If you've received a redundant stairlift, you may be wondering what to do with it. Perhaps it was fitted for short-term recovery, a former resident, or as a precaution that's no longer necessary, most find themselves with a working stairlift that's occupying space. Thankfully, stairlift sale has a clever answer: you can get rid of the clutter, assist another person, and make money in the process.
But putting it on eBay isn't actually selling a stairlift. It's a little forethought and understanding of how the second-hand stairlift market operates. The rest of this is everything you need to know to sell a stairlift, from preparation to maximising the sale.
- Why Sell Your Stairlift?
There are many benefits of selling a stairlift:
Financial Return: Stairlifts are costly, so recouping a portion of the initial investment is understandable.
Space Management: Reversing the lift reverses the staircase and the home back to its original configuration.
Environmental Responsibility: Resale instead of scrapping minimizes wastage and encourages reuse.
Helping Others: Refurbished stairlifts are affordable alternatives for individuals who don't have the funds to purchase brand-new ones.
Selling your stairlift will convert an outdated fixture into a worthy asset to another individual.
- Information on the Second-Hand Stairlift Market
Before going into selling, it is beneficial to know:
Straight stairlifts are easier to resell because they can accommodate most standard staircases.
Curved stairlifts are designed specifically for unique stairs and therefore harder to resell unless one has the same style of staircase.
Condition is more important than value. A clean stairlift with little to no signs of wear will be more attractive to potential buyers.
Make and age also contribute. Reputable manufacturers like Stannah, Acron, and Handicare retain a high resale price.
Understanding where your stairlift stands in the market allows you to understand what to expect.
- Getting Your Stairlift Ready to Sell
Glamour time! Just do these steps to get your stairlift ready:
Clean it brand new: Clean seat, rail, and controls.
Function test: Check it goes smoothly and charges properly.
Accumulate documentation: Instruction books, maintenance history, and manuals increase credibility.
Take decent photographs: Take a couple of decent photos from several sides with good light, like the seat, rail, controls, and any minor imperfections.
Have it inspected for service: Where possible, have it re-inspected by a professional to ensure that it's in first-class working condition.
Preparation increases confidence with potential buyers and will earn you a better price.
- Where to Sell Your Stairlift
There are a few places to try:
- Online Marketplaces
eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree (UK) let you access a wide public.
Provide a decent description and post clear, honest photos.
- Specialist Mobility Businesses
WeBuyAnyStairlift or Stairlift Trader purchase second-hand lifts.
They can pick up for free and provide a cash price, eliminating the hassle of selling yourself.
- Local Community Boards and Classified Ads
Sell locally in notice boards of newspapers, local websites, or even church/community centre notice boards.
- Donate First, Sell Later
Some charities will take stairlifts for refurbishment. If they sell it, you might even get a tax advantage or donation receipt.
- Getting the Right Price
Price is determined by quite a number of factors:
Brand: Best brands hold their value best.
Type: Straight types are easier to sell compared to curved ones.
Condition: Good-condition lifts command high prices.
Market Demand: Look at comparable listings to determine the going price.
Look for typically 20–40% of the initial purchase cost for a second-hand straight stairlift. Curved will sell fewer unless the buyer's stairs are similar to yours.
- Providing Extra Services
Make the sale more attractive by offering:
Delivery: People are going to purchase if you can bring the lift to them.
Installation Tips: Provide manuals or suggest low-cost technicians.
Negotiable prices: Having some wiggle room sells it quicker.
Small details such as these make your listing stand out.
- Common Risks and the Future
Curved lifts have some risks selling them in the future:
Unloading curved lifts: These are much more difficult to resell. Selling parts for pieces sometimes is a better option.
Taking it away: You might need to get someone to pay to take it away safely without damaging your stairs.
Shipping: Shipping a stairlift is a sensitive procedure, especially for large or delicate models.
Having a stairlift specialist company can manage these issues, particularly if they provide complete removal and buying services.
- After the Sale: What to Remember
Once your stairlift has been sold:
Organize safe removal: Be sure removal will not compromise your staircase.
Renew your home insurance: If the stairlift was insured on your policy, let your insurer know that it has been taken out.
Cancel old warranties: Cancel any maintenance contracts associated with the machine.
It is attending to these last steps that makes the experience as smooth and hassle-free as it ought to be.
