note that Craftmatic had ignored assurances they had given to the OFT! Trading Standards are seeking similar assurances from Willowbrook!

The programme also mentioned new legislation I alluded to in an earlier post.

Paul_Varjak

trisontana wrote: »

So what is this "infamous massage system", a ladyboy from Thailand?

I expect the MD at Willowbrook is saying right now: Infamy, infamy,! They've all got it in for me!

trisontana

I have just emailed Willowbrook (not giving my correct address or phone number) asking them what they mean by "infamous massage system".

It will be interesting if they reply and what they say.

I see that they are still saying "Adjustable beds endorsed by a Harley Street Orthopaedic surgeon" on their website. I thought they had agreed to remove this claim?