HDS FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
People have called our HDS MEDALLION®, Distinctive CarryAll Bags, by a variety of names whether it be walker bags, scooter purses, power chair handbags, scooter pocketbooks, mobility device accessories or any other combination.
We've answered the questions we've been asked a lot about our various bags below. For your convenience, they are grouped by topic. Just click on the topic name to go to the first question in that category. If you have any additional questions not answered, please contact us.
| Bag Construction | Bag Uses & Devices |
| Bag Design | Returns & Exchanges |
| Bag Care | Purchasing A Bag |
| Reeve Foundation Donation |
|
Bag Construction
Q: What is the bag made of?
A: The first comment we tend to hear when people see an actual bag is how nice the fabrics are visually and tactically. They are all 100% cotton, 60 x 60 threads per inch minimally, and are soft and smooth to the touch. This is the same quality of fabric used by quilters for heavy use. We use these high quality materials that will stand up over time as many women use their bags daily.
The last member of our original focus group has been using her bags for nearly four years now. Take care of the bag and you may get the same usage. However, even if you had to get a new one every year or every season, it’s still a great value if you use it all the time.
The last member of our original focus group has been using her bags for nearly four years now. Take care of the bag and you may get the same usage. However, even if you had to get a new one every year or every season, it’s still a great value if you use it all the time.
Q: Why isn’t there a zipper to close the bag?
A: Many seniors and people with certain conditions have difficulty opening and closing zippers. If a person with a walker tries to open or close a zipper with two hands while standing, she has to release her grip on the walker. This could be a safety hazard. Each HDS MEDALLION® bag can be securely closed by a 1½ inch velcro-like strip on both sides of the interior of the bag. Most people can open and close it one-handed while still holding on to their walkers or scooter and power chair controls.
A: Many seniors and people with certain conditions have difficulty opening and closing zippers. If a person with a walker tries to open or close a zipper with two hands while standing, she has to release her grip on the walker. This could be a safety hazard. Each HDS MEDALLION® bag can be securely closed by a 1½ inch velcro-like strip on both sides of the interior of the bag. Most people can open and close it one-handed while still holding on to their walkers or scooter and power chair controls.
Q: Is your bag made in the U.S.A.?
A: Yes, our manufacturer is based in the Fall River, Massachusetts area. We like the ability to actually see the bags manufactured and to perform quality control onsite. Plus we prefer supporting jobs for people in the U.S. rather than abroad. We hope you support our efforts to keep jobs here even though this adds to the cost of the bags.
A: Yes, our manufacturer is based in the Fall River, Massachusetts area. We like the ability to actually see the bags manufactured and to perform quality control onsite. Plus we prefer supporting jobs for people in the U.S. rather than abroad. We hope you support our efforts to keep jobs here even though this adds to the cost of the bags.
Q: What is the purpose of the medallion on each bag?
A: The medallion is our way of assuring you that the bag you bought is a genuine HDS MEDALLION® both now and in the future. If you see a bag and want to verify its authenticity, check the medallion’s front and back. The front has our logo and the back has our website address. The tag on the inside pocket of the bag should also be HDS MEDALLION®and show our website, www.hdsmedallion.com.
A: The medallion is our way of assuring you that the bag you bought is a genuine HDS MEDALLION® both now and in the future. If you see a bag and want to verify its authenticity, check the medallion’s front and back. The front has our logo and the back has our website address. The tag on the inside pocket of the bag should also be HDS MEDALLION®and show our website, www.hdsmedallion.com.
We chose the medallion as symbolic of excellence and honor. Medallion also means decoration which are descriptive of the fashion in our bags. Our name also honors our Mother by using her initials (HDS). We know she would love having her name attached to the product she inspired!
Q: Does the bag have a place for my cell phone or wallet?
