Selling a used stairlift can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Several key obstacles make it difficult to find a buyer:
- Limited Market Demand – Unlike automobiles, stairlifts are niche products with a small pool of potential buyers. The primary demographic—individuals aged 65 and older—makes up only about 17% of the population, and many of them do not require a stairlift. As a result, the market for used stairlifts is extremely limited.
- Buyer Uncertainty & Lack of Knowledge – Most first-time stairlift buyers are unfamiliar with the product and prefer to purchase from a dealer for peace of mind. Buying from a dealer offers a:
- reputable company behind the sale
- warranty covering parts and potential issues
- Short-run Stairlifts Have Lower Demand – Stairlifts designed for only 6-7 steps often do not meet the needs of most buyers who require a full 12-14 step model.
- Curved Stairlifts Are Difficult to Resell – Curved stairlifts are custom-built for a specific staircase, making it unlikely that they will fit another buyer’s home. These units rarely sell and are often more valuable when sold as spare parts.
- Limited Availability of Replacement Parts – Unlike cars, there are no “Stairlift Parts R Us” stores. Buyers may struggle to find necessary components such as tracks, seats, or armrests, discouraging them from purchasing used stairlifts.
And as for those prospective buyers not concerned with warranties, services, etc., these folks are often deterred by:
- Overpricing by Sellers – Many sellers base their asking price on the original purchase cost, failing to account for depreciation. The price of a new stairlift from a dealer includes the manufacturer’s cost, overhead, installation, and profit—often 45% higher than the base cost. Additionally, stairlifts depreciate much faster than automobiles. A three-year-old stairlift may be worth only a few hundred dollars, making overly high asking prices a deterrent for buyers.
- Disassembled Units Are Unappealing – When owners remove the stairlift themselves, they often end up with a pile of parts that may or may not be complete or damaged. Buyers are unlikely to take the risk of purchasing a disassembled unit without certainty that all parts are intact and operational.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Selling a Used Stairlift
- Price It Realistically – Buyers don’t care how much you originally paid for your stairlift. Research the current market value and set a competitive price.
- Leave It Installed for Viewing & Testing – If possible, keep the stairlift installed so potential buyers can see it in operation. If removal is necessary, at least take a video demonstrating its functionality before dismantling it. Capture the serial number and show the:
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- unit moving up and down
- safety stop mechanisms
- seat swivel and lock at the top
- folded-up position (some buyers may not be aware that stairlifts can fold)
- included accessories (remotes, user guide, etc.)
- Explore Alternative Selling Options – If your stairlift doesn’t sell, consider selling it for parts. If you own an Ameriglide Rave, Harmar SL300, or SL600 Pinnacle and live in our service area, contact us- we may make you an offer and/or remove it for resale or spare parts.
Safety Precautions When Meeting Buyers
When allowing strangers into your home, take necessary safety precautions:
- Request that legitimate buyers email or text a photo of their driver’s license showing their face, street name, and city.
- Have them display the ID again upon arrival.
- Ensure that at least one other adult is present during the meeting.
By following these tips, you can improve your chances of selling your stairlift while ensuring a smooth and safe transaction.