Caution urged with online buys

Some members of the Fork Lift Truck Association have voiced concern over online truck sales following the discovery of a fork lift truck being sold via an auction site - despite the fact that it had been previously condemned by a dealer.

A customer was distressed when his 'new' truck stopped working and it transpired that the truck he purchased in 'as new condition' had been written off just weeks earlier.

He faced a bill for several thousand pounds to just get it back into working condition.

Martyn Fletcher, chair of the FLTA, said: "Stories like these are by no means commonplace, but we are aware of a small number of rogue traders operating online who sell trucks of poor quality. First and foremost, you should insist that your truck purchase is accompanied by the appropriate documentation, including a warranty and a valid Report of Thorough Examination."