There are a few reasons that you may want to want to sell a stairlift. Perhaps you’re moving to another house and no longer need it, or your new house will have a different kind of staircase. Maybe you’ve recovered from the condition that rendered the stairlift necessary in the first place.
Regardless of the situation, this article will help you understand the process of reselling a stairlift.
Can You Resell a Stairlift?
Stairlifts are rather costly; while cheap models cost around $2,000, more expensive models may cost as much as $10,000. Unfortunately, the resale value of stairlifts is not as high.
What is the Value of a Used Stairlift?
This depends on the condition of the stairlift, but a rule of thumb is to lower the value by 15% – 20% each year. Stairlifts that have been in use for over 5 years may not be worth very much, but there’s a chance you could still find a buyer if it was well maintained.
Another factor is the stairlift’s warranty. Some are sold with a lifetime warranty, which may increase the likelihood of finding a buyer if the warranty is transferable.
Cost of Removing and Reinstalling a Stairlift
When you buy a new stairlift, the cost of installation will usually be included in the cost of purchase. As a result, when you are reselling a stairlift, factor in the cost of removing the stairlift from your home and installing it in the buyer’s house.
Contact the company that sold you the stairlift to find out if they will cover the cost of removing it. If not, you can either pass the cost onto the buyer or include the cost in the selling price. The cost of removing and reinstalling a stairlift will vary based on the type of stairlift, as straight stairlifts will cost less to remove than curved ones.
How to Resell a Stairlift
The first step is to get the stairlift in good shape. Fix or replace broken parts, and replace seat covers. Once the stairlift is more presentable, it’s time to look for a buyer.
How to Find a Buyer For Your Stairlift
Sell the Stairlift Back to the Company from which You Bought it
Some stairlift companies will offer to buy back a used stairlift, especially if it is still in good condition. This depends on its make, age, model, and how used it is. Your stairlift could end up being used for rentals, resale, or parts for refurbishing another stairlift. Contact the company that sold you your stairlift to find out if this is an option.
Sell the Stairlift Privately through eBay or Gumtree
You may be able to find a buyer on eBay or Gumtree. All you need to do is take good pictures of the stairlift, post them on either of these sites, and utilize their services to find potential buyers.
Note that selling the stairlift privately may get you a better resale value since you will be dealing with the customer directly.
What Happens if You Cannot Find a Buyer
If the stairlift is old and faulty it may be difficult or impossible to find a buyer. In this case, you may have to dispose of the stairlift. Ask the company that sold you the stairlift to dispose of it in the nearest recycling facility. You could end up not only with a small amount of money for the scrap, but also saving yourself the cost of disposing of it yourself.