Last week, Mail Newspapers launched its first research into the mobility marketplace to the Silver Marque network. The survey was conducted with 362 readers with mobility issues, 237 of which purchase mobility products, and looked at what elderly consumers base their purchasing decisions on.

The findings revealed that the most important factors in the respondents’ decision to buy the last mobility product they purchased were:

1.    Quality
2.    Availability
3.    Price
4.    Expert advice
5.    Recommendation

For two thirds of the readers that took part, the purchasing journey was considered but relatively short – less than a month from research to purchase. Around 25% made a decision more speedily in less than a week and the same amount took a while longer, between 1-3 months.

The least important factors in their buying decisions included:

1.    Credit terms
2.    The sales person
3.    Delivery options
4.    Brand name
5.    Special deal

The internet and national newspapers were the sources of information the majority used when looking for a mobility product, while others visited the store or took to brochures and the TV to educate themselves.

It was surprising to see recommendation towards the bottom of the list of most important factors. Tell us about what’s important to you when purchasing mobility products. Is quality top of your priorities, over price? Let us know what makes you tick.