Reo Marketing Chesterfield

trumpton

Mse regulars will remember Reo Marketing of Chesterfield who were shut by the DTI for dubious business practises in their selling of mobility products to the elderly:

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigat...hen-watki.html

"Every aspect of this company is revolting. Mobility firm Reo Marketing notched up a turnover of £1.3 million in just ten months. Run by Rodney Stone and Stephen Watkinson, Reo targeted victims with an average age of 79.

Their coldcallers claimed to be just carrying out a survey but were really lining up a sale. Once inside a target's home they used "misleading or high pressure tactics" to charge "huge and in some cases astronomic mark ups". Even though many of those targeted suffered from physical and mental health problems, sales visits routinely lasted for three or more hours.

Sales reps spouted non-existent discounts and used a confusing price-structure and in one case their mark-up was more than 1,300%. Besides breaching consumer and data protection laws the company also improperly applied VAT exemptions."

The connection between Reo Marketing and Leeds mobility companies Easynights Ltd and Express Healthcare are explained by The Mirror here:

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2011/03/from-more-than-mobility-to-eas.html

Anyway, just wanted to give an update that at their trial two of Reo Marketing's bosses have admitted using unfair or aggressive sales tactics:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-14423428

I can't find a record of what sentences they receive, but perhaps someone local could add a link.

An example of Reo's sales tactics:
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/OAP-Ernest-intimidated-buying-pound-2k-chair/story-13083804-detail/story.html

chambta

I actually know one of the people mentioned.

Tangible

The allegation that a company in which one of the characters mentioned was a manager during which time it was certified by the CQC to provide home help services, is mind boggling and very alarming.

Could it be presumed that local councils were actually sending these predators into the homes of the sick and elderly as a council/NHS service ?

So much for background checks.

trumpton

Tangible - I agree that it is appalling to think that people who have been connected with companies that are well-known for their shameful business practises, in my view, ripping off the elderly, should be involved in another company which sends staff in vulnerable peoples homes.

In the earlier thread on Easynights/Reo, another MSE poster says that staff from Reo Marketing are now working at JVATS Ltd - the initials stand for the names of former Reo bosses apparently.

I found this on a complaints website about Jvats Ltd:

http://www.canyoutrustthem.com/index.php?go=search&adv=yes#start

Basically, elderly lady persuaded to buy an overpriced chair (£900) by salesman Roy Mayer, tried to cancel and they won't answer phone or letter. Another company to look out for.