Buying Used Stair Lifts

Today, there isn’t much that can’t be purchased online and used. Every day, people sell cars, planes, boats, and even homes over the Internet. Thousands of smaller items, like media players, are also sold in great numbers online. When buying anything online it is very important to verify that you are purchasing from a reliable source. This is especially true when purchasing used medical equipment, like stair lifts.

Stair lifts are devices that are used by people who have difficulty climbing the stairs. Stair lifts attach to the staircase and move an individual safely between floors. For straight staircase, there are several dealers that offer stair lift kits that can be quickly installed, usually by the homeowner.

It is largely advised not to buy a used stair lift, unless it is from a certified dealer. One problem that can occur when buying a stair lift from a private individual, such as someone off of eBay, is that you will have no way to check the condition of the stair lift. Most eBay sellers aren’t certified to repair a stair lift, let alone know how to effectively test it. This means that when they say the stair lift is in great working condition, what they mean is, “It is working right now.”

The stair lift could also have been mistreated or not properly maintained, both of which at the least could mean an expensive repair and at the most, could present a safety hazard. There is also a risk that when they are disassembling and shipping the stair lift, items could be lost or damaged.

While buying a used stair lift from a private individual is a bad idea, there are several dealers that sell used stair lifts. The dealer will inspect and throughly test all components of the lift. Replacing those that are worn out and offering a guarantee on the lift. They will ensure that when it leaves their building, it is in the same condition it was when it left the factory.

It is possible to save some money by buying a used stair lift and do so safely by using a certified dealer, but there are some disadvantages to buying a used stair lift. For example, when you buy a used stair lift from a certified dealer, it will be like new and covered by a warranty, but the warranty will not be anywhere near as inclusive as that of a new stair lift. Many new stair lifts come with five or ten year warranties, but a used stair lift usually comes with only a six month warranty.

The other disadvantage is that you will have a limited selection. There are a number of stair lifts to choose from and they can be greatly customized. This can mean adding extras like baskets or by changing the look with a different type of fabric. The lifts available used will not be as customizable, so, for instance, you might not be able to match the stair lift to the homes paint or get the exact model you want.

In many cases, buying something used is an excellent idea. You can save money and still end up with a quality product. It can also be dangerous, so when purchasing a piece of used medical equipment, of for that matter new, you should almost always only buy it from a reputable dealer.