Trading Standards warning over door to door mattress sellers operating in Buckley

Residents in Buckley are being urged not to buy mattresses from door-to-door salespeople.

The warning comes from Flintshire Trading Standards, following reports of a male going door selling trying to sell mattresses from a small van.

A spokesperson for Trading Standards explained buying a mattress from a door-to-door ‘sales person’ is risky.

A spokesperson said: “Flintshire Trading Standards have been made aware of a male going door to door selling mattresses from a small furniture van in the Buckley area.”

“They will often say they are selling them from local show homes or it is surplus stock from a local business. They may even name a business. This information is not true.”

“If you have had a recent delivery from a legitimate furniture store, please be aware of someone knocking on your door soon after and claiming to be selling stock or working on behalf of them. A legitimate business selling mattresses will never go selling door to door.”

“The department wants to advise residents of the risks they take in buying a mattress on their doorstep. Often these mattresses will not meet flammability regulations and can be a fire hazard.”

“They may display a fire safety label or a brand label, but these can easily be attached by those selling them. The mattresses are often poor quality, uncomfortable, can be second hand and unhygienic.”

“You won’t receive a receipt or any way of tracking down the sellers should anything go wrong.”

“These sellers are often charming but can become pushy if they are not getting a sale. They want to make some quick money and move on to another area.

“Remember you do not have to answer the door to unknown people and you are within your rights to say no.”

Trading Standards has asked residents to report any incident to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

“If you feel intimidated or a seller won’t leave your property, contact the Police.” 
National Bed Federation

Don’t buy supposedly ‘cheap’ mattresses from the back of a van. “At worst they could be fire hazards and at best uncomfortable and dirty.”

That’s the warning from the National Bed Federation (NBF) whose ‘Big Tick’ mark of approval is designed to protect consumers from a scam that is sweeping the nation.

The NBF believes “hundreds, possibly thousands, of so-called ‘bargain mattresses’ are being sold across the country each week.”

“The sales are often straight from the back of vans by rogue traders touring neighbourhoods and looking for opportunist sales.” A spokesperson said.