A: Each bag is constructed like a small tote bag, creating sufficient space to carry personal items. Additionally, a single pocket is sewn on the back of the bag, large enough for glasses or a cell phone. Two large pockets are found inside the bag. To make the inside pockets easier to find for people who may have diminished eyesight, we’ve made them out of fabric that contrasts with the lining, a unique feature of our bags.
A: Each bag is constructed like a small tote bag, creating sufficient space to carry personal items. Additionally, a single pocket is sewn on the back of the bag, large enough for glasses or a cell phone. Two large pockets are found inside the bag. To make the inside pockets easier to find for people who may have diminished eyesight, we’ve made them out of fabric that contrasts with the lining, a unique feature of our bags.
But you can carry some unusual items also. One lady in our early test group, used her bag to carry her small oxygen tank. Another friend with cancer used it for her GI bag. Having suffered the indignities associated with her treatment, she felt overjoyed to be able to go on an outing and feel pretty with her colorful and stylish bag. She just dropped the GI bag in her HDS MEDALLION® Bag and wrapped the tube in colorful duct tape. We also just received a testimonial from a younger woman who was recovering from a major ankle injury and surgery (6 to 9 months on a walker) who told us that her bag did a great job holding her handheld vac while she cleaned. That was a new one for us!
Care of The Bag
Q: How can I clean the bag?
A: We strongly recommend using a water-based product to spot clean the bag because of the decorative trims or features. Most of our bags are 100% cotton, so the fabric can take washing, but the trim may or may not be washable. Although we don't recommend it, if you choose to handwash the bag, please use cold water placing as little stress as possible on the decorative items by turning the bag inside out to protect them. We recommend use of a very mild water-based cleansing product for spot cleaning. The bags should never be washed or dried in machines.
A: We strongly recommend using a water-based product to spot clean the bag because of the decorative trims or features. Most of our bags are 100% cotton, so the fabric can take washing, but the trim may or may not be washable. Although we don't recommend it, if you choose to handwash the bag, please use cold water placing as little stress as possible on the decorative items by turning the bag inside out to protect them. We recommend use of a very mild water-based cleansing product for spot cleaning. The bags should never be washed or dried in machines.
One visitor recently asked if the bag could be dry cleaned. So we checked with our dry cleaners who said they would try it, but would take no responsibility for the outcome. They indicated they would turn the bag inside out as well.
Bag Uses & Devices
Q: Do they work on all walkers, power chairs and scooters?
A: If the adult mobility aid has a solid bar that is reachable by the person using it, then our bag should fit it. See our Compatible Devices page in the Home Section for a detailed discussion with pictures. The vast majority of the bags are hung on a front bar or scooter handles, but they can also be hung on the side of a frame walker or over an armrest of a transport wheelchair or power chair as long as the arm is 8 inches long and not too thick. The only caution we would give you is that if your walker has joints, be sure to center the bag between the hinges to avoid getting the material caught in the hinge.
A: If the adult mobility aid has a solid bar that is reachable by the person using it, then our bag should fit it. See our Compatible Devices page in the Home Section for a detailed discussion with pictures. The vast majority of the bags are hung on a front bar or scooter handles, but they can also be hung on the side of a frame walker or over an armrest of a transport wheelchair or power chair as long as the arm is 8 inches long and not too thick. The only caution we would give you is that if your walker has joints, be sure to center the bag between the hinges to avoid getting the material caught in the hinge.
Q: Can the bags be used on a wheelchair?
A: We have begun manufacturing an HDS MEDALLION Premier CarryAll Bag that works on the back of wheelchairs. It will also work on power chairs including the thick armed ones. We are also pleased with the innovative design that allows you to switch straps and use it as a shoulder bag away from your mobility device. It looks terrific so far! We hope to offer these bags by May.
Our Classic CarryAll bag easily works on a walker and on a transport or travel chair with its small wheels. These bags work easily on a power chair that has armrests as long as it is 8 inches long and not too thick. TO THE TOP
A: We have begun manufacturing an HDS MEDALLION Premier CarryAll Bag that works on the back of wheelchairs. It will also work on power chairs including the thick armed ones. We are also pleased with the innovative design that allows you to switch straps and use it as a shoulder bag away from your mobility device. It looks terrific so far! We hope to offer these bags by May.
Our Classic CarryAll bag easily works on a walker and on a transport or travel chair with its small wheels. These bags work easily on a power chair that has armrests as long as it is 8 inches long and not too thick. TO THE TOP
Returns And Exchanges
Q: What if the person I bought this for either does not like it, does not want it, or wants a different bag. Can I return or exchange it?
A: See our return policy. We will be happy to honor that policy with no questions asked within the first 30 days as long as the bag is in good condition. If the hangtag is still attached, that’s even better. We would be happy to exchange the bag, if it is in appropriate condition. If the bag has a defect after being used for less than 90 days, please contact us and discuss the problem. We will try our best to fix it or replace it! On a sidenote, we have only had one return in a year.
A: See our return policy. We will be happy to honor that policy with no questions asked within the first 30 days as long as the bag is in good condition. If the hangtag is still attached, that’s even better. We would be happy to exchange the bag, if it is in appropriate condition. If the bag has a defect after being used for less than 90 days, please contact us and discuss the problem. We will try our best to fix it or replace it! On a sidenote, we have only had one return in a year.
Purchasing A Bag
Q: What is the nearest location to me that carries HDS MEDALLION® Bags?
A: Our bags have only been sold online at this site or through our customer service department at 1.877.646.1941. However, we will be selling our bags at The Abilities Expo, May 4 - 6 in Edison, New Jersey. Come see us there!
A: Our bags have only been sold online at this site or through our customer service department at 1.877.646.1941. However, we will be selling our bags at The Abilities Expo, May 4 - 6 in Edison, New Jersey. Come see us there!
Q: What determines the price of the bags?
A: The price of an HDS MEDALLION® bag is primarily a function of the cost of its materials plus the manufacturing cost to make the bag, and then the cost of order fulfillment. We have chosen to use quality materials and strive to obtain them at a fair price. Our test group ladies affirmed that quality matters. For example, most people who use walkers, power chairs and other mobility devices tend to use them every day, so our fabrics must be of high enough quality to look good day in and day out. The same is true of each bag’s embellishments. Some competitors skimp on fabrics, especially lining fabric, but we learned that this shortcut doesn't hold up over time.
We’ve taken care to use strong interfacing throughout the bag and in the straps to give it a soft shape that will last. The quality velcro-like hook & loop strips are wide and strong enough so that, if it is attached correctly, the bag stays securely on the device even over time. Additionally, our American manufacturer does quality work in the construction of each bag.
We are also proud of our order fulfillment people who really do answer the phone and emails and mail the bags for all orders during the week. If they receive an order by 2 pm on a business day, it is mailed on the same day. That's their guarantee. These all add up to a quality product for the price.
We are also proud of our order fulfillment people who really do answer the phone and emails and mail the bags for all orders during the week. If they receive an order by 2 pm on a business day, it is mailed on the same day. That's their guarantee. These all add up to a quality product for the price.
Although these quality choices add to the bags' cost, we think our customers deserve a quality product that is well made and a good value for the price. In some cases, the woman with the mobility device may be on fixed income and be unable to buy the bag. We have seen family members pitch in and buy the bag as a wonderful holiday or birthday present. She'll use it every day! So take a look at our available bags, a great value for your money.
THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION
Q: Why is HDS MEDALLION supporting the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation?
A: We believe that every business should support good causes and this foundation supports thousands of people who are paralyzed due to accidents, injuries, etc. We encourage you to go to their website and read about them and their good work. Our bags are shown in The Reeve Store.
A: We believe that every business should support good causes and this foundation supports thousands of people who are paralyzed due to accidents, injuries, etc. We encourage you to go to their website and read about them and their good work. Our bags are shown in The Reeve Store.
The Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and to improving quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. HDS MEDALLION is proud to support their efforts.