Absolutely! Used stair lifts can be a great deal in many cases, but some deals should be considered with caution. Much like any other used item, the company or individual you are purchasing a used stair lift from is one of the most important factors. You can evaluate whether or not to purchase a used lift and who to purchase it from by considering Warranties, Reputation, and Price.
Warranties
There are two types of warranties to consider when purchasing any stair lift, new or used. Parts or equipment warranties cover defects, broken, or ill performing components on the lift. Common parts of a stair lift include the rail, gear rack, motor, chassis, seat, and footrest. Mechanical or physical issues with these items would be subject to parts warranties. Labor warranties cover the cost of having a technician perform any necessary repairs.
It is important to consider whether either of these type of warranties are offered, and for how long. Many used stair lifts will come with a 30 or 60 day parts warranty and no labor warranty. At Options HME Stair Lifts every used stair lift we install comes with a 1 year parts warranty and a 1 year labor warranty. Also, ask whether the company will service the lift after the warranty period. While there would be a cost for this, it ensures that you can keep your lift working for many years to come.
Reputation
Reputation may be the most important factor to consider. While a company or individual may make appealing promises, whether or not they will fulfill those promises depends largely on their reputation. There are two ways to gauge a company’s reputation. First, read reviews. Don’t just look at how many stars the company has, but actually read some of the reviews – were they written by real people, do they give some detail, what do any negative reviews have to say? Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are two of the best places to look.
Second, if you contact the company, consider your interaction with them. Were they kind and helpful? Did they answer your questions? Or do they call you constantly and use aggressive sales techniques? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a different company if you feel uncomfortable about what you have read online or had a bad experience speaking with the company. We encourage customers who are considering purchasing from Options HME Stair Lifts to read our reviews and ask whatever questions they may have.
Price
You will see all sorts of prices advertised for used stair lifts. The number that matters is the TOTAL COST to have the lift operational. Unfortunately, this is not the price that many companies advertise. They often advertise only the cost of the lift, not the cost of installation, any additional equipment necessary to fit your stairway, taxes, and fees. As a general rule of thumb, the total cost of a used stair lift should be in the neighborhood of $2000 – $3000. Be very cautious of any prices you see above or below this range. All of Options HME’s used stair lift prices that we quote during our free, in-home consultations reflect the total cost of having the lift working properly in your home. No surprise costs, taxes, or fees.
Used stair lifts can be a great way to make your home more accessible at a lower cost. When considering purchasing a used stair lift, it is important to do a little digging to confirm that you are dealing with a reputable company that will stand behind their lift. A little research will go a long way to ensure that your used stair lift will be a great way to safely use your stairs for many years